Organic 'Grandpa Ott's' Morning Glory

Organic 'Grandpa Ott's' morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea) from the seed company Gaia, a vigorous heritage vine with star-shaped purple flowers

'Grandpa Ott's' morning glory is a classic, vigorous climbing vine, prized for its sumptuous , deep purple, funnel-shaped flowers with a striking red, star-shaped center . Its heart-shaped leaves and ability to climb up to 15 feet make it ideal for covering fences, trellises, pergolas, or hanging baskets. An annual that self-seeds readily , it offers a generous and continuous display of blooms, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. An iconic heirloom variety, it provides spectacular display from morning until the hottest hours of the day.

Companion plants : Black-eyed Susan, Alyssum, Marigold, Nasturtium, Clematis, Lemon Balm, Juniper, Yew, Climbing Bean
Enemy plants : Hops

Spread/Habit : Very vigorous climbing vine
Plant height : Up to 450 cm (15′)
Quantity per packet : 20 seeds
Certification : Environmentally friendly product
Special features : Purple flower with a red star, fast-growing vine, self-seeds, attracts pollinators, ground cover or trellis

Leaf color : Medium green, heart-shaped
Texture/flavor : Soft-to-the-touch foliage, decorative flowers
Cold tolerance : Not hardy

Farming method

Scarification is necessary to facilitate germination. Sow indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors once all risk of frost has passed. Sow the seeds 6 mm deep. Germination takes 8 to 10 days at temperatures between 21 and 30°C (optimum 23°C). Plant in full sun (level 3) with moderate watering (level 2). Space plants 30 to 45 cm apart, with 45 to 60 cm between rows. Provide sturdy support: the vine climbs quickly and vigorously.

Harvesting and preservation

Morning glories are not harvested for culinary use, but their seeds can be collected at the end of the season when the seed pods turn brown and dry. Store them in a dry place to allow for replanting the following year.

Usage ideas

• For covering fences, trellises, pergolas or railings
• In hanging baskets for a floral cascade
• In a pollinator garden, thanks to its abundant flowering
• In combination with dark-eyed Suzanne for a contrasting effect
• To create a colorful and spectacular green wall

The 'Grandpa Ott's' morning glory is an essential heritage vine: vigorous, floriferous, and strikingly beautiful, it transforms any vertical support into a starry purple curtain.