Grow stunning morning glories on your fence effortlessly! Follow these simple steps for gorgeous, climbing blooms that will transform your outdoor space with vibrant color.
Morning glories are absolute showstoppers, aren’t they? Their trumpet-shaped flowers unfurl in the morning sun, painting your garden with brilliant blues, purples, pinks, and whites. But sometimes, getting these beauties to climb your fence and truly flourish can feel like a puzzle, especially if you’re new to gardening. You might be wondering, “Will they actually grow? How do I get them to stick to the fence?” Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to get your morning glories climbing your fence with ease, turning a simple structure into a cascade of color. Get ready to enjoy a breathtaking display this season!
Why Morning Glories Are Perfect for Fences
Fences are the unsung heroes of our yards. They provide privacy, define our spaces, and offer a fantastic vertical canvas for climbing plants. Morning glories, with their vigorous growth and stunning floral show, are wonderfully suited for this role. They’re relatively low-maintenance and incredibly rewarding for beginner gardeners, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to add a splash of effortless magic to their outdoor living areas. Imagine walking past your fence and being greeted by a sea of these cheerful blooms – it’s a gardener’s dream!
The Appeal of Climbing Plants
Climbing plants like morning glories bring so much to the garden landscape. They:
- Add vertical interest, making small spaces feel larger and more dynamic.
- Soften hard architectural lines of fences or walls.
- Create natural screens for privacy and shade.
- Provide a habitat and food source for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Getting Started: What You Need
Before we dive into planting, let’s gather our supplies. Most of these are easy to find at your local garden center or even around your home.
Essential Tools and Materials
- Morning Glory Seeds: Choose your favorite varieties! ‘Heavenly Blue’, ‘Grandpa’s Walthers’, and ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ are popular choices.
- Trellis or Support: While fences are a great support, some plants might need a little extra help getting started, especially if the fence is very smooth or tall. A simple garden trellis, netting, or even some sturdy string can be helpful.
- Good Quality Soil: Well-draining soil is key. You can amend existing garden soil with compost for nutrients.
- Watering Can or Hose: Consistent watering is important, especially when plants are young.
- Gloves: Always a good idea for protecting your hands when gardening.
- Small Trowel: For digging planting holes.
- Optional: Organic Fertilizer: A balanced organic fertilizer can give your morning glories a boost.
Choosing the Right Spot for Your Fence Morning Glories
Morning glories absolutely adore sunshine, so picking the right location for your fence is the most crucial step for a spectacular bloom.
Sunlight Requirements
Aim for a spot on your fence that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sun they get, the more flowers they will produce. If your fence is in a shadier spot, you’ll still get growth, but the blooms will be less abundant.
Soil Considerations
While morning glories are quite adaptable, they prefer well-draining soil. If your fence area has compacted or heavy clay soil, you can improve drainage and fertility by mixing in some compost or well-rotted manure. You can learn more about soil amendments from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
How to Grow Morning Glories On Fence: Step-by-Step Guide
Now for the fun part! Here’s how to get your morning glories climbing your fence and blooming beautifully.
Step 1: Prepare Your Seeds (Optional but Recommended)
Morning glory seeds have a hard outer coat, which can sometimes make germination tricky. To give them a head start:
- Nick the seeds: Gently rub each seed with a nail file or a piece of sandpaper to slightly break the seed coat. Be careful not to damage the embryo inside.
- Soak the seeds: Place the nicked seeds in a cup of warm water for 12-24 hours. They should swell slightly. Discard any seeds that float after soaking, as they likely won’t germinate.
Step 2: Planting the Seeds
You have two main options for planting: directly into the ground near your fence or starting them indoors. For fence planting, planting directly is often simplest.
Option A: Direct Sowing Near the Fence
This is the most straightforward method. Wait until after the last frost in your area has passed and the soil has warmed up.
- Choose your fence section: Select a spot that gets plenty of sun.
- Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil about 6-8 inches deep where you plan to plant. Mix in some compost for added nutrients.
- Plant the seeds: Sow the pre-treated seeds about ½ to 1 inch deep and 6-8 inches apart. Plant a few seeds every foot or so along the fence line.
- Water gently: Water the area thoroughly but gently so as not to wash the seeds away.
Option B: Starting Seeds Indoors
If you want a head start or live in a cooler climate, you can start seeds indoors about 3-4 weeks before your last frost date.
- Use biodegradable pots: Plant seeds in small peat or paper pots, as morning glories dislike root disturbance.
- Plant 2-3 seeds per pot: Sow them about ½ inch deep.
- Provide warmth and light: Keep the soil moist and warm (around 70°F). Once seedlings emerge, ensure they get plenty of light.
- Harden off: Before transplanting, gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions for about a week.
- Transplant gently: Once the danger of frost has passed, carefully plant the entire biodegradable pot into the ground near the fence, disturbing the roots as little as possible.
Step 3: Providing Support
This is where the “on fence” part comes in! Morning glories are climbers, but they need a little help to get going on a fence.
- Natural Climbing: If your fence has a rough texture or a lattice design, the vines may naturally start to climb.
- Add Support: For smoother fences or to speed things up, consider adding a simple support system. You can:
- Install a garden trellis against the fence.
- Stretch garden netting or chicken wire from the ground up the fence.
- Tie sturdy twine or string from a top rail of the fence down to the ground near the plants.
- Guide the Vines: In the early stages, gently tie young tendrils to your chosen support system with soft ties or twist ties. They will quickly learn to climb on their own. You can find helpful guides on DIY trellises from sources like Family Handyman.
Step 4: Watering and Feeding
Consistency is key, especially during the growth phase.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, particularly when the plants are young and establishing. Once mature, they can tolerate drier spells, but regular watering will encourage more blooms. Water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal diseases.
- Fertilizing: Morning glories don’t need a lot of fertilizer, especially if planted in good soil. Over-fertilizing can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers. If you choose to fertilize, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content once a month during the growing season.
Step 5: Ongoing Care
Keep an eye on your climbing beauties as they grow!
- Weeding: Keep the area around your morning glories free of weeds, which can compete for water and nutrients.
- Pest and Disease Watch: Morning glories are generally robust, but occasionally you might see aphids or spider mites. A blast of water from the hose or insecticidal soap can usually take care of them. Ensure good air circulation around the plants to minimize disease risk.
- Deadheading (Optional): While morning glories will drop their own spent blooms, you can deadhead them if you wish. This isn’t strictly necessary for flowering, as they produce new buds daily.
Morning Glory Varieties and Their Fence-Worthy Traits
With so many cultivars available, choosing the right morning glory can add unique flair to your fence. Here’s a look at some popular types perfect for climbing.
Popular Morning Glory Cultivars
| Variety Name | Flower Color(s) | Bloom Size (Approx.) | Growth Habit | Best For Fence Climbing |
| :————— | :——————— | :——————- | :—————————————— | :—————————————————— |
| Heavenly Blue | Sky Blue with white throat | 4-5 inches | Vigorous climber, long vines | Classic and stunning; easily covers large fence areas. |
| Grandpa’s Walthers | Deep Purple/Burgundy | 5-6 inches | Robust and prolific bloomer | Creates a rich, dramatic effect against a fence. |
| Scarlet O’Hara | Bright Scarlet Red | 4-5 inches | Fast-growing, sturdy vines | Offers a vibrant, eye-catching splash of color. |
| Pink Morning Glory | Soft Pink to Magenta | 3-4 inches | Graceful climber, prolific bloomer | Adds a delicate, romantic touch to any fence. |
| Blackie | Deep Purple/Velvety | 3-4 inches | Unique, dark foliage and flowers | Contrasts beautifully with lighter-colored fences. |
| Split Personality | Variegated (pink/white) | 3-4 inches | Unique patterned blooms, vigorous growth | Adds an artistic, unique visual element to the fence. |
Tips for Pairing Varieties with Your Fence
For a rustic wooden fence: Try ‘Heavenly Blue’ or ‘Grandpa’s Walthers’ for a bold, classic look.
For a modern metal fence: ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ or ‘Pink Morning Glory’ can add a welcome burst of soft or vibrant color.
For maximizing coverage: Choose vigorous growers like ‘Heavenly Blue’ or ‘Grandpa’s Walthers’ to quickly fill in large fence sections.
For unique appeal: ‘Blackie’ and ‘Split Personality’ offer distinct colors and patterns that stand out.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best preparation, you might run into a snag or two. Here are solutions to common problems:
Why Aren’t My Morning Glories Blooming?
- Too much shade: Ensure they are getting at least 6-8 hours of direct sun.
- Too much nitrogen: Over-fertilizing can lead to leafy growth without flowers. Use a fertilizer lower in nitrogen.
- Young plants: It can take time for plants to establish before they start flowering. Be patient!
- Pests: Check for aphids or other sap-sucking insects that might be weakening the plant.
My Morning Glories Aren’t Climbing!
- Lack of support: Ensure you’ve provided a trellis, netting, or string for them to grab onto.
- Young vines: Tendrils need time to develop and grasp. Gently guide them towards your support for the first few weeks.
- Smooth surfaces: Very smooth fences offer little for the vines to grip. Add a textured support.
Are Morning Glories Poisonous?
The seeds of some morning glory species contain psychoactive compounds and can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. While accidental ingestion by pets or children is unlikely to cause severe harm in small amounts due to the seed’s unpleasant flavor, it’s always best to plant them in areas inaccessible to curious pets and small children and to wear gloves when handling seeds, as some individuals may experience skin irritation. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has information on the risks associated with ingesting certain seeds, which you can review for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Morning Glories on Fences
Q1: When should I plant morning glory seeds for fence climbing?
A1: Plant seeds directly into the ground after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed, typically in late spring. If starting indoors, do so 3-4 weeks before your last frost date.
Q2: How far apart should I plant morning glory seeds along my fence?
A2: Plant seeds about 6-12 inches apart. This allows enough space for each vine to grow and spread without becoming too crowded.
Q3: Do morning glories need a lot of water when growing on a fence?
A3: Young plants need consistently moist soil. Once established, they are fairly drought-tolerant but will produce more blooms with regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water at the base of the plant.
Q4: Can I grow morning glories in containers next to a fence?
A4: Yes, absolutely! You can plant them in large pots placed near your fence and provide a trellis or other support that extends up to or over the fence. Ensure the containers have good drainage.
Q5: What is the best way to get morning glories to climb a smooth fence?
A5: The most effective way is to add a physical support structure like a trellis, netting, or sturdy string attached to the fence for the vines to climb. Gently guiding the young tendrils onto the support is also helpful.
Q6: Will morning glories come back every year?
A6: In many climates, morning glories are grown as annuals and will die back in the first frost. However, they often reseed themselves, meaning new plants may pop up the following year. In warmer, tropical climates, they can be perennial.
Q7: My morning glory leaves are yellow, what’s wrong?
A7: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or a lack of nutrients. Check your watering schedule and consider a light feeding with a balanced, diluted fertilizer if the soil is nutrient-poor. Ensure good drainage.
A Fence Full of Blossoms: Enjoying Your Morning Glory Display
Growing morning glories on your fence is a simple yet incredibly rewarding gardening project. It transforms a plain vertical surface into a vibrant, living tapestry that delights the eyes and attracts hummingbirds and bees. With their easy care requirements and spectacular blooms, these climbing vines are a perfect choice for beginner gardeners looking to add instant charm and color to their outdoor spaces.
Remember, the key is sunshine, well-drained soil, and a little help to get them started on their climb. As the tendrils reach out and the trumpet flowers unfurl each morning, you’ll feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment. So, plant those seeds, provide that support, and get ready to enjoy a breathtaking display that will bring joy all summer long. Happy gardening!
