When do Morning Glories Bloom
As a climbing plant that stands out for its beauty, morning glories attract numerous gardening enthusiasts with their unique trumpet-shaped flowers. This herbaceous plant, which opens in the morning and closes at dusk, not only has ornamental value but also hides many interesting growth mysteries. This article will delve into the blooming patterns, morphological characteristics, and care essentials of morning glories, giving you a comprehensive understanding of this poetic plant.
Analysis of Morning Glory Bloom Time
Sowing Cycle and Flowering Control
With a lifecycle of only about 40 days from sowing to blooming, morning glories become the ideal fast-growing ornamental plant. The first flowers can be seen around mid-June after spring sowing, and the blooming period can last until late October. By sowing in batches (with a 20-day interval), a continuous display from early summer to late autumn can be achieved.
Impact of Temperature and Light
When the average daily temperature is above 18°C, growth accelerates, and 25-30°C is the optimal temperature for blooming. The intensity of morning light directly affects the blooming time of the flowers, and adequate scattered light can extend the single flower's life to close in the afternoon.
Detailed Explanation of Morning Glory Morphological Characteristics
Leaf Identification Points
The characteristic three-lobed leaves have a ratio of 1:0.8:0.6, which is the golden section. The veins are radially distributed, and young leaves are covered with star-shaped hairs, which turn into short stiff hairs when mature. The distinctive annular swelling at the base of the petiole is an important feature distinguishing it from other convolvulus plants.
Flower Structure Mystery
The trumpet-shaped corolla is 3-5cm long, with wavy pleated edges on the petals. The unique structure of the corolla tube hides the stamens and pistils, forming a unique closed pollination mechanism. Flower colors can produce a gradient from blue-purple to pink under the influence of pH.
Fruit Development Process
The spherical capsule fruit has a three-valved裂 feature when mature, containing 4-6 dark brown seeds. The unique net-like pattern on the seed coat has a waterproof function, allowing it to maintain dormancy activity for over 5 years in the wild.
Unveiling the Growth Habits of Morning Glories
Analysis of Native Environment
Wild populations are mostly found on sunny slopes at altitudes of 100-600 meters, with strong攀援能力 (daily growth can reach 10cm). The roots can secrete special substances to improve compacted soil, showing the ecological characteristics of a pioneer plant.
Modern Cultivation Techniques
It is recommended to use deep pots with a diameter of over 30cm for planting, and set up spiral supports to guide growth. Applying phosphorus and potassium fertilizers weekly can increase the number of flowers, and it's important to maintain slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5). shading is necessary at noon in summer to prevent leaf burns.
With scientific care and management, morning glories can not only become the stars of balcony greening but can also be bred for new flower colors through artificial pollination. Their seeds are both propagation material and can be used as medicine, truly achieving a perfect combination of ornamental and practical uses.