50 Seeds Ipomoea Tricolor Heavenly Blue, Blue Morning Glory

Sowing **Ipomoea**, also known as morning glory or bindweed, is a simple method for growing this ornamental climbing plant that is prized for its spectacular trumpet-shaped flowers. Here is a step-by-step guide to successfully sowing **Ipomoea**:

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### **Steps for sowing Ipomoea**

#### **1. Sowing period:**
- **Indoor**: From March to April, approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost.
- **Outdoors**: Directly in open ground from May, when the risk of frost has passed.

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#### **2. Harvesting seeds:**
- Ripe seeds form in capsules after flowering. Harvest them when they are dry and brown.

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#### **3. Seed preparation:**
Ipomoea seeds have a hard shell, which can slow their germination. Pretreatment is recommended.

##### **Preprocessing:**
1. **Scarification**:
- Lightly rub the seeds with sandpaper or a file to weaken their shell.
2. **Soaking**:
- Soak seeds in lukewarm water for **12 to 24 hours** before sowing.

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#### **4. Preparation of the substrate or soil:**
- **Substrate type**:
- Light, well-drained mix of potting soil and sand (2:1).
- **Preparation in open ground**:
- Loosen the soil to a depth of 10 to 15 cm and incorporate compost or organic fertilizer if necessary.
- **pH** :
- Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6 to 7).

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#### **5. Sowing seeds:**

##### **In pots or crates (recommended for an early start)**:
1. **Filling**:
- Fill the pots with the prepared substrate.
2. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Plant one seed per pot or space them **5 to 10 cm** apart in boxes.
3. **Depth**:
- Press the seeds to about **1 to 1.5 cm** deep.
4. **Watering**:
- Water lightly to moisten the substrate.
5. **Placement**:
- Place the pots in a warm, bright place, with a temperature of **20°C to 25°C**.

##### **In open ground:**
1. **Soil preparation**:
- Weed and loosen the soil.
2. **Sowing**:
- Sow the seeds directly at a depth of **1.5 cm**, spacing them **20 to 30 cm** apart.
3. **Watering**:
- Moisten the soil immediately after sowing.

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#### **6. Germination conditions:**
- **Ideal temperature**:
- Between **20°C and 25°C**.
- **Humidity** :
- Keep the substrate or soil slightly moist, without excess water.
- **Germination time**:
- Seeds germinate in **7 to 14 days**, depending on conditions.

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#### **7. Care after germination:**
1. **Watering**:
- Water regularly to keep the substrate moist, but allow it to dry out slightly between waterings.
2. **Light**:
- Provide abundant light, but avoid intense direct sun on young seedlings.
3. **Tutoring**:
- Prepare a support (trellis, wire mesh, or stake) so that the plants can climb as soon as they start to grow.

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#### **8. Replanting:**
- **When to transplant**:
- When the young plants are approximately **10 to 15 cm** and the risk of frost has passed.
- **Method** :
- Transplant into open ground or large pots, spacing them **30 to 50 cm** apart.

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#### **9. Final planting:**
1. **Location**:
- Choose a sunny location sheltered from the wind.
2. **Support** :
- Provide a sturdy support to allow the plant to climb.

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#### **10. Long-term maintenance:**
1. **Watering**:
- Water regularly, especially during hot periods, while avoiding excess water.
2. **Fertilization**:
- Apply a flowering plant fertilizer every **4 to 6 weeks** during the growing season.
3. **Size** :
- Remove faded flowers to encourage continued flowering.
4. **Monitoring**:
- Regularly inspect the plant for possible pests (aphids, red spiders).

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### **Benefits of Ipomoea:**
1. **Ornamental plant**:
- Its colorful flowers attract pollinators and add a vibrant touch to the garden.
2. **Rapid growth**:
- Ideal for quickly covering walls, trellises, or pergolas.
3. **Ease of maintenance**:
- Undemanding, it thrives in various soils and climates.

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### **Conclusion :**
Sowing **Ipomoea** is a simple method to add an elegant and colorful touch to your garden. With proper care, this ornamental climbing plant will offer you spectacular flowering throughout the summer. 🌱🌸