Choosing the Right Pot & Soil for Your Morning Glories: A Beginner’s Guide
Thinking of growing beautiful, vining morning glories? A stunning display starts with a few key decisions: the right pot and the right soil. Since morning glories are vigorous growers, getting these two things right is crucial for success.
This guide will walk you through the essential choices to set your container morning glories up for success.
Pot Selection: Go Big and Go for Drainage
The most common mistake when growing morning glories in a pot is choosing one that is too small.
- Size: Morning glories have extensive root systems. For a single plant, choose a pot that is at least 15-20 gallons (or about 18-24 inches in diameter). A larger pot provides enough space for the roots to grow, which supports vigorous top growth and more blooms.
- Drainage is Non-Negotiable: Your pot must have drainage holes at the bottom. Without proper drainage, water will sit at the bottom, leading to root rot, which is fatal for your plant.
- Material:
- Terracotta: This is a good choice as it is porous and allows excess moisture to evaporate, which helps prevent overwatering.
- Plastic/Resin: These are lightweight and affordable. They retain moisture better than terracotta, so you'll need to be more careful with your watering.

Morning Glories
Soil: The Key to Happy Roots
Do not use soil from your yard! It is too heavy and will compact in a pot, suffocating the roots.
- Choose a High-Quality Potting Mix: Look for a commercial potting mix designed for containers. These mixes are light and airy, providing the perfect balance of moisture retention and drainage.
- Improve Drainage: For extra security, you can mix in some perlite or coarse sand to your potting mix. A ratio of about 1 part perlite to 4 parts potting mix works well.
- Nutrients: A good potting mix will have some nutrients, but you can give your morning glory a good start by mixing in a bit of compost at planting time.
By selecting a large pot with good drainage and filling it with a quality, well-draining potting mix, you'll provide the perfect foundation for a beautiful, blooming morning glory vine.
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