How to Overwinter Morning Glories: A Guide to Winter Care and Reblooming

 Morning glories are a true highlight of the summer garden, but what happens when the cold weather sets in? Most gardeners are unsure what to do with their beloved vines. The key to successful winter care is understanding if your morning glory is an annual or a perennial in your climate and knowing how the pot plays a vital role.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to prepare your morning glory for winter, whether it’s by saving it or by saving its seeds for next year.

Step 1: Annual or Perennial?

The first step is to know your climate. In most of the U.S. (USDA Zones 8 and colder), morning glories are treated as annuals. This means they will not survive the winter and will die with the first frost. In warmer, frost-free climates (USDA Zones 9-11), many varieties are perennials and will return year after year.

• For Annuals: Your plant’s job is done for the season. You can cut down the dead vines and add them to your compost pile.
• For Perennials: In late fall, give your plant a good trim, cutting the vines back to about 6-12 inches above the ground. This helps it conserve energy for the spring.

Step 2: Saving the Plant vs. Saving Seeds

While you may not be able to save your plant, you can easily save its lineage.

• Saving Seeds (The Easiest Method): This is the best way to get a jump start on next season. As fall approaches, watch for the small, round seed pods to turn brown and dry out. Collect these seeds and store them in a cool, dry place. Next spring, plant them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
• Overwintering Perennials: In a mild climate, a perennial morning glory will simply go dormant. In a cold climate, you may be able to bring a potted plant indoors to a cool, dark location like an unheated garage or basement. Water it lightly once a month to keep the roots from completely drying out.

Morning Glories

The Pot’s Role in Overwintering

For gardeners with container-grown morning glories, the pot is your best tool for successful overwintering.

• Insulation: A large pot provides more insulation for the roots than the ground. However, it can still freeze.
• Protection from the Elements: A potted plant is easy to move. In climates with a mild winter, moving the pot to a sheltered location, like against a warm house wall or on a covered porch, can be enough to protect it from a light frost.
• Preventing Root Rot: The biggest winter threat to a potted morning glory is not the cold, but wet feet. Before moving your pot to its winter home, ensure the soil is dry. You will only need to water very lightly, if at all, during its dormant period to prevent the roots from rotting.

By understanding your plant’s needs and using a smart strategy, you can either ensure your morning glory returns with renewed vigor or be ready to plant a whole new generation of blooms next spring.