Morning Glory Blue Picotee is a fast-growing flowering vine suited to Pakistan’s warm spring and monsoon growing seasons. It produces blue trumpet-shaped flowers with clean white edges and a star-shaped centre. The vine can climb over balcony grills, fences, trellises, arches and privacy screens, making it useful where quick vertical cover is needed.

This variety grows well in garden beds or deep pots placed in full sunlight. Native to tropical America and later improved through Japanese flower selection, Blue Picotee became popular for its blue-and-white patterned flowers and decorative climbing growth. The flowers open in the morning and naturally begin closing later in the day.

💐 Growing Guide

1. Sowing
   • Gently scratch the hard seed coat or soak the seeds in water for 12 to 24 hours before sowing.
   • Use either method. You do not need to scratch and soak the same seed.
   • Sow the seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep and cover lightly with seed-starting mix.
   • Sow directly near a climbing support or start each seed in a small pot.
2. Germination & Transplanting
   • Keep the growing mix warm and lightly moist, but not waterlogged.
   • Move seedlings carefully when they have 2 to 3 true leaves.
   • Keep the soil around the roots together to reduce root disturbance.
3. Spacing & Container Size
   • Keep plants 8 to 12 inches apart.
   • For one plant, use a pot at least 10 to 12 inches deep.
   • Use a larger pot when growing more than one plant.
4. Sunlight, Support & Watering
   • Grow in full sunlight for healthy vines and better flowering.
   • Provide a trellis, balcony grill, fence, arch or pergola from an early stage.
   • Water when the top layer of soil starts to dry. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
     
5. Pests & Flower Care
   • Check for aphids, mites and other common garden pests.
   • Use neem oil only when pests appear.
   • Remove old flowers to keep the vine neat, help support continued flowering and reduce unwanted self-seeding.

Additional Information

Best Sowing Time: Sow from February to April in many parts of Punjab and Sindh after cold weather has passed. It can also be sown during the monsoon where rainfall is regular, but the soil must drain well. In cooler northern areas, sow later when the weather and soil become warm.

Flowering: Once established, the vine can keep flowering through summer and into autumn under suitable growing conditions. The flowers open in the morning and normally begin closing by afternoon.

Life Cycle: Usually grown as an annual flowering vine.

Important: Morning Glory seeds can be harmful if swallowed. Keep them away from children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Morning Glory flowers close in the afternoon?

This is a natural feature of Morning Glory plants. The flowers usually open fresh in the morning and begin closing as the day becomes warmer. New flowers continue opening on following mornings.

Can I grow Morning Glory Blue Picotee in a pot on a balcony?

Yes. Use a pot at least 10 to 12 inches wide and 10 to 12 inches deep for one plant. Place it in full sunlight and provide a balcony grill, trellis or another support for the vine to climb.

How long does Morning Glory Blue Picotee take to flower?

In warm conditions, the seeds usually sprout within 1 to 2 weeks. The vine may begin flowering around 8 to 12 weeks after sowing, depending on sunlight, temperature and plant care.

Is Morning Glory safe around children and pets?

Morning Glory seeds should not be eaten and may be harmful if swallowed. Keep seed packets and fallen seeds away from children, cats, dogs and other pets.