Fertilizer for Morning Glories

Morning glories are quick-growing annual vines, and thrive in summertime gardens. They feature soft green foliage and cup-shaped blooms in shades of pink, purple and blue, and flower repeatedly through the warm season. Morning glories grow and flower best with the right sun, soil, fertilizer and water. Incorrect soil and fertilizer conditions keep the vines from flowering.

Plant the right type of morning glory to avoid disruptive, weedy perennial growth. Tropical, annual morning glory varieties Ipomoea tricolor and Conovulus tricolor live from the last spring frost to the first fall frost in all areas. Plant morning glory seeds or seedlings in midspring for bright, warm starts.

Morning glories won't grow or bloom without the right sun, warmth and soil. Plant them in full sunshine, with a wall or trellis for growing. Mix organic compost into planting soil for a combination of 30 percent compost and 70 percent natural soil, to give morning glories a loose, moist, quick-draining foundation. Don't add more compost than necessary, as morning glories don't require overly fertile soil.

The University of Arkansas website notes that morning glories restrict their blooms in rich, acidic soil, and recommends non-nitrogen fertilizer for these plants. Give morning glories granular 5-10-10 fertilizer at planting for quick growth, and use super phosphate fertilizer to encourage blooming. Follow manufacturer direction in regard to fertilizer application. Don't fertilize these plants unless they stop blooming.

Morning glories enjoy moist soil, but flower best when slightly dry. Water them with 2 inches of water every week. If your morning glory vine produces vegetative growth and no flowers, restrict your waterings to every other week and allow drying in between. Deadhead the vine consistently to keep the flowers from going to seed and spreading.