Best seed sources for garden variety "MGs"???

Hi, MG Enthusiasts--

I am just now getting interested in growing a few morning glories. (I know it is late in the season, but maybe this research is for next year's planting...) So a few questions for your review...!

Anyway, which seed companies carry the nicest range of varieties (with the best descriptions--correct color, correct ID, time of bloom, growth habits) and best quality seeds for Ipomeoas??

And are there specialist suppliers in Morning Glory seeds? (It seems like the Japanese seeds are very special.)

Any thoughts on this? Thank you.

t.

Hi Tabasco,

Welcome to the wonderful world of Morning Glories! You will become addicted to them, as they are easy to grow, require little care or fuss, and they come in a variety of colors! I have never bought any from "seed companies" (meaning: catalogs). I get my packets at Walmart/Kmart/Discount Stores, and have wonderful results. Why spend $$ on something from a catalog that you can get cheaper in a store? (and usually the very same variety). If you want a rainbow of color, get a mixed packet. You will get whites, pinks, blues, purples all in one packet. They are lovely. Or, you can have a "theme", as I am this year on my porch railing.. red, white and blue. (Heavenly Blue - blue, Pearly Gates - white and Scarlett O'Hara -red). Heirloom Grandpa Ott's is lovely too; a dark purple with a red throat. I have seeds for that which I would be happy to share with you. Milky Way's are neat; they are white with a purple star and would look very cool blooming along side Grandpa Ott's. I may have some of those too, I just need to look thru my seed box. If I do, I would be willing to give you some. I noticed you asked on another thread about starting some now? You can give it a try, but you may get killing frost before you get blooms. It takes a couple months to get blooms. I start mine inside in zone 7a in April, and set them out in May, around Mother's Day. I got my first bloom about 5 days ago. It can't hurt to try though. See if you can find a packet at your local Walmart or Kmart. I'm attaching a pic of my glories from last summer. Let me know what you decide to do!

ebay,...by far.

Oh boy, you have a company there in Ohio called Livingston Seed co. that sells their packs in displays, check out your local nurseries there and see if you can get their stuff at the display racks, i. nil Chocloate, Picotee Red and others.. and if you find them, get me a couple of packs and I'll trade with you for some of yours..

A.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Loads of good information from you! And thank you for the welcome to this new addiction.

And I will copy and paste your suggestions, gardenbudge, into my journal. And thanks for your offers. I started some Ipomoea seeds in a garden planter about 10 days ago and they are up about an inch or two, so I am hopeful. I don't know what kind--they were from last years seed collection.

And I will look at e-bay, too. I was wondering about those suppliers. They seem to be quite enthusiastic and have quite a range. Always fun to shop on e-bay. (Are there certain MG dealers there to stay away from?)

About Livingston--how interesting--yes, I know Livingston Seed Co: their corporate office is about a block away from my sister's house. The next time I go see her in Columbus, I will scout out the place. I know all the garden centers up there carry Livingston Seeds, too, so I will report what I find out.

Thanks again. Any more thoughts, please post. t.

Tobasco you will Iove your new addiction and this forum is the best. Lots and lots of information here and a great group of knowledgeable and generous people.

I would be happy to share some of my extras. Mine are pollinated of course so you may get some surprises. Drop me a line.
Ronnie

There are a couple to stay away from, but as you search, their feedback will be obvious. I can think of 3 sellers right now, 2 in the USA one in Japan that started out good and then took a nose dive...you want to buy from someone with consistantly high feedback for seeds and who names properly, good pics, etc.

Thanks again. I will continue to research and lurk!

At some point I will hope to have some pics to post as pretty yours!

You're very welcome! I am absolutely addicted to Morning Glories and I know that you soon will be too! I peek out over the railing every morning to see if any new ones have opened up! I've only bought Lavender Moonvine from Ebay, and the seller was good. I've never tried the Japanese MG's, but I may next year- it may be time to expand my horizons.

One thing- Japanese Beetles are addicted to morning glories too, and I battle them every year. I don't know if you have them there, but I have to spray with Malathion (systemic- doesn't wash off), or Sevin. They made swiss cheese out of mine last year and nearly killed them, but the plants came back and did fine. Hope you don't have the same problem!