root bound morning glories

My 4 year old planted two morning glory seeds for me at preschool for Mother's Day in a little pot.(like a 2 inch pot or something). Since then, I have repotted them into about an 8-9 inch pot along with a zinnia(from my other daughter for mom's day). So far, the vines have grown pretty well, they've grown up the side of my porch railing to about 5 foot. But, still no blooms. I'm beginning to worry that they're not going to bloom because they're in too small of a pot . I can't really repot them now that they're attached to the railing. I'm not expecting a profuse blooming, but I was hoping for one or two. Any thoughts as to whether they will bloom, and possibly how to help them bloom?

Kristie

Is there any possibility you could just dig a little hole beneath the pot and put them into the ground? That would give the roots the extra room they need and might encourage some flowers.

No, unfortunately I can't. The pot is sitting on my porch, about 2 foot above the ground and on the opposite side of the railing. I don't know if they are root bound or not, because I can't pick up the pot to see if they're coming out the bottom, but I'm assuming they must be? The vines keep growing, there's noticeable growth every day, sometimes just from morning to afternoon......

Actually, being root bound HELPS mgs bloom better! Try bloom booster fertilizer?

That's an idea. Only problem is I'm cheap and don't want to buy some! *sigh If I get desperate, I may just have to do that.

Kristie

Remember that they are "short day" bloomers and are tremendously influenced by the length of the photoperiod. They don't bloom much until the days start getting short. I have a few blooming but their REAL time to bloom is the fall.

OOOOHHHHH....that helps a lot! See, I was afraid they should be blooming by now. Now I dont' feel so bad. If they're not blooming in the fall, I may start to worry again. Also, I've read that they like poor soil and little water. but, they get droopy during the days because its been so hot here, so I've been watering them a lot. Last week we were in the 90's all week, and I would go and water them thoroughly, left the water in the drainage dish under the pot, and on some days would have to refill the drainage dish again in the afternoon. Now its cooled a little, so I only water when they wilt. Is it ok if they get wilty? Maybe I'm watering too much?

Kristie

I've found them to be water hogs when in containers. Wilting in the middle of the day won't hurt them. I actually grow mine in fairly rich soil with no problems, but you do have to avoid nitrogen in fertilizer. Lots of mine aren't blooming yet, but a few are. It's normal.

Ok, thanks! I feel so much better now! I'm hoping to save seeds from them to grow next year and years to come to remember my "little one's" first mother's day gift.

Kristie

Kristie,

Plants in containers don't have much of a root system. You should be able to fertilize them without fear. My rule of thumb is weak fertilizer (water soluble) once a week.

Thanks, dale. I had put some fertilizer spikes in the pot before I read that they liked poor soil. Every now and again when I fertilize my other plants I'll throw some fertilizer at them. I'll try your regimen....you seem pretty adept at growing beautiful flowers!

I never photograph my failures. lol

haha....good idea!