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Morning Glory Organic Weed Control

Morning glory weed

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Morning glories are summer-growing perennial and annual plants commonly grown for their colorful funnel-shaped flowers. Morning glories become weedy when they are allowed to twine around other plants and objects and when allowed to re-seed and grow uncontrolled.

Botanical name: Ipomea purpurea

Organic Weed Control at Amazon

Morning Glory
Morning Glory

Morning glory description and life cycle

  • Stems are 3 to 13 feet long; twine around other plants and objects.
  • Stem may be slightly hairy.
  • Heart-shaped leaves alternate on the stem; smooth margins and obvious veins from midrib; leaves are 3-4 inches long and up to 3 inches wide at the base.
  • Flowers on long petioles are blue, purple, red, white, or variegated; flowers grow in groups of three to five flowers.
  • Blooms mid-to-late summer.
  • Readily reproduces by seed. Seeds are brown, three-sided, and very hard; germination is increased by burying the seed in the ground. Seeds are viable for 10 to 15 years.

Morning glory root system

Morning glory roots can grow to a depth of 20 feet. Plants have numerous lateral roots growing at a depth of 1 to 2 feet that can send up shoots that develop into new plants. It is not uncommon for new plants to grow around the edges of established plants. Even a small piece of dormant root transplanted into moist soil can grow a new plant.

Morning glory organic control

  • Hand-pull seedlings as soon as they sprout.
  • Hand pull or hoe shoots and all of the roots; cultivation can slow but likely not stop new plants from growing.
  • Mulch to prevent seeds from germinating.
  • Use landscape fabric, cardboard, or black plastic to deprive plants of sunlight. Complete death of the plant under mulch will take 3 to 5 years.

Morning glory range

Throughout the eastern half of the United States and the Pacific Coast region.

Four quick ways to control weeds

  1. Weed early. Control weeds in the first month after they germinate.
  2. Weed often. Hand weed every two weeks through the season.
  3. Weed by hand when the soil is wet (best to get roots).
  4. Use a hoe if the soil is dry. Decapitate weeds before they flower and drop seed.

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Written by Stephen Albert

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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