How to Grow Morning Glory 'Grandpa Ott'
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Morning Glory 'Grandpa Ott'
Ipomoea purpurea 'Grandpa Ott'
vineGrandpa Ott is a heirloom morning glory variety known for its deep magenta-purple flowers with a contrasting crimson star pattern and darker throat. This vigorous annual vine produces abundant blooms throughout the summer and fall, opening fresh each morning and closing by afternoon. It's a beloved heritage variety that reseeds readily and attracts pollinators.
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Example Morning Glory 'Grandpa Ott' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Morning Glory 'Grandpa Ott'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Morning Glory 'Grandpa Ott'
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Grows as an annual in zones 2-11; perennial in zones 10-11
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Seedling
2-3 weeksCotyledons emerge; true leaves develop slowly. Plant is small and delicate.
Keep soil warm (65-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide good light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
Vegetative/Vine Development
3-4 weeksRapid growth of vines and heart-shaped leaves. Plant produces tendrils and climbs vigorously.
Provide sturdy trellis, fence, or support structure. Water regularly. Fertilize lightly—excess nitrogen reduces flowers. Pinch tips early if bushier growth desired.
Budding
1-2 weeksFlower buds appear along the vine; plant reaches mature height and spreads.
Continue supporting vine growth. Maintain consistent watering. Monitor for spider mites and other pests. Reduce fertilizer.
Flowering
6-12 weeks (or until frost)Abundant magenta-purple flowers with crimson star and dark throat open in early morning, close by afternoon. Flowers cover the vine.
Deadhead spent flowers if you want to redirect energy, though self-cleaning occurs naturally. Continue watering. Enjoy the bloom show through fall.
Seed Development & Maturity
2-4 weeks before frostSome flowers fade and form seed pods. Plant may continue blooming while producing seeds late in season.
Allow some flowers to go to seed if you want self-seeding next year. Stop deadheading late-season flowers. Let pods dry on vine.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Improve air circulation.
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray on undersides of leaves.
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from vines; apply neem oil if infestation is heavy.
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects.
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and
Handpick; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray if needed.
Uses
Garden Beauty & Pollinators
OrnamentalGrandpa Ott's striking magenta flowers with crimson star markings provide stunning vertical interest and attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the season. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant flowers serve as an excellent nectar source for pollinators, supporting populations of butterflies and hummingbirds during summer and fall. [source]
Privacy Screen & Shade
HouseholdThe vigorous vines quickly cover trellises, arbors, and fences, providing natural screening, shade, and aesthetic appeal to patios and garden structures. [source]
Heirloom Seed Saving
CraftGrandpa Ott is a classic heirloom variety ideal for seed savers; it reproduces true-to-type from seed, allowing gardeners to harvest and replant their own seeds annually. [source]
Traditional Ethnobotanical Use
MedicinalMorning glory seeds have a long history of use in traditional medicine and indigenous practices, though modern use carries legal and safety considerations in some regions. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Morning glories are grown for ornamental flowers, not harvest in the traditional sense. Collect seed pods in late fall after they've dried on the vine—pods should be brown and papery. Store seeds in a cool, dry place for next season. If you wish to prevent self-seeding, remove pods before they split open.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Grandpa Ott is an heirloom variety dating back at least to the 1890s, passed down through generations of gardeners and named after the grandfather of the seed saver who distributed it.
- 🌱 Morning glories open their flowers in response to light and temperature; they reliably bloom in the early morning and close by mid-afternoon or earlier on hot days.
- 🌱 A single mature vine can produce hundreds of flowers throughout the season, with new buds continuously forming as old flowers fade, providing months of continuous color.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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