Ipomoea violacea PURPLE MORNING GLORY (15 seeds)

Purple Ipomoea, also known as Volubilis, is a vigorous, evergreen perennial herbaceous vine belonging to the Convolvulaceae family. Native to East Asia (specifically China and Japan), it is a highly robust climber that grows very rapidly, adding several meters of length per year and reaching heights of up to 4 meters.

Its stems are thick, trailing or climbing, with a flexible texture and light green color. They allow the plant to twine around supports or spread across the ground. The foliage consists of large, heart-shaped leaves with wavy edges. These green leaves are thick and hairy, giving them a velvety texture.

The flowering is spectacular, featuring large trumpet-shaped flowers of a pale violet hue. The blooms open in the evening or at twilight and release a pleasant fragrance to attract nocturnal pollinators.

Purple Morning Glory seeds (Ipomoea violacea) are black, shaped like a quarter-sphere, and measure 5 to 6 millimeters in length. They are contained in capsules that tear open at maturity, usually releasing 4 seeds per capsule.

- Uses:

It is primarily grown as an ornamental plant. Its attractive, showy flowers and rapid growth make it ideal for quickly covering trellises, fences, pergolas, or balconies.

Historically, the seeds were employed by shamans during ethnic divinatory rituals. The Aztecs used them for their properties that influence mental activity. They held a significant place in pre-Columbian cultures, notably among the Aztecs and Zapotecs, for ethnobotanical and shamanic purposes, and were considered a sacred plant. Purple Ipomoea seeds contain ergoline alkaloids; therefore, they must not be consumed.
Do not consume for psychoactive or medicinal effects; cultivate solely for the preservation of the botanical species.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The best period to sow Purple Morning Glory is in April or May.
• Very lightly sand the seeds with sandpaper, being careful not to damage the cotyledon.
• Soak them in lukewarm water for 6 hours.
• Bury the seeds 0.5 cm deep in a seedling potting soil rich in organic matter or in finely sieved, pre-moistened soil.
• Water thoroughly upon planting using a hand sprayer.
• Place the culture in a warm spot at a temperature of approximately 25°C.
• Germination usually begins within 2 to 6 weeks.

- Substrate / Soil Type:

Ipomoea violacea thrives in light, well-drained soil rich in humus. It flourishes in loamy or sandy soils that retain sufficient moisture while ensuring excellent drainage.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

This twining plant loves full sun. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to promote abundant flowering and rapid growth.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

Originating from tropical regions, it does not tolerate heavy frosts below -2°C. It must be protected or grown in pots in cold regions. In warm climates, it can be grown outdoors year-round.

- Watering / Water Needs:

It requires regular watering, especially during active growth and immediately after planting. However, excess water must be avoided to prevent root rot.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

Purple Morning Glory is primarily reproduced by seed. Multiplication by cuttings is also possible starting in late spring.

- Pests / Predators:

It can be attacked by aphids or spider mites, which can hinder its growth. Scale insects (mealybugs) may also settle on the stems. A treatment based on black soap will effectively eliminate these pests.