Ipomoea purpurea KNIOLA'S BLACK (10 seeds)

Black Morning Glory is a herbaceous vine from the Convolvulaceae family. It is a beautiful annual plant primarily grown for its ornamental qualities. It is a climbing plant that grows very rapidly.

Its foliage is a tender green, which creates a striking contrast with the depth of the flowers.

The leaves are heart-shaped (cordiform) and develop on twining stems capable of climbing very quickly.

The typical funnel-shaped flowers are the jewel of the plant. Although pure black is rare in the plant world, this morning glory displays a purple-violet so deep that it appears black to the eye, especially in the shade or at dawn. The texture of the petals is silky, catching the light to produce shifting reflections depending on the exposure. It flowers abundantly during the summer period. This variety produces an enormous number of flowers.

Once the flower has faded, it gives way to a small, round, and pointed capsule, initially green then turning straw-brown as it dries. At maturity, this capsule opens to release the seeds.

Kniola's Black seeds from Ipomoea are black, dark, hard, and angular. They are very resistant and are shaped like segments measuring 5 millimeters.

- Interests:

This vine is famous for its magnificent dark corolla flowers. This rare color is highly sought after in horticulture. It is very decorative. Its abundant flowering contrasts with and enhances all colors; furthermore, it is renewed every morning from July until the first frosts.

This climber is appreciated for its rapid growth, which will please even the most hurried gardeners. It is widely used to cover fences, trellises, pergolas, and walls. It adapts very well to contemporary and exotic gardens while bringing a touch of romance and elegance.

It has a strong ornamental impact and can be grown in pots to beautify a terrace or balcony in a short amount of time. Uncomplicated, it is ideal for hiding or concealing an unsightly structure and is suitable for both beginner and passionate gardeners.

- Germination, Sowing of Seeds:

• The best period to sow the black morning glory is in May when the temperature rises above 25°C.
• Begin by soaking the seeds in lukewarm water for 12 hours, then use a well-draining horticultural potting soil and proceed with the sowing.
• Bury them at a depth of 1 cm.
• Water gently with a sprayer.
• Place the culture in a location where the temperature is around 25 to 30°C.
• Germination will generally begin after 2 to 3 weeks.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

The dark-flowered morning glory is undemanding, but it prefers rich, light, and well-drained soil. Soil that is too fertile in nitrogen will promote foliage at the expense of its magnificent flowers. In pots, a good potting soil for flowering plants mixed with a little sand is more than sufficient.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

To obtain those deep purple hues that appear black, full sun exposure is essential. Direct light triggers abundant flowering. In the shade, the plant becomes leggy and flowers become scarce.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

This is a frost-sensitive plant. It is grown as an annual in our climates because it dies as soon as the thermometer drops below 0°C. It should only be installed outdoors once the risk of frost has completely passed, from mid-May onwards.

- Watering / Water Requirements:

This morning glory has very rapid growth, which requires regular watering, especially during heatwaves. The soil must remain fresh but never waterlogged (to avoid root rot). Mulching at the base helps maintain the necessary moisture.

- Pests / Diseases:

It is mainly targeted by slugs and snails that devour young shoots in the spring. In hot, dry atmospheres, attacks by red spider mites or aphids can occur. Regarding diseases, it can be subject to rust or powdery mildew if the foliage is kept too wet during watering.