Climbing Flower
Flying Saucers Morning Glory is a stunning heirloom cultivar of Ipomoea tricolor that rewards patient gardeners with one of the most distinctive blooms in the morning glory world. Named for its otherworldly appearance, this variety produces ethereal, two-toned flowers that seem to float above heart-shaped foliage from midsummer through fall. The vines climb to 6-10 feet tall, making them ideal for trellises and arbors in full sun, and reach bloom in approximately 84-98 days from seed. What sets Flying Saucers apart is the striking contrast in its petals, a visual drama that unfolds reliably in moderate watering conditions, attracting pollinators throughout the season.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
120in H x 12in W
Annual
Moderate
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The flowers of Flying Saucers are genuinely show-stopping: delicate, two-toned petals that look almost unreal with their subtle color interplay. This heirloom thrives on full sun and modest water, making it forgiving for gardeners who can't fuss constantly. Vines stretch tall and lean, with narrow vertical growth that fits perfectly into tight garden spaces or along narrow trellises where wider-spreading varieties won't work. The long bloom window from June through November means weeks of fresh, new flowers opening every morning, and the fact that bees and butterflies flock to the blooms makes it an ecological asset alongside its visual beauty.
Flying Saucers Morning Glory is grown purely for ornamental display. These are cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements, though their morning-opening habit means they shine best when viewed fresh in the garden itself. The vigorous vines work beautifully woven through trellises, arbors, and fence lines, and many gardeners grow them in containers on patios where the blooms can be appreciated up close.
Start Flying Saucers indoors about 4 weeks before your last frost date. Sow seeds in pots and maintain soil temperature between 65-80°F until germination, which typically occurs within 5-14 days. Before sowing, nick or lightly file the seed coat to improve germination rates, then soak seeds in water for 8-24 hours. Cover pots with a humidity dome to retain moisture during this critical sprouting period.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days before moving them outdoors after your last frost date. Plant into prepared soil enriched with compost, spacing plants 1 inch apart initially, though the narrow mature width of 1 foot means they won't need much lateral room.
Direct sow seeds outdoors about 2 weeks after your last frost date. Nick or file seeds and soak them for 8-24 hours before sowing to speed germination.
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