More dumb questions: Planting things now, will they still bloom? (flowers, growing)

[fierce_flawless]

Okay, I hate to drive everyone batty with stuff like this...

I was thinking about planting morning glory vines to cover my ugly chain link fence. I looked at some seeds and they say in my zone I can plant now, but then there's something like 50-80 days til bloom. Hmm. So does that mean they're gong to bloom in September-November?!

I'm in Zone 8, South Central Texas, hotter than you-know-what right now and usually hot at least through September, and warm still in October...

Would the morning glories cover a fence that fast AND show me some color before "winter" (I use the term loosely here)...? Or is it just a waste of time an a buck fifty?

Same question for Zinnias, Purple Coneflower, and Marigold. Plant now and get some flowers, even for a little bit? Or don't bother and plan better next year?

I am addicted to COLOR I suppose. I have just a bit right now, a decent sized raised bed up along the front of the porch, with vinca in dark reds, purple, and white, lantana in a lovely yellow, beautiful pale blue plumbago, a yellow Esperanza (yellow bells) in the corner of the front yard, some dainty pink and pink/white dianthus in pots on the porch steps, some mystery plant that survived after buying one of those "mixed bloom" hanging baskets at walmart, and a couple marigolds in a pot.

My only regrets are that I wish I'd gone hog wild crazy and had a yard full of color. No one walks/plays out there anyway (front yard is very small and with brick walkways).. dogs and kids go out back.

[wit-nit]

You'll see some good fast growth, but probably won't see much in flowers til next year. BTW Morning Glory is classified as an invasive plant in many parts of the country. Once it's established it's difficult to get rid of and is high maintenance.

[calif]

I must have planted some a couple years ago in a pot because today I went out and found the vine climbing my rose bush in the same pot. It is getting ready to bloom. I wound it around my fence and hope it takes off, because it is in a pot up against the fence it won't be so invasive...

I think it's worth a try to cover your fence. If they start blooming in Sept. or Oct. great, if not, you are only out that buck fifty.

[composter]

Better late than never. Morning Glories are easy and as aforementioned-can be invasive as they self sow readily. The vines will cover the fence although these climbers will climb anywhere. Worth a try and a package of seeds is inexpensive. I have seen them being sold in the Spring as plants in bloom and can only chuckle to myself as they do not transplant well. Some folks see pretty blooms and buy. I believe this is called marketing...I call it taking advantage of those who lack experience. This is how some get wealthy.

Shucks, got off subject again.

[composter]

In my opinion-try starting next Spring and beware your addiction for color as this is why places like Walmart, etc. sell things in bloom. It takes time, patience and work to have color. Perennials can be started in the Fall. Having a longer growing season may help. Being in zone 5 I still have had years that things are still blooming in October.

Might I suggest you spend time learning what is best for your area and start planning for color next Spring. I am not wanting to discourage you in any way!!! Oh contrare! Start educating yourself and have a plan. Start small and expand. Good things are worth waiting for and plants are well worth the time!

Wishing the best for you and flowers are addictive!!

[nmnita]

It is a little late, but it won't hurt to try and remember, when morning Glories get started they will just keep going and going every year. It can be a plus or minus, but great for covering fences.

[LoriNJ]

Marigolds are fast growers. Plant 'em now and you will definitely have flowers for a while before "winter" sets in. And they bloom up until a hard frost! They also start blooming when they are pretty short.

Some of my zinnias are fast growers and abundant bloomers, too. They, too, will bloom until first frost.

I am a big fan of late planting of seeds, as long as you can realistically expect to get some flowers. I just planted some celosia a few weeks ago. I really want them to be ready for when my chrysanthemum blooms in the fall, so I don't care that right now they are still pretty small.

[Robyn55]

Originally Posted by fierce_flawless

Okay, I hate to drive everyone batty with stuff like this...

I was thinking about planting morning glory vines to cover my ugly chain link fence. I looked at some seeds and they say in my zone I can plant now, but then there's something like 50-80 days til bloom. Hmm. So does that mean they're gong to bloom in September-November?!

I'm in Zone 8, South Central Texas, hotter than you-know-what right now and usually hot at least through September, and warm still in October...

Would the morning glories cover a fence that fast AND show me some color before "winter" (I use the term loosely here)...? Or is it just a waste of time an a buck fifty?

Same question for Zinnias, Purple Coneflower, and Marigold. Plant now and get some flowers, even for a little bit? Or don't bother and plan better next year?

I am addicted to COLOR I suppose. I have just a bit right now, a decent sized raised bed up along the front of the porch, with vinca in dark reds, purple, and white, lantana in a lovely yellow, beautiful pale blue plumbago, a yellow Esperanza (yellow bells) in the corner of the front yard, some dainty pink and pink/white dianthus in pots on the porch steps, some mystery plant that survived after buying one of those "mixed bloom" hanging baskets at walmart, and a couple marigolds in a pot.

My only regrets are that I wish I'd gone hog wild crazy and had a yard full of color. No one walks/plays out there anyway (front yard is very small and with brick walkways).. dogs and kids go out back.

July in south central Texas? Too late/hot to plant anything. Ditto when it comes to Florida (where I live). Think about what you might consider planting in the fall - or - when it comes to seasonal color - early spring next year. Robyn

[Mae Maes Garden]

I planted a couple of packets of Morning Glories this year and they are all over over my chain link fence. Exactly what I wanted them to do! They have not bloomed yet but I hope that they will.
Mae

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Mae Maes Garden

I planted a couple of packets of Morning Glories this year and they are all over over my chain link fence. Exactly what I wanted them to do! They have not bloomed yet but I hope that they will.
Mae

I have them all over my fence as well; no, not blooming and the funny thing? I never planted them; I guess this is the beauty of so many birds. They bring all kinds of volunteer plants to our yard; some not so popular.