Morning glory plants belong in the family of Convolvulaceae, which is made up of 85 genera that includes more than 2,800 species. Vines grow along fences and trellises around the world. They grace many cottage gardens with their dainty purple flowers. Many species of morning glory seeds contain substances known as d-lysergic acid amide and ergoline alkaloids. The ergot-like alkaloids bear a resemblances in chemical structure to common LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide).
Morning Glory Seed History
In parts of Central America the seeds of the morning glory were regularly consumed as a hallucinogenic. The ancient Aztec culture referred to them as "tlitliltzin." The seeds were commonly ground using a mortar and pestle device. After the seeds were ground, they were ingested.
Round seed pods appear on the morning glory vines in late summer to fall. The seed pods gradually dry on the vine to a papery-thin brown. The seeds within the pod measure 1/4 inch long and appear dark brown to black in color.
To properly sow morning glory seeds, each seed needs to be carefully nicked on the side using a knife or file to allow the seeds hard shell to be open so the seed can absorb water. Soaking the seeds overnight in a large pan of water also helps water absorption by softening the hard outer shell.
Start morning glory seeds in 3-inch peat pots at least six weeks before the last frost is predicted. The seeds prefer to be planted 1/4 inch deep in the starting soil. The peat pot allows the seedlings to be placed directly into the soil without disturbing the plants' delicate root system. Morning glories do not transplant well and normally die if a peat moss is not used.
The morning glory vine produces abundant seeds, which quickly spread throughout the garden. The vine can even become invasive if not controlled. Cutting the vine back or removing the seed pods before distribution can help control the vine.
Laws Governing The Seeds
In the United States, morning glory seeds are legal for garden planting. Most seeds sold for the garden have been chemically treated to discourage ingestion before sale. Commercial seeds are also treated with Methyl mercury, which helps keep the seeds fresh and prevent spoiling, but is also poisonous if ingested, according to the Ohio Department of Education. Extraction of LSA (lysergic acid amide) from the seeds is illegal. LSA is classified as a Schedule III drug.