Here I will list some of the essentials I have come across in my experiences with growing morning glories.

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When to sow

In most climates when growing outdoors seeds are usually sown around May (assuming you're in the northern hemisphere). Morning glory seeds won't germinate if the temperatures are too low and the seedlings can easily be killed by freezing or near-freezing temperatures and cold winds.

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I start indoors as early as late March for slow growing varieties and will move them outside somewhere in may, depending on the weather.

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When growing indoors you can start seeds any time you want providing the temperatures are high enough. Seeds germinate ideally at temperatures of 20-25°C.

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Soil

Most types of horticultural soil for flowers or vegetables can be used to grow Japanese morning glories in pots or flower beds. They prefer well-drained, somewhat mesic (constantly moist) soils and can stand pH-ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.

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Drainage and aeration is very important, especially in wet climates and soils with a high clay content. A common misconception is to add gravel to the soil or bottom of the container. However research has shown water has trouble crossing the interface between fine and coarse soil materials unless the finer substrate is very saturated. So adding gravel can actually have the opposite effect of what's intended.

Using a good quality potting soil should be enough to provide adequate drainage in most situations.

I do recommend adding some perlite to improve soil structure and aeration. Perlite has a high permeability and low water retention so it holds more air and less water than soil. Since morning glories like mesic soils it is important the roots receive enough oxygen so they don't suffocate and rot.

I tend to use about 3-5% perlite in my soil mix when growing in pots but this can vary depending on soil type.

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Adding some compost and mycorrhiza fungi to promote healthy soil life is also recommended.

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Watering

Japanese morning glories should be watered regularly. Try to keep the soil from drying out completely but make sure you don't drown the plants as the roots require air or they will rot. This is why good drainage is important.

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Try not to water on a strict schedule but rather when required. This will differ a lot depending on the situation. Well-drained soil in small pots in full summer obviously require more frequent watering than dense clay soil in early spring.

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Climbing

Morning glories are a climbing annual herb and the vines can grow up to 5 meter or more so a suitable climbing structure is required when growing them.

I use cylindrical pieces of garden trellis in my pots but any type of climbing supports can be used.

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Some dwarf types exist which don't require a climbing support as do some growing techniques to keep them small.