Forget-me-nots are classic cottage garden flowers that conjure up images of springtime blooms and blue skies Their cheery blue blossoms on delicate stems create a cloud of color in the landscape. While you can buy plants at a nursery, starting forget-me-nots from seed is easy and rewarding.
An Overview of Forget-Me-Nots
Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica) are short-lived perennials that are commonly grown as biennials. The plants produce lovely blue flowers in spring of their second year before setting seed and dying back. Fortunately forget-me-nots self-seed prolifically, so they will likely return to your garden year after year once established.
There are also annual forget-me-not varieties like Myosotis arvensis that bloom in spring and sometimes into fall. Additionally, true perennial types exist for very moist areas like pond edges. But the biennial Myosotis sylvatica remains the most popular species for flower beds and borders.
When to Plant Forget-Me-Not Seeds Outdoors
You can sow forget-me-not seeds directly in the garden in spring or fall. Spring and early summer (May-June) is best for flowers the following year. You may get some blooms the first fall if planting early enough in spring. Aim to sow seeds once the soil has warmed and dried out sufficiently.
Fall planting (August-September) can also work well, especially in mild winter regions. The plants will establish a root system through winter and send up leaves and flowers the next spring. Just be sure to get seeds in early enough before cold weather settles in.
Starting Seeds Indoors
For earlier blooms, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Use a seed starting mix and sow seeds just below the surface. Keep the soil evenly moist and provide bright light. Thin seedlings if they become crowded.
Once the plants have a few sets of true leaves, harden them off gradually before transplanting them into the garden after all danger of frost. Space them 10-12 inches apart.
How to Direct Sow Forget-Me-Not Seeds Outdoors
To sow seeds directly outside, prepare a planting bed in partial shade with organic matter worked into the soil to improve drainage. Rake the soil smooth and water deeply the day before planting.
Sprinkle the tiny seeds over the soil surface and lightly cover with 1/4 inch of fine soil or compost. Gently water to moisten the soil without washing away seeds. Mist occasionally to keep seeds from drying out as they germinate.
Ongoing Care of Forget-Me-Nots
-
Water new plants regularly until their root systems establish, then water during drought. Avoid soggy soil.
-
Weed around plants when young to minimize competition. Add a thin layer of mulch once established to retain moisture and discourage weeds.
-
No fertilizer is necessary, but a light application of balanced organic fertilizer in early spring can promote vigorous growth.
-
Remove spent flower stems after blooming to encourage new growth. Allow some flowers to go to seed for successive generations of plants.
-
Divide large clumps every 2-3 years in fall to rejuvenate plants. Replant divisions or give them away.
-
Cut plants back to the ground in late fall once the foliage has died back. Scatter some seeds from spent blooms for next year’s plants.
Troubleshooting Problems
Forget-me-nots are relatively trouble-free, but may encounter:
-
Powdery mildew, especially after bloom time. Improve air circulation and avoid wet foliage.
-
Slugs and snails that chew holes in leaves. Remove by hand or use organic slug bait.
-
Flowering declines as plants age. Allow them to self seed for new generations, or start new plants from seed every 2-3 years.
Tips for Growing Forget-Me-Nots
-
Choose a site with partial sun to partial shade. Too much hot sun can cause flowering to fade.
-
Prepare soil well by mixing in compost to improve moisture retention and nutrients.
-
Sow seeds thickly for dense, flowing swathes of color. Thin later if desired.
-
Interplant forget-me-nots with spring bulbs like tulips or daffodils that finish blooming as forget-me-nots begin.
-
Allow plants to self-sow freely to ensure forget-me-nots return each year. Enjoy their naturalistic effect.
-
Don’t stress about occasional powdery mildew on older plants. Simply remove affected foliage.
Why You Should Plant Forget-Me-Not Seeds
Starting forget-me-nots from seed is simple, satisfying, and economical. You’ll gain the rewards of flowering plants tailored to your garden’s growing conditions. And once established, the easy-care forget-me-nots will provide years of cheery spring color as they happily reseed themselves. Give growing these classic cottage garden flowers from seed a try!
About Forget Me Nots
Few things are as enchanting as the sight of forget-me-nots flourishing in late spring and early summer. These flowers possess a delicate yet sturdy charm, complementing other spring blooms beautifully. Typically growing in clusters, they showcase a captivating blue hue with yellow centers, though there are also varieties available in rose and white. Forget-me-nots come in both annual and perennial forms, and their significance beautifully extends to memorial services for loved ones. It’s not uncommon for forget-me-not seeds to be distributed during these services, offering a poignant way to plant and remember the departed.
How to plant forget-me-not
Forget-me-nots are commonly grown from seed, but you can also buy plug plants or garden-ready plants.
- Plug plants – pot up plug plants on arrival and grow on under cover until they are large enough to plant outside and the danger of frost is over. Harden off the young plants by placing them outside during the day for around a week, bringing them in at night. Plant in pots or borders in full sun or partial shade. Water until established.
- Garden ready plants – these can be planted outside straight away. Plant with the top of the rootball level with the surrounding soil or compost. Firm in well and water.
Forget-me-not will self-seed easily. Either allow them to spread naturally or lift new seedlings and replant where you choose.
Sow Right Seeds | Forget-Me-Nots
FAQ
Is forget-me-not easy to grow from seed?
Growing Chinese forget-me-nots is a relatively easy process – the seeds are easy to start and they grow on very easily, and you can also plant in successions to continue harvesting from them all season long.
Will forget-me-nots come back every year?
-
Self-Seeding:Forget-me-nots readily produce seeds, which then germinate and grow in subsequent years, ensuring their persistence in the garden.
-
Biennial or Short-Lived Perennial:While technically a short-lived perennial or biennial, the self-seeding habit allows them to behave almost like a perennial, returning year after year.
-
Easy to Grow:Forget-me-nots are relatively easy to grow and thrive in a variety of conditions, further contributing to their ability to establish and spread.
-
Spreading:They can spread both through seeds and stolons (runners), which can lead to them naturally expanding in your garden.
-
Control Spreading:If you want to control their spread, you can remove spent flowers to prevent seed production or pull up plants that are growing where they are not wanted.
Where is the best place to plant forget-me-nots?
-
Soil:Forget-me-nots thrive in moist, well-draining soil, even preferring wetter-than-average conditions.
-
Light:They can tolerate full sun, but prefer shaded locations with dappled light or shelter from the hottest afternoon sun.
-
Location:
- Naturalizing: They are excellent for naturalizing shady, woodland areas or areas near ponds or streams.
- Containers: To control their spread, consider growing them in containers, which are also great for patios or screened porches.
- Naturalizing: They are excellent for naturalizing shady, woodland areas or areas near ponds or streams.
-
Planting:
- Seeds: You can sow forget-me-not seeds directly outdoors in late spring or indoors in late winter/early spring.
- Spacing: When planting, leave enough space between plants (10-12 inches) to avoid overcrowding.
- Seeds: You can sow forget-me-not seeds directly outdoors in late spring or indoors in late winter/early spring.
-
Care:
- Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods.
- Deadheading: Pinch off fading blooms to encourage new growth.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods.
-
Types:
- Woodland forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica): Prefers standard soil and blooms in mid to late spring.
- True forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides): Thrives along the edge of bodies of water or in especially wet soil and blooms in late summer.
- Alpine forget-me-not (Myosotis alpestris): Suitable for rock gardens and blooms in summer.
- Woodland forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica): Prefers standard soil and blooms in mid to late spring.
How invasive are forget-me-nots?
It’s known for forming dense stands that outcompete and displace native plants, particularly in moist and shady areas. Its prolific seeding and ability to tolerate a wide range of soil types make it a tough competitor against native species. Wood Forget-Me-Not is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
Should you plant Forget-Me-Nots from seeds?
The flowering plants like it cool, the soil should be moist, and the light should be indirect. However, they will grow almost anywhere. If you already have the plants in your landscape, planting forget-me-nots from seeds is rarely necessary. This is because they are rampant self-seeders.
How do you plant forget me not seeds?
In summary, planting forget me not seeds is a simple process that requires moist soil and proper sunlight. With a little care and attention, these beautiful flowers can add color and charm to any garden or landscape. Forget-me-nots prefer moist soil, but not waterlogged soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems.
What is a ‘forget me not’ seed?
Forget me not seeds are also known for their ability to self-seed, meaning that they will drop their own seeds and grow new plants without any intervention. To encourage self-seeding, simply allow the flowers to bloom and then fade away naturally.
Are forget-me-not seeds invasive?
Forget-Me-Not plants can self-seed and spread quickly, but they are not considered invasive. To manage their spread, deadhead the flowers before they go to seed and remove any unwanted seedlings. Are Forget-Me-Not seeds safe around pets, particularly dogs? Forget-Me-Not seeds are not toxic to pets, including dogs.
Do Forget-Me-Nots reseed themselves?
While forget-me-nots might reseed themselves, you can also collect seeds or purchase them to control planting. For best results: Start seeds indoors: Plant seeds in containers with moist soil about four to six weeks before the last expected frost, covering lightly.
What does a forget-me-not plant mean?
Forget-me-nots symbolize love, loyalty, and remembrance, making them meaningful additions to any garden. 1. Choosing the Right Time Sow forget-me-not seeds in early spring for blooms the same year, or in late summer to autumn for flowers the following spring.