How to Grow Forget-Me-Nots

Forget-me-not: A Guide to Growing and Caring

Grow Forget-me-nots, also known as Myosotis, are a delightful addition to any garden, offering a splash of cheerful blue during the spring months. These humble yet glorious flowers are easy to grow and maintain, making them perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Where to Plant Forget-me-nots

Forget-me-nots thrive in moist, well-drained soil & they can tolerate both sunny and shady locations. They make excellent companions for other shade-loving plants like hostas, creating a beautiful and harmonious display.

Growing Forget-me-nots from Seed

You can sow forget-me-not seeds directly outdoors in May or June, or start them indoors in May, June, or September. For indoor sowing, simply sprinkle the seeds on top of compost and cover them lightly.

Place the container in a warm location, such as a heated propagator or a sunny windowsill. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots. The flowers will bloom the following year. This process is part of the forget-me-not growing stages.

When to Plant Forget Me Not Seeds

Forget-me-not seeds can be planted in several ways depending on the season:

• Direct Sowing Outdoors: Sow seeds directly in the ground from late spring to early summer (May to June) for blooms the following year. In mild climates, seeds can also be sown in fall.
• Indoor Sowing: Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost in early spring or during September.

For best results, prepare the soil by ensuring it’s moist and well-drained & cover the seeds lightly with compost after sowing. Keep the area consistently moist until germination occurs.

Forget-me-nots are easily grown from seeds, either sown directly outdoors after the last frost or started indoors in pots or trays. Sowing outdoors in late summer or early autumn allows for flowering the following spring, while indoor sowing in spring can result in blooms later that year.

Sowing Forget-Me-Not Seeds:

• Direct Sowing: Prepare the soil by removing weeds and debris, then broadcast seeds over the surface and lightly rake them in. Keep the soil moist until germination, which usually takes 10-14 days at a soil temperature of 18-22°C.
• Starting Indoors: Sow seeds in seed trays or pots filled with a seed-raising mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, water gently, and maintain a temperature of 18-22°C. Once seedlings have a few true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant them to individual pots or the garden.
• Spacing: Space plants 30cm apart when transplanting.
• Sunlight: Forget-me-nots prefer partially shaded conditions but can tolerate some sunlight.

Tips for Success:

• Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination and early growth.
• Protection: Protect young seedlings from pests, pets, and harsh weather.
• Cold Exposure: Forget-me-nots benefit from a period of cold weather before blooming, so starting seeds indoors in late winter and planting them out in early spring can help ensure good flowering.
• Variety: Consider the different varieties available, such as the annual “scorpion grass” or the Chinese forget-me-not, when choosing your seeds.

How Long Do Forget-Me-Nots Take to Sprout?

Germination Conditions

Forget-Me-Not seeds typically take 8–14 days to sprout when kept at 15–20 °C. To speed up germination:

• Pre-soak seeds for 12 hours.
• Use a seed-starting mix kept evenly moist.
• Cover trays with a clear lid to retain humidity.

How to Grow Forget-Me-Nots Indoors

Begin the process of cultivating forget-me-nots indoors by evenly distributing their seeds across the top layer of the potting mixture. Gently cover the seeds with a thin layer of the same soil & lightly mist the surface with water to dampen it. These delicate blooms thrive in environments that provide bright, filtered sunlight.

Growing Forget-Me-Nots Indoors

• Light: Bright, indirect sun (6 hrs/day).
• Containers: Use 15 cm pots with drainage holes.
• Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix.
• Care: Water when top 2 cm of soil are dry.

How to Grow Forget Me Nots in Pots

Planting Forget-Me-Nots in Pots

1. Carefully remove the Forget-Me-Not plant from its nursery pot. If the roots are tightly packed, gently tease them apart to loosen them up.
2. If the Forget-Me-Nots were growing in a punnet (a small container with multiple plants), separate the individual plants.
3. Plant the Forget-Me-Nots in the potting mix, making sure to backfill soil around the base of the plants.
4. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.
5. Top the soil with a layer of mulch. This will help retain moisture in the soil.

The key steps are to handle the delicate Forget-Me-Not plants carefully, separate any crowded roots or plants, plant them in potting mix, water them well & apply a mulch topping. This will give the Forget-Me-Nots the best chance of thriving in their new potted home.

Growing Stages of Forget-Me-Nots

1. Seedling (Weeks 1–2): Cotyledons appear.
2. Vegetative (Weeks 3–4): True leaves develop.
3. Flowering (Weeks 5–8): Blue blooms open.
4. Seed Set (Weeks 9–10): Seed pods form.

Planting & Flowering Calendar

Month	Task
March–April	Sow seeds outdoors
May–June	Transplant seedlings
June–September	Flowering period
October	Collect seeds

Forget-me-nots are Self-Seeders

Forget-me-nots are prolific self-seeders, so you can simply allow them to spread naturally throughout your garden. Alternatively, you can lift the new seedlings and replant them in your desired location.

Problem-Solving for Forget-me-nots

While forget-me-nots are generally pest-free, they can be susceptible to powdery mildew or downy mildew after flowering. To prevent this, ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid overwatering.

Caring for Forget-me-nots

Most forget-me-not varieties are biennials, meaning they complete their life cycle in two years. To prevent them from spreading too aggressively, pull up the plants before they set seed if you don’t want them to self-seed.

How Long do Forget-me-nots Take to Grow

When your seedlings have grown large enough to handle, it’s recommended to thin them out to provide adequate space for growth. Remove any weak or small seedlings, leaving approximately 30cm of space between each plant. Forget-me-nots typically begin to flower within 160 to 350 days after planting.

Popular Forget-me-not Varieties

Here are some popular forget-me-not varieties to consider for your garden:

• Myosotis scorpioides: This water forget-me-not is a must-have for wildlife ponds. It provides shelter for aquatic larvae and newts.
• Myosotis sylvatica: This classic forget-me-not features blue flowers that appear in late spring.
• Myosotis arvensis: This annual forget-me-not produces blue and sometimes pink flowers that can bloom until autumn.
• Myosotis ‘Blue Ball’: This compact cultivar boasts blue flowers in spring and early summer.
• Myosotis ‘Bluesylva’: This low-growing biennial features blue flowers with a yellow eye that fades to white.
• Myosotis alpestris ‘Victoria’: This variety offers soft pink, blue & white flowers over a long blooming period.

With their charming appearance and ease of care, forget-me-nots are a wonderful addition to any garden. So why not add these delightful flowers to your landscape and enjoy their beauty for years to come?

For more on planting seeds, see our Vegetables Herbs Growing Guides and our article on Container Gardening Basics.