Forget-me-nots are one of my all-time favorite flowers to grow from seed. Their charming little blue blossoms evoke memories of springtime and young love. If you’re looking to add these sentimental blooms to your own garden growing forget-me-not seeds is easy and rewarding. In this complete guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cultivate a flourishing patch of forget-me-nots.
An Overview of Forget-Me-Not Seeds
Forget-me-not seeds produce short-lived perennials that are often grown as biennials or annuals The most common garden variety is Myosotis sylvatica, also known as woodland forget-me-not This type blooms in spring with clusters of 5-petaled, light blue flowers with yellow centers. The petite blooms sit atop stems reaching 6-18 inches tall.
Forget-me-not seeds can be sown directly outdoors or started indoors. Germination takes 1-2 weeks when seeds are kept moist at 60-65°F. These hardy plants tolerate light frost and thrive in part shade with moderately fertile moist soil. With proper care, forget-me-nots will self-seed readily providing years of enjoyment.
Choosing Your Forget-Me-Not Seeds
Many seed companies offer forget-me-not seeds in a range of colors beyond the signature blue. Varieties include:
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Blue – The most common and traditional forget-me-not color. Different shades of blue are available.
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White – A pure white flowering form of woodland forget-me-not.
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Pink – From soft pink to rosy shades, a nice option for pastel flower gardens.
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Mixed – Blend of blue, pink, and white blooms creates lively color combination.
Popular dwarf and large-flowered varieties are also available. I recommend a classic blue or mixed color packet for your first forget-me-not seed planting.
When to Plant Forget-Me-Not Seeds
One of the beauties of growing forget-me-nots from seed is flexibility in planting time.
Spring – The most common planting time. Sow seeds outdoors 2-4 weeks before last spring frost date.
Summer – Direct sow in prepared soil after danger of frost has passed.
Fall – Plant seeds in fall for blooms the following spring.
Winter – Start seeds indoors for transplanting out in spring.
I’ve had great success planting forget-me-not seeds outdoors in late spring when the soil has warmed. But you can experiment with different times to find what works best for your climate.
How to Plant Forget-Me-Not Seeds Outdoors
With proper site preparation and care, planting forget-me-not seeds directly in the garden is easy. Follow these steps for success:
Choose a Site
Select a location with partial sun to partial shade. Forget-me-nots appreciate 3-6 hours of sunlight daily. Well-draining, moist soil amended with compost is ideal.
Prepare the Soil
Work compost or other organic matter into your soil to enrich it. Rake the top layer smooth. Water the area lightly to moisten soil prior to planting.
Sow the Seeds
Sprinkle seeds over the growing area. Cover very lightly with 1/4 inch of soil or compost. Gently water to settle seeds into soil.
Provide Care
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist. Thin seedlings 8-12 inches apart. Weed and replenish mulch as needed.
Enjoy the Blooms!
Your forget-me-not seeds will produce lovely blooms next spring. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooming.
With proper site preparation and consistent watering, your forget-me-not patch should flourish!
Starting Forget-Me-Not Seeds Indoors
For earlier spring blooms or to get a head start on the season, forget-me-not seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost. Here’s a simple process:
Obtain Seed Starting Supplies
You’ll need containers, seed starting mix, watering can, plastic dome or wrap. Ensure good drainage holes in containers.
Prepare Seed Starting Mix
Use a sterile, soilless mix made for seeds. Moisten, but don’t soak, the mix before planting.
Sow Seeds
Gently press seeds into the mix, 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Cover containers with plastic to retain moisture.
Provide Warmth
Place containers in bright area, 65-70°F. Bottom heat speeds germination.
Water and Thin Seedlings
Keep soil moist but not saturated. Thin to strongest seedling per container when true leaves appear.
Harden Off and Transplant Outdoors
Over 7-10 days, gradually expose seedlings to more sun and wind before planting into garden after danger of frost.
With this indoor method, you’ll have robust little forget-me-not plants ready to brighten your garden earlier in spring.
Caring for Forget-Me-Not Plants
A little TLC goes a long way in keeping your forget-me-nots thriving season after season:
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Water regularly, especially in dry periods, to maintain moist (not soggy) soil.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during active growth and flowering.
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Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
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Cut back stems by half after flowering to promote new growth.
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Divide overcrowded plants every 2-3 years in fall.
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Mulch plants in winter in very cold climates for added protection.
With attention to their basic needs, your forget-me-nots will flourish and self-sow happily each year.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
While quite hardy, forget-me-nots can encounter a few issues. Here are some potential problems and solutions:
Leaves with powdery white coating – This is likely powdery mildew fungus. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage. Remove affected leaves promptly.
Wilted, yellowing plants – Could indicate overwatering. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Or, plants may need fertilization.
Chewed leaves or stunted plants – Signs of slugs or snails. Remove these pests by hand and use organic bait as needed.
Tiny insects on leaves or stems – Aphids can be controlled with horticultural soaps or neem oil. Ladybugs also prey on these pests.
With proper site selection, care, and quick attention to issues, you can avoid most problems with forget-me-nots.
Stimulating Self-Seeding of Forget-Me-Nots
One of the neat qualities of forget-me-nots is their ability to self-seed generously. This ensures new plants each year with minimal work on your part. To promote self-sowing:
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Allow some flowers to fully mature and go to seed. The dried seed heads will drop new seeds around the parent plant.
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Position plants where seeds can drop and germinate in ideal conditions – near edges of beds, adjacent to paths, under lightly shaded areas.
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Avoid excessive soil disturbance after plants finish flowering to allow seeds to remain undisturbed.
With nature’s help, you’ll have forget-me-nots popping up just where you want them next spring!
Creative Ways to Use Forget-Me-Nots
Beyond showcasing forget-me-nots in flower beds and borders, there are lots of charming ways to incorporate them into your garden landscape:
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Underplant shrubs, trees, and roses where they’ll naturalize beautifully over time.
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Allow them to fill gaps in paving stones and edge garden paths.
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Tuck the long-blooming plants into patio container gardens.
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Create a wildflower meadow with forget-me-nots featured among the flowers.
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Craft sweet pressed flower keepsakes using the blooms.
With their versatility and sentimental appeal, forget-me-nots offer abundant possibilities to include in your garden and floral designs.
The Past and Future of These Sentimental Blooms
With a history intertwined with romance and remembrance, it’s no wonder forget-me-nots have earned an enduring place in our hearts and gardens. And with the simple cultivation methods detailed here, you can continue their legacy for years to come.
Growing forget-me-not from seed
Sow forget-me-not seeds directly outdoors in May or June, or indoors in May, June and September. If sowing under cover, sprinkle seeds and cover with compost. Use a heated propagator or a warm windowsill to create the right conditions for germination. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick out and pot on. Flowers will appear the following year.
How to care for forget-me-not
Most forget-me-not varieties are biennial, meaning they self-seed freely. Pull up the plants before they set seed if you don’t want them to spread too profusely.
Forget-me-nots are a low-maintenance plant. They don’t need feeding, but they do thrive in moist, not waterlogged soil. Water new plants regularly until established and, if they are in containers, all season – especially during hot weather.
Cut back plants after flowering, or remove if you want to avoid too many self-sown plants.
There are no pests that target myosotis, but foliage can be prone to powdery mildew or downy mildew after flowering.
Sow Right Seeds | Forget-Me-Nots
FAQ
Are forget-me-nots easy to grow from seed?
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Sowing:
- Direct Sow: You can sow seeds directly in the garden in the summer or early fall for early spring blooms.
- Start Indoors: You can start seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date, under lights.
- Soil: Forget-me-nots prefer moist, organically enriched soil with good drainage.
- Sunlight: They thrive in a sunny or partially shaded spot.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Thinning: Once seedlings emerge, thin them to 10-12 inches apart to prevent overcrowding.
- Direct Sow: You can sow seeds directly in the garden in the summer or early fall for early spring blooms.
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Blooming:
- Forget-me-nots are often treated as biennials or short-lived perennials.
- Plants that are at least a year old will flower the next spring.
- Forget-me-nots are often treated as biennials or short-lived perennials.
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Tips:
- Forget-me-nots are known to reseed and spread, so you may find them popping up in unexpected places.
- They can also be grown in containers.
- In milder climates, you can sow seeds in the fall for spring bloom.
- Forget-me-nots are known to reseed and spread, so you may find them popping up in unexpected places.
Do forget-me-nots come back every year?
- Perennial Nature: Forget-me-nots are perennials, meaning they live for more than two years.
- Self-Seeding: They readily self-seed, so they can reappear year after year in the same location.
- Short-Lived Perennials: While they are perennials, they are also considered short-lived, meaning they may not live for many years, but they will reseed and continue to grow.
- Reblooming: They rebloom annually, providing a splash of color in the spring.
- Types of Forget-me-nots: There are different types of forget-me-nots, with Myosotis sylvatica (woodland forget-me-not) being a common and hardy perennial that is native to Europe and Asia.
Can I just scatter flower seeds?
Yes, flowers can indeed grow if you throw seeds on the ground, but the success of this method depends on a few factors: 1> Seed Viability: The seeds need to be viable, meaning they should be mature and capable of germinating.
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.
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.
How do you grow forget-me-not seeds?
Scatter the seeds over the soil surface and lightly press them down. Don’t bury them too deep, as forget-me-not seeds need light to germinate. Water the seeds gently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once the seeds have germinated, thin out the seedlings to ensure that they have enough space to grow.
What are forget-me-not seeds?
Forget-me-not seeds are a wonderful way to bring the charm and symbolism of these delicate flowers into your garden. Known for their vibrant blue blooms and rich meanings of love, remembrance, and loyalty, forget-me-nots (Myosotis spp.) are easy to grow from seeds, making them a favorite for gardeners of all levels.
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.
How long does it take for Forget-Me-Not seeds to germinate?
Seeds will germinate in 8 to 14 days if kept moderately moist. Thin to 10 inches (25 cm.) apart to allow room for adult plants. Plant indoor sown forget-me-not outdoors after acclimating plants to outside conditions over the course of a few days. Forget-me-nots like plenty of moisture, but not boggy soil.
How do you store forget-me-not seeds?
At the end of the growing season, you can collect forget-me-not seeds for planting next year. Simply wait until the seed heads have turned brown and the flowers have died back, then snip off the seed heads and store them in a cool, dry place.