Forget-me-nots are a cute, old-fashioned flower that brings a happy blue life to gardens that are just waking up from their winter sleep. 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. If you want to move the plants to a new area, know when to plant forget-me-nots to assure success with these simple plants.
Forget-me-nots are delicate yet hardy flowers that add charm to any garden. With their bright blue blossoms and yellow centers, they make a beautiful addition in late spring and early summer. Forget-me-nots can be grown as annuals or perennials, and are very easy to grow from seed.
When to Plant Forget-Me-Not Seeds
The best time to sow forget-me-not seeds depends on whether you want to plant them indoors or directly outdoors.
Direct Sowing Outdoors
If sowing seeds directly in the garden, the ideal time is in late spring after the last frost This is generally May or June for most regions. You can continue sowing forget-me-not seeds until early fall. Sowing in spring will provide flowers within a couple months, while fall-sown seeds will bloom the following year
Starting Indoors
For earlier blooms, start forget-me-not seeds indoors in late spring. Sow seeds indoors in May, June or September, about 10-12 weeks before transplanting outside after the last spring frost. September sowings will overwinter indoors and be moved outdoors the following spring.
How to Plant Forget-Me-Not Seeds Outdoors
Planting forget-me-not seeds directly in the garden is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps
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Choose a site with partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Amend soil with compost if needed.
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Rake soil lightly to create a smooth seedbed
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Sow seeds directly on top of the soil. Space seeds about 6-12 inches apart.
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Cover seeds very lightly with soil, no more than 1/8 inch deep.
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Gently water to moisten soil after planting.
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Keep soil moist until seeds germinate in 1-2 weeks.
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Thin seedlings to 10-12 inches apart once they reach 2-4 inches tall.
How to Start Forget-Me-Not Seeds Indoors
You can get a head start on the season by starting forget-me-not seeds indoors. Here’s how:
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Fill seed starting flats or pots with moist seed starting mix. Level and firm the soil.
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Sprinkle seeds evenly over the soil surface.
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Cover seeds lightly with a thin layer of seed starting mix or vermiculite.
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Mist gently to wet soil.
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Cover trays with plastic wrap or place in a propagator to retain moisture.
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Keep soil moist and provide bright light. Germination takes 7-14 days at 65-70°F.
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Once seedlings emerge, remove any coverings and provide plenty of light.
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Transplant seedlings to larger pots when roots fill starting cells.
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Harden off plants for 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors after last frost.
How to Care for Forget-Me-Nots
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Keep soil moist but not soggy. Water whenever top inch of soil is dry.
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Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Pinch back tips to encourage bushy growth. Stop pinching in mid summer.
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Remove spent blossoms to prolong flowering. Allow some flowers to go to seed for self-sowing.
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Cut plants back to ground after flowering. Perennials will resprout the following spring.
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Divide overcrowded perennial clumps every 2-3 years in spring or fall.
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Forget-me-nots have few issues, but can get powdery mildew. Avoid wet foliage and provide good airflow.
Tips for Growing Forget-Me-Nots
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Sow successive batches of seeds every 2-3 weeks for prolonged bloom.
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Interplant forget-me-nots with spring bulbs and other early bloomers.
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Self-sown seedlings can be transplanted to fill gaps or start new planting areas.
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Annual types are great for containers and window boxes. Keep soil moist.
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Let some flowers go to seed for self-sowing new generations of forget-me-nots.
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Give forget-me-nots part shade in hot summer climates. Provide afternoon shade.
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Perennials may not bloom until second year as they require a cold period to flower.
With their versatile growing habits and ability to self-sow, forget-me-nots are one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers you can grow from seed. A few simple planting and care tips will keep these cheery blue beauties flourishing in your garden for years to come.
Tips on Forget-Me-Not Seed Planting
When planting forget-me-nots, the best way to make sure they do well is to choose the right spot and improve the soil. Plant seeds in well-worked soil with good drainage and lots of organic matter for the fastest and healthiest growth.
When to Plant Forget-Me-Nots
Who doesn’t like forget-me-nots? Sure, they’re not very pretty when they die back after blooming, but while they’re alive, they’re simple, cute, and easy to take care of. Forget-me-nots are very hardy little plants that die back in winter but will re-sprout in spring.
Plants that are at least a year old will flower the next spring. It’s so easy to grow these little blue flowers that you can plant them almost anywhere at any time and see flowers in about a year and a half. Forget-me-nots are usually biennial, which means they flower and die in the second year. This is when they set seed too, which they wantonly release everywhere.
Once you have forget-me-nots in your garden, it is rarely necessary to plant seed. Over the winter, you can leave the little plants where they are and then move them somewhere else in early spring. If you want to start some plants for the first time, seeding them is easy.
If you want flowers the next year, the best time to plant forget-me-not seeds is from spring to August. Early spring seeded plants may produce flowers by fall. If you are willing to wait a season for blooms, sow the seeds in fall. The plants will produce flowers a year from the next spring.
Quick Guide on How to Plant Forget-Me-Not Seeds
FAQ
Will forget-me-nots come back every year?
Is forget-me-not a perennial or annual?
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.
Can you grow Forget-Me-Nots from seed?
Forget-me-nots are easy-to-grow plants requiring little maintenance. Commonly grown from seed, forget-me-nots are often treated as biennials or short-lived perennials. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden in the summer or early fall for early-spring blooms. Forget-me-nots can be grown in containers also.
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 is a forget-me-not seed?
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.