Forget me nots (Myosotis sylvatica) are a beautiful and unique flower that grows in cooler climates. The plants produce delicate blue flowers, often with yellow centers, which bloom from spring through early summer. Learn how to plant forget me not seeds for a simple and rewarding experience!
Forget me nots are a beloved, easily recognizable flower that is common in gardens and wild areas across the world. The scientific name for this beautiful blue flower is Myosotis sylvatica.
These lovely flowers can be propagated from seed or cuttings, making them easy to grow and share with friends and family. Keep reading for some great tips on how to plant forget me not seeds!
What are Forget Me Nots?
Forget me not, (Myosotis sylvatica/genus myosotis), are small, blue blossoms with five petals that have a sweet scent and often grow in clusters. They are loved for their five-petaled flowers in blue, pink, and white with a yellow eye in the center.
They tend to bloom in the spring and summer months, although they can vary depending on your climate. These lovely flowers prefer cooler temperatures and partial shade but can tolerate full sun if given adequate water.
They look great growing in cottage gardens and woodland gardens, or other areas that prefer shade-loving plants with flowers.
Where to Plant Forget Me Nots
When planning where to plant forget me nots, it is important to consider the climate and available sunlight. They do best in cooler climates with partial sun, but can also tolerate full sun if given adequate water.
If planting in warmer areas, they should be placed in an area that will receive regular afternoon shade to prevent them from drying out too quickly.
Forget me nots thrive in moist soils with good drainage, so it is important to choose a spot that gets adequate water to keep the flowers healthy and blooming all season.
Best Time to Plant Forget Me Nots
The best time to plant forget me not flower seeds is in the spring when the temperatures start to warm up. You can enjoy the bright blue flowers blooming in late summer and early fall.
If planting from seed or cuttings, this should be done several weeks before the last frost for your area so that they have enough time to establish themselves before the growing season begins.
Growing Forget Me Nots From Seed Packets
Forget me nots can easily be grown from seed packets bought at your local garden center or online. Sow seeds in the spring, after any danger of frost has passed.
Plant the seed about ¼ inch deep and water regularly until they have germinated (usually around 10 – 14 days). Once they start to flower, you can transplant them into your desired location and begin enjoying their sweet scent!
Type of Soil to Use
When planting forget me nots, it is important to choose the right soil for your location. If you are growing them in flower beds or small pots, it is best to use a well-drained soil with a sandy/loamy mix that provides adequate nutrients.
When planting in larger containers, you can also add plenty of organic matter to provide additional nutrition. Additionally, if you live in an area with alkaline soil, you can add some sulfur or lime to help balance the pH levels.
Propagating Forget Me Nots
Propagating forget me nots is an easy and cost-effective way to add them to your garden. Cuttings can be taken from existing plants in the summer months when the flowers are in full bloom.
The cuttings should be at least four inches long and should have several leaves on them. Place the cuttings into a pot with moist soil and keep them in a warm, sunny location until they take root (usually around 2-3 weeks).
Once the cuttings have taken root, you can move them to their desired location to enjoy in your garden.
Pests and Diseases
Forget me nots are relatively resistant to pests and diseases but can be prone to powdery mildew and leaf spot if exposed to too much moisture. To prevent mildew and other fungal diseases, it’s important to water the flowers frequently but not over-water them.
Aphids can occasionally be an issue if the flowers are planted in overly dry areas. If aphids become a problem, you can treat the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.
Most Common Problem
One of the most common problems when growing forget me nots is under-watering. These plants prefer moist soils and can quickly suffer from dry conditions if they don’t get enough water.
To make sure the flowers stay healthy, it’s important to water them frequently, especially in warm and dry climates. Watering in the morning or evening helps keep the flowers cool and moist throughout the day.
Forget Me Not Perennial Variety
There are several varieties of forget me nots gardeners can consider for their gardens.
Most popular is the forget me not common, or Myosotis sylvatica. It has a single layer of blue flowers with yellow centers and blooms in the early spring to summer months.
Other varieties include ‘Victoria Blue’ which has small petals, ‘Victoria Pink’ which has pink petals, and ‘Alba’ which has white flowers. All of these varieties prefer partial shade and moist soils but can also tolerate full sun with adequate water.
With the right care, these beautiful flowers will provide a stunning addition to any garden!
Forget Me Nots and Rock Gardens
Forget me nots make a great addition to rock gardens, particularly in cooler climates. When planting forget me nots in rock gardens, it is important to choose an area with well-draining soil and that receives partial shade or morning sun.
You want wet soil, but not too moist. With a bit of care and attention, you can enjoy these beautiful blue flowers every spring and summer.
No matter how you choose to use forget me nots, these lovely little plants will provide a stunning addition to any garden!
Best Tips on Growing Forget Me Nots
Forget me nots are an easy-to-grow flower that is sure to bring a touch of beauty and color to your garden. To ensure they thrive, here are some best tips on growing forget me nots:
- Choose the right location – These flowers do best in cooler climates with partial shade or morning sun. If you live in a warmer climate, try to choose an area that will get some afternoon shade to prevent them from drying out quickly.
- Water regularly – Forget me nots prefer moist soils and should be watered frequently, especially during dry periods. To help them retain moisture, mulch around the plants or use pebbles in containers to help keep the soil cooler and more evenly moist.
- Fertilize sparingly – These flowers don’t require a lot of fertilizer and should only be fed once or twice during the growing season with a general-purpose fertilizer.
- Prune away spent blooms – Deadheading will help keep your forget me nots looking their best and encourage more flower production throughout the season.
- Divide and propagate – If your forget me nots are getting overcrowded, you can divide them every few years for healthier plants or take cuttings to create new plants.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your forget me nots will thrive and give you plenty of beautiful blooms each season!
How to Plant Forget Me Not Seeds Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about how to plant forget me not seeds.
Is forget me not easy to grow from seed?
Yes, forget me nots are relatively easy to grow from seed. Plant the seeds in the spring about ¼ inch deep and water regularly until they have germinated (usually around 10 – 14 days).
How long does it take for forget me nots to grow from seed?
It usually takes about 10 – 14 days from the time of planting for forget me nots to germinate. Once they start to flower (in about a year), you can transplant them into your desired location and begin enjoying their sweet scent!
What time of the year do you plant forget me nots?
Forget me nots should be planted in the spring, after any danger of frost has passed. Planting them in the late spring or early summer will give them plenty of time to get established before winter sets in as well.
Can you plant forget me nots in the fall?
Yes, you can plant forget me nots in the fall. However, they may not have enough time to establish before cold temperatures arrive, so it is best to wait until the spring for planting.
How to Plant Forget Me Not Seeds
While forget me nots are relatively easy to grow, they require a bit of extra attention when it comes to watering. With a bit of care and patience, you can enjoy these lovely blue flowers in your garden all season long!
To best learn how to plant forget me not seeds, purchase your seeds and get growing today!