Forget-me-not flowers belong to the genus Myosotis which is part of the Boraginaceae family.
The English term is adapted from the German word, Vergissmeinnicht, which means forget-me-not in English.
The delicate blooms are also noted in literature, featuring in the works of renowned poets, novelists, and writers like Thoreau and Tolkien.
Although there are several cultivars of the forget-me-not flowers, the one most people are familiar with is the one that features vivid blue petals. Other cultivars can be pink or white, but blue is generally more popular.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide on how to cultivate forget-me-nots.
Growing Conditions for Forget-Me-Not
Forget-me-not flowers can be found across broad ecological ranges from sea level up to roughly 4000m altitude.
Most garden varieties, however, derive from the temperate woodlands and evergreen forests of the northern hemisphere. Myosotis alpestris, commonly known as the alpine forget-me-not, is a well-known example.
Many cultivars thrive in USDA gardening zones 3 to 8. Unfortunately, true forget-me-not flowers prefer warmer climates and thrive best between zones 5 and 9.
In addition to the USDA zones, the following conditions will impact the cultivation of forget-me-nots:
- Light: Cultivation of forget-me-not blooms should occur in partial shade at the southernmost fringe of their range, while full sun exposure is needed further north. In hot summer regions, forget-me-nots should be grown where they receive ample sunlight in the mornings and shade in the afternoons.
- Soil: These plants require moist, nutrient-rich soil with good drainage and ample organic matter, including 2-3 inches of well-aged compost, manure, or peat moss. Furthermore, the soil pH needs to fall between 5.6 and 7.
- Water: Like many flowering plants, forget-me-nots need plenty of water, but specifically, they need to be hydrated sufficiently. Forget-me-nots are generally located near rivers or bodies of water and thrive in moist conditions.
Types of Forget Me Not
There are two primary types of forget-me-not. Both species are quite alike, but they differ slightly in growing conditions and blooming periods.
Here’s a table summarizing the distinctions between the two:
| True Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) | Woodland Forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica) | |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones | Zones 5 to 9 | Zones 3 to 8 |
| Height | 6 to 12 inches | 6 to 12 inches |
| Spread | 9 to 12 inches | 6 to 9 inches |
| Bloom Time | June to August | April to May |
| Bloom Description | Sky blue with a yellow center | Blue with yellow, or white eyes |
How to Plant Forget Me Not Flowers
Location is the number one factor that will determine the success of your flowers. These flowers have specific environmental requirements that need to be met for optimal growth.
Most Myosotis cultivars stem from either:
- True forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) – which are marsh or water-loving plants. They thrive in moist ditches and shallow watercourses. These plants do best in garden spots that receive full sun to partial shade and at pond margins.
- The woodland forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica) – also called “blue ball.” It thrives in humid woodlands, highland meadows, and requires well-drained soils, partial shade, and sheltered positions.
How to Start Forget-Me-Nots
From early spring, you can surface sow forget-me-not seeds on moist, well-drained seed starter soil in trays or small pots of 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
Trays should be kept in a warm environment at 65 to 72℉. Moisture content in the growing media should be checked regularly.
Germination happens in about 10 to 14 days, followed by the forget-me-not flowering about a year later.
When seedlings have one true leaf pair, begin thinning. Remember that seedlings first produce “seed leaves.” Wait for a second leaf flush, as those will be the true leaves.
Once manageable and with a robust root system, transplant the young seedlings to your flower beds.
Alternatively, sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date.
To do this, rake the garden into fine crumb and sow in straight lines. This makes identifying and removing weeds easier.
Can Forget-Me-Nots Grow In Pots?
Forget-me-not flowers are wonderful for use as potted plants and require minimal maintenance. These flowers integrate well into pots as long as you provide the conditions necessary for their growth.
Your choice of planter will influence the development of your flowers. For example, forget-me-nots thrive in plastic pots better than ceramic and clay pots because the latter retain moisture.
These plants require air circulation as well. They should be placed in 12-inch planters as individual plants with sufficient drainage holes to avoid water accumulation.
Moderately fertile and sparse soil is forget-me-not’s weakest setting. A potting mix consisting of 1 part compost and 1 part coarse sand will provide them decent drainage along with essential nutrients, outperforming poorly fertile soil.
Taking Care of Forget Me Nots
To promote new blooms and control reseeding, remove spent flowers and foliage, pinching them at the stems.
In late summer, most plants start to wilt. At this point, forget-me-nots should be removed from the garden, with the stalk and roots pulled up. These flowers have a dual propagation strategy: seeding and spreading through stolons, which root at the leaf nodes.
The plant is aggressive and invasive in nature, which makes this problematic. In fact, some regions of the United States classify it as an invasive species.
Fertilization for forget-me-not plants is limited to once a month and only if the foliage exhibits signs of yellowing or wilting.
To achieve this, blend one teaspoon of 5-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer with one gallon of water. Substitute one watering session with the mixed fertilizer solution at the plant’s normal watering volume.
Water your forget-me-not plants when the top 3 inches of soil is dry. Checking the dryness by inserting a finger into the soil will give a good indication of the moisture level.
To achieve moist soil, deep watering is needed so that the water can drip from the container’s drainage holes. During winter dormancy, reduce this watering schedule to once or twice per month.
Do Forget Me Nots Come Back Every Year?
Yes, the perennial type of forget-me-not do come back in the spr. They reseed or sprout from underground roots for new growth.
Yet there exist biennial and annual varieties, which do not return every year.