How To Plant Forget-Me-Not Seeds?

Do you want to plant forget-me-not seeds but don’t know how? This guide is for you! I will tell you everything you need to know about planting and growing forget-me-nots. Following these simple instructions can enjoy beautiful blooms all summer long. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

What are forget-me-nots?

The Boraginaceae family includes the tiny, densely clustered blooms known as “forget-me-nots.” instead of the standard blue with a yellow center, wide varieties of forget-me-nots have pink or white flowers.

Forget-me-not species are generally perennial plants that can reproduce both vegetatively and sexually yearly. The plant is notorious for its rapid growth, earning it the moniker “invasive species” in US regions surrounding the Great Lakes.

There are numerous types of forget-me-nots, such as early, true, water and forest. The striking blue coloration of these flowers often signifies remembrance in various parts of the world. In America, they remind our nation’s honored war veterans who were wounded in battle.

6 steps of planting forget-me-not seeds

The best results come from planting seeds that have been started indoors or replanting established outdoor plants.

1. Plant seeds in containers

You can begin growing forget-me-nots plants from seed indoors in early springtime, 4 to 10 weeks before the last light frost is expected. Or, you could wait until early summer and sow the seeds directly into your garden bed after the risk of any more frosts has passed, although keep in mind that they will not flower until next year if you choose this method.

Select a container with ample drainage holes and fill it with a seed starting mix that drains properly. Place two or three seeds on a one-inch square of earth. Make sure the seeds are in direct contact with the ground by pushing down the top layer of standard soil.

2. Keep moist until germination.

Wet soil is best to beat poor soil conditions. Water it regularly as germination and growth occur.

3. Harden off your seedlings

The process of hardening off is exposing indoor seedlings to outdoor elements over time to avoid shock. This is accomplished after the seedlings have grown a pair of true leaves.

Put your seedlings in the wind- and sun-protected outdoor location for an hour every day 10-14 days before your planned transplant date to harden them off. Increase the time your seedlings spend outside by one hour per day until they are exposed to complete sunshine.

4. Pick a location and get the soil surface ready

Select a spot outside for your seedlings whenever they are ready to be transplanted. If your region has mild summers and winters, then the full sun is best, whereas if it becomes really hot in the summer and stays about the same in the winter, then partial shade in the afternoon is best.

In the woods, garden soil is adequate for forget-me-nots, but for genuine forget-me-nots, find a location where they will get lots of water, such as beside a water feature or an irrigation canal.

Regardless of how rocky and infertile soil your garden may be, all forget-me-nots are strong enough to grow there. They prefer dirt that is high in organic matter, though.

5. Transplant

After you’ve prepared the soil before planting:

1. Transplant your seedlings into the garden.
2. If you choose this option, buy pre-grown mature plants from a garden center rather than starting from scratch.
3. Planting holes should be about as deep as their respective root balls and spaced four to six inches apart.

Remove each mature plant from its container, break up the root ball, and replant it in the ground. Forget-me-nots are annuals that don’t produce flowers until the next spring if you transplant them in the summer or early fall rather than the spring.

6. Water immediately

Water the area around your entire plants after you have planted them to settle the dirt, which will, in turn, encourage root growth.

We have also written an article about how to plant zinnia seeds.

Three varieties of forget-me-nots

Forget-me-nots, also known as hyacinths, are a popular ornament for front gardens.

1. Woodland forget-me-not

The woodland forget-me-not is the kind most likely found in home gardens because it grows well in dry soil. These flowers start to bloom as spring goes on. Forget-me-nots in woodsy areas can withstand temperatures anywhere from USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 8.

2. True forget-me-not

The true forget-me-not does best in wet soil or watery places typical of areas near rivers. Their blooming season begins later in the summer. True forget-me-nots can survive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9, as their cold tolerance is lower than that of Forest varieties.

3. Alpine forget-me-not

The alpine forget-me-not is a flowering plant native to high, rocky areas. It blooms in summer and can withstand harsh climates, making it ideal for USDA Zones 4 through 8.

Forget-me-nots: four guidelines for their upkeep

When planted in water, forget-me-nots require little upkeep:

1. Water

If you want forget-me-nots to prosper in the woods, water them regularly; whenever the top two or three inches of soil feels dry, give them a soaking. This is because they are marsh plants that do best in environments where the ground is always wet–or at least damp most of the time.

2. Weed

Check your forget-me-not bed frequently for weeds; if left unchecked, they will kill your flowers by depriving them of vital nutrients and sunlight.

3. Deadhead

To encourage regrowth and extend the flowering season in your forget-me-not bed, “deadhead” by cutting wilted or faded blooms down to the first leafed stem. You can help reseed your flower beds for next year’s growth by letting some of the forget-me-nots go to seed. This will also help you manage to seed and spread the flowers.

4. Control their growth

Forget-me-nots, once they get a foothold in your yard, will quickly reseed and take over your entire garden if you don’t keep them under control. Perennial plants will come back every year, so if you want to deadhead spent blooms to prevent forget-me-nots from spreading too far, opt for biennial or annual plants instead.

Conclusion

Plant forget-me-nots this spring to enjoy their cheerful blooms all summer long. These easy-to-grow flowers are a great addition to any garden and will quickly become one of your favorite plants. Follow these simple guidelines for planting and caring for forget-me-nots, and you’ll be able to enjoy their beauty for years to come!

Moreover, you should also read our previous article about how to plant lavender seeds in a pot.

Frequently asked questions – FAQs

1. Are forget-me-nots easy to grow from seed?

For forget-me-nots to bloom in the same year, they must be planted inside eight to ten weeks before the final frost. It’s best to plant seeds in temperate regions during fall to have time to grow and blossom by spring. As long as you give them commercial soil, consistent access to water, and some shade, growing forget-me-nots is not complicated.

2. Where is the best place to plant forget-me-nots?

Find a shady spot or near full shade to plant seeds that will be protected from the sun’s heat. If you’re worried about late spring frosts damaging your healthiest plants, opt to plant them indoors. By doing this, your flowers will bloom faster.

3. Will forget-me-nots come back every year?

Most forget-me-not species are perennials that can grow both vegetatively and sexually from year to year. The plant is notorious for its rapid reproduction; it’s been labeled an invasive species in the United States, particularly in regions surrounding the Great Lakes.

4. What do you do with forget-me-nots after flowering?

Remember to pinch off the wasted blooms of forget-me-nots after they’ve finished blooming. Before they have a chance to self-seed, remove forget-me-nots by the roots or cut off their flower heads.

5. What month do you plant forget-me-nots?

Plant forget-me-not seeds outdoors in May or June, or start them indoors in May, June, or September. If growing in a protected area, sprinkle the seeds and compost them. It’s best to use a heated propagator or a warm windowsill. After pricking out the seedlings, transplant them into their containers when they are about a foot tall.