Forget-me-nots are a perfect choice for any outdoor garden because of their captivating appearance and low care requirements.
Sky blue blossoms are a sort of trademark of these plants but some varieties come in different hues, such as pink, white, and purple.
As an added bonus, these plants self-seed, which means your garden will be adorned with a colorful flower carpet in no time.
In this article, I’ll show you how to plant and grow forget-me-nots for an abundance of magnificent blooms.
Before we move on, here’s an overview of the basic needs of forget-me-nots.
Ideal Location
After you buy forget-me-nots seeds, you should first select a suitable location in your garden.
These plants can tolerate full sun but if you live in warmer climates, I highly recommend planting your forget-me-nots in partial shade.
In southern climates, these plants do best when planted in a spot that receives full sun in the morning and ample sun in the afternoon.
Those who live in northern climates can grow forget-me-nots in full sun.
Before sowing the forget-me-nots seeds in the ground, consult with local authorities because this species is considered invasive in some regions. (1)
Best Soil Type
These colorful flowering plants prefer moist soil types but they must have good drainage. Any soil pH will work well but the ground should be fertile for healthy development.
When planting forget-me-not seeds, prepare the soil by raking it carefully until smooth. Broadcast the seeds in the midsummer, water them sparingly, and maintain moisture as they develop further.
Watering Schedule
One of the essential things to know about forget-me-nots is that they don’t tolerate drought at all.
You’ll have healthy and flourishing plants if you keep the soil consistently moist. If unsure, stick your finger approximately an inch below the soil line; if it feels dry, proceed with watering.
Wilting and droopy foliage are signs that your forget-me-nots lack water. Please don’t wait for this to occur because it can have an adverse effect on blooming.
You should pay extra attention to soil moisture during hot summer days, especially if your forget-me-nots receive a lot of light.
Temperature And Humidity
These blue-flowered plants don’t like high temperatures and they’ll thrive best if the temperature range is from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Anything higher than 75 degrees may affect the quality and quantity of blooms. But this doesn’t mean you can’t grow forget-me-nots if you live in warmer climates. Simply keep them in partial shade during the summer and you’re good to go.
When it comes to humidity, forget-me-nots can grow well in regions with high humidity but their susceptibility to diseases increases.
Fertilizing Schedule
One of the things I especially like about forget-me-nots is their low feeding requirements. If you have homemade compost, add a layer to the planting site and you’ll get amazing results.
As far as store-bought fertilizers are concerned, all-purpose fertilizers work best and you should apply them once a year. Follow the instructions written on the label and you’ll give your forget-me-nots an excellent nutrient boost.
Potting And Repotting
If you live in regions where these plants are invasive or you have a smaller garden, you can grow your forget-me-nots in containers.
You should select a larger container to ensure more space for the roots to develop healthily. Repotting is typically done every 2-3 years, but you can wait until your forget-me-nots overgrow their container.
You should repot these plants in either early spring or fall to avoid stress. Make sure the plant hasn’t entered or is still in the blooming growth stage.
Common Issues
Forget-me-not plants aren’t prone to pests or diseases if you provide them with the right conditions. Aphids love feeding on forget-me-nots but insecticidal soap or neem oil can help you fix this problem.
The most common problem with forget-me-nots is uncontrolled spreading in gardens. If you want to avoid this, make sure to deadhead blossoms regularly to prevent them from going into seeds.
That’s it! If you want to enrich your garden with colorful blooms, forget-me-nots are a perfect choice! Simply follow our guidelines to get the most out of these plants!
References
1. true forget-me-not, Myosotis scorpioides Lamiales: Boraginaceae. (n.d.).