Forget-Me-Nots, plants belonging to the Myosotis genus, are cherished for their delicate, five-petaled blue flowers with bright yellow centers. These charming flowers are often associated with enduring affection and remembrance, making them a popular choice for cottage gardens and naturalized areas. Their modest size and prolific spring blooming habit create a stunning visual effect, prompting many gardeners to seek out seeds or established plants to cultivate at home.
Choosing the Right Variety
Before purchasing, know that the term “Forget-Me-Not” covers several distinct species with different growth habits. The most commonly sold variety is the Woodland Forget-Me-Not, Myosotis sylvatica, which is typically grown as an annual or biennial. This type germinates one year, flowers the next, and is suited for well-drained garden beds and woodland edges.
For gardeners with perpetually wet areas or pond margins, the True Forget-Me-Not, Myosotis scorpioides, is the appropriate choice. This species is a true perennial that thrives in consistently moist to boggy conditions and even tolerates partial submersion in water. While the classic blue is most common, varieties are also available in rose-pink and pure white, allowing for a broader color palette in the garden.
Sources for Purchasing Seeds and Plants
Forget-Me-Nots are available as seeds or established starter plants. Seeds are widely accessible and can be found in bulk from online specialty seed companies, which often offer a greater selection of specific varieties and colors. Purchasing seeds is the most cost-effective method and allows for naturalizing large areas, though it requires more time before the plants flower.
Conversely, buying established starter plants offers a faster path to immediate garden impact, especially if you want blooms the same season. These small plants are typically found at local, independent nurseries and large retail garden centers during the spring planting rush. Starter plants eliminate the germination period and offer a head start, though the initial cost per plant is higher than a packet of seeds. Local farmers markets or horticultural society plant sales may also offer regionally adapted seedlings.
Optimal Planting Times
The time to plant Forget-Me-Nots depends on the desired blooming window and the local climate. For the most robust spring display, seeds should be sown directly outdoors in the late summer or early fall. This timing allows the plants to establish a strong root system before the ground freezes, ensuring a heavy bloom the following spring.
In regions with very cold winters, or if fall planting was missed, seeds can be sown in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable. Spring sowing may still produce flowers in the same season, though the display is generally less vigorous than fall-sown plants. Alternatively, seeds can be started indoors approximately four to ten weeks before the last expected frost date, then transplanted outside once the threat of freezing temperatures has passed.
Essential Growing Conditions
Forget-Me-Nots prefer a location that receives partial shade, especially during the intense heat of the afternoon, though they can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. The soil must be consistently moist, yet well-draining. The notable exception is the water species, M. scorpioides, which requires perpetually wet or boggy ground.
Regular watering is necessary to maintain soil moisture, as dry conditions will quickly cause the plant to struggle. Deadheading the spent flower stalks can encourage a longer blooming period during the season. If the goal is to have the plants return year after year, allow the flowers to fade and the seeds to drop, as Forget-Me-Nots readily self-seed and naturalize an area.