Planting Information for Forget Me Nots
- A hardy perennial, the forget-me-not will thrive under a wide range of temperatures and climatic conditions. Easily grown in gardens as far north as Minnesota and as far south as Texas, forget-me-nots are tolerant of clay or poorly drained soils, sloped settings and shady landscapes.
- The ideal planting site for forget-me-nots is in partial shade; however, this easy-to-grow perennial will readily adapt to any available light. However, if the plant is sited in full sun, it must be watered regularly as the soil must remain moist to ensure healthy plant growth. These plants do best in wet conditions and are ideal for planting alongside streams or in boggy areas of the yard.
- Plant container-grown forget-me-nots in spring, spacing the plants approximately 12 inches apart. To remove the plant from its container, first water it, then turn it upside down, grabbing the plant near the base to catch it as it slides out. Place the forget-me-not in a hole that is slightly larger than the container, then refill the hole and firm the soil around the stems of the plant. Set forget-me-not seeds 4 to 5 inches apart, then bury them beneath ¼ inch of loose topsoil.
- Water the forget-me-nots immediately after planting. Sprinkle water over seeded areas, until the soil is evenly moist, taking care not to dislodge the seeds in the process. Flood transplants with lukewarm water to help encourage the development of new roots. Inspect the soil at the planting site daily, adding water as needed to maintain moisture; once the plants show clear signs of growth, add water weekly when rainfall is scarce. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of established plants. This will help the soil retain moisture, prevent the growth of competitive weeds, and insulate the fragile roots.