Forget Me Not Seeds - (Myosotis Alpestris)

Forget-Me-Not Seeds – Indigo Blue Flowers

Grow delicate spring colour with forget-me-not seeds. These compact biennial flowers produce clusters of rich indigo-blue blooms with small contrasting centres, creating the classic appearance associated with the forget-me-not flower.

Forget-me-nots are especially well suited to woodland gardens, rock gardens, shaded borders, cottage-style plantings, and moist areas where many sun-loving annual flowers may struggle. The low-growing plants can also be used along pathways, beneath taller spring flowers, or near bulbs such as daffodils and tulips.

Although each individual plant follows a biennial life cycle, forget-me-nots can reseed readily when some flowers are allowed to mature. Once established, new seedlings may appear in later seasons and gradually create a naturalized display.

Each packet contains approximately 300 seeds. Browse additional varieties in our Forget-Me-Not Seeds collection or explore all Flower Seeds available from Circle Farms.

Forget-Me-Not Growing Information

What Is a Forget-Me-Not Flower?

The forget-me-not is a low-growing flower in the borage family. Its small blue blooms are carried in clusters above soft green foliage, producing a gentle carpet of colour during spring and early summer.

Forget-me-nots are commonly treated as biennials. During the first season, the plant generally establishes leaves and roots. Flowering usually follows in the next suitable growing season, after which the plant may produce seed.

The flowers combine well with spring bulbs, columbine, bleeding heart, and other plants suited to cool or partially shaded garden areas. Their compact height makes them particularly useful near the front of flower beds.

How to Grow Forget-Me-Nots From Seed

Forget-me-not seeds require light to germinate, so they should be surface sown rather than deeply buried. Prepare a fine, loose seedbed and scatter the seeds over the surface. Press them gently into the soil to improve contact, but do not cover them with a thick layer of soil.

Keep the planting area consistently moist while the seeds germinate. Under suitable conditions, seedlings should begin appearing in approximately 10–14 days.

Once the seedlings develop true leaves, thin crowded plants to provide room for airflow and mature growth. Small seedlings can be moved carefully while conditions remain cool and moist.

For additional information about forget-me-not growth and garden placement, visit the Clemson University Extension forget-me-not guide or the Colorado State University Extension guide to rock-garden plants.

Starting Forget-Me-Not Seeds Indoors

Start seeds indoors approximately 8–10 weeks before you intend to transplant them. Fill trays or small containers with moist seed-starting mix and scatter the seeds across the surface.

Press the seeds lightly into the mix without covering them completely. Place the containers in a bright location and maintain even moisture. After germination, provide strong light and cooler growing conditions to encourage compact seedlings.

Harden the plants off before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over approximately one week.

Direct Sowing Forget-Me-Nots

Forget-me-nots can be direct sown outdoors during late spring or early summer. Choose a location where the soil remains moderately moist and where the seedlings will be protected from intense afternoon heat.

Remove weeds, loosen the surface, scatter the seeds, and gently press them into place. Water with a fine spray so the small seeds are not washed away.

Do Forget-Me-Nots Prefer Sun or Shade?

Forget-me-nots perform especially well in part shade. Morning sunlight followed by afternoon shade can provide enough light for flowering while protecting the plants from hot, dry conditions.

In cool Canadian climates, they may tolerate full sun when the soil remains consistently moist. In warmer or exposed locations, too much afternoon sun can cause the soil to dry quickly and shorten the flowering period.

Gardeners looking for additional flowers suited to limited sunlight can explore our Part-Sun Plants collection.

Soil and Water Requirements

Plant forget-me-nots in moist, well-draining soil. The soil should hold enough moisture to support the shallow roots without remaining permanently waterlogged.

Water regularly during dry periods, especially while seedlings are becoming established. A light layer of organic mulch can help conserve moisture and reduce competition from weeds.

Forget-me-nots generally do not require heavy feeding. Adding compost before planting is often sufficient in ordinary garden soil. Excess fertilizer can encourage foliage growth without improving the flower display.

Will Forget-Me-Nots Come Back Every Year?

Forget-me-nots are biennials rather than true long-lived perennials. An individual plant does not necessarily return and flower indefinitely from the same roots.

However, forget-me-nots commonly reseed. If some faded flowers are left on the plants, mature seeds may fall into the surrounding soil and produce a new generation. This can make the planting appear to return year after year once it becomes established.

Remove unwanted seedlings if the plants begin spreading beyond their intended area. To encourage reseeding, avoid removing every flower immediately after it fades.

Forget-Me-Nots in Containers

Forget-me-nots can grow in pots, window boxes, and mixed spring containers. Use a container with drainage holes and a potting mix that retains moisture without becoming saturated.

Place the container in morning sun or part shade and check the soil regularly. Containers can dry more quickly than garden beds, particularly during sunny or windy weather.

Forget-me-nots pair well with spring bulbs and other compact flowers. Their blue blooms can soften the edges of mixed containers and fill gaps between taller plants.

Quick Planting Instructions

• Start indoors 8–10 weeks before transplanting or direct sow in late spring.
• Surface sow because the seeds require light to germinate.
• Press the seeds gently into moist soil.
• Do not cover them with a thick layer of soil.
• Maintain consistent moisture during germination.
• Expect seedlings in approximately 10–14 days.
• Plant in part shade or full sun in cooler conditions.
• Keep the soil moist but well drained.
• Allow selected flowers to form seed for naturalized plantings.

Forget-Me-Not FAQs

Are forget-me-nots annuals or perennials?

These forget-me-nots are biennials. They generally establish during one season and flower during the next, but their ability to self-seed can make them appear perennial.

When do forget-me-nots bloom?

Forget-me-nots commonly bloom in spring and early summer. Timing varies with climate, planting date, and whether the plants were established during the previous season.

Do forget-me-not seeds need to be covered?

No. Surface sow the seeds and press them lightly into the soil because they benefit from light during germination.

Can forget-me-nots grow in shade?

Yes. Part shade is ideal, particularly in areas with warm afternoon temperatures. They can tolerate more sunlight in cool climates when moisture is available.

Are forget-me-nots suitable for rock gardens?

Yes. Their compact height and blue flowers make them suitable for moist rock gardens, border edges, and spaces between larger plants.

Can forget-me-nots be used as cut flowers?

Yes. Their small clustered flowers can be used as a delicate filler in small spring bouquets and informal arrangements.

Explore More Blue and Cottage-Garden Flowers

Compare this classic variety with Chinese Forget-Me-Not Firmament, or explore additional blue blooms in our Blue Flower Seeds collection.

Browse all Forget-Me-Not Seeds or discover more annual and perennial varieties in our complete Flower Seeds collection.