Forget-Me-Not Growing Guide
Growing Forget-Me-Not is easier than you think. This guide walks you through everything you need — from planting your first seed to harvesting.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Easy
Category
Flower
Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy
Cold Hardiness
Survives to -29°C
Plant Family
Boraginaceae
Growing Season
Cool Season
Plant Lifecycle
Biennial
Also grows well as
How to Start It
★ Recommended for beginners
Scatter seed in early summer for flowers the following spring; thereafter it self-sows reliably and needs no further sowing.
A charming biennial with hazes of tiny blue spring flowers, classic under tulips and in shady corners. Sow it once and it self-seeds so prolifically it returns every year without any help (pull out where you don't want it). It flowers in its second spring, then sets seed and dies. Happy in sun or part shade and tolerant of most soils — about as low-effort as flowers get.
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
30 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
30 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Forget-Me-Not?
Your planting dates depend on your local climate. Sign up and add your location to unlock personalized dates.
Your Forget-Me-Not Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Forget-Me-Not's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 10–14 days
Growing Tips
- 1Forget-Me-Nots thrive in partial to full shade, so choose a spot that doesn't get too much direct sunlight.
- 2Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as they prefer well-drained soil.
- 3Space the plants about 6 to 12 inches apart to allow for good air circulation, which helps prevent mildew.
- 4Regularly check for pests like aphids and use insecticidal soap if needed.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~90
Days to Maturity
30 cm
Mature Height
30 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
45 days
When to Pick
Harvest blooms when fully open
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest Forget-Me-Not flowers when they are fully open and vibrant in color.
- 2Use sharp scissors to cut the stems just above a leaf node to encourage new growth, taking care not to damage the main plant.
- 3Avoid pulling the plant to prevent uprooting or harming the roots.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your Forget-Me-Not plant is simple and rewarding, even for new growers! Once the flowers have faded, look for small seed pods forming where the blooms were—wait until these pods turn brown and dry on the plant. Gently shake or tap the pods over a container to collect the tiny seeds. Let the seeds air dry for a few days, then store them in a labeled envelope or small jar in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant again. With just a little care, you’ll have your own homegrown Forget-Me-Nots year after year!
Seed Production
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