Forget Me Not Flower Seeds - French Woodlands - Myosotis Sylvatica

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

USDA Zones 3-8 - Forget-Me-Nots grow as hardy biennials or short-lived perennials across these zones. They readily self-seed to ensure their return each spring, performing like a reliable perennial.

Best Performance in Zones 4-8 where they experience a sufficient cold period. In these zones, they establish foliage in the first year and produce a spectacular bloom display the following spring.

Northern Zones (3-4) - Extremely reliable in these colder climates. Sow seeds in late spring or summer for blooms the following year. They will happily self-seed and perennialize in a protected location.

Hot Climate Zones (South of Zone 8) - Not recommended for hot, humid climates as they do not tolerate high heat. In these areas, they can be grown as a cool-season annual, planted in the fall for winter or early spring blooms.

Soil Temperature - Germination occurs best when soil temperatures are between 65-70 degrees F.

Growing Season - As a biennial, it establishes its root system and foliage in the first year and flowers in the second. Once established, the self-sown seedlings create an annual display, blooming from mid-spring to early summer.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
For blooms the following year, direct sow seeds outdoors in late spring, summer, or early fall. To get a jump start, seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. In zones where they are grown as a cool-season annual (9+), plant in the fall.

Where to Plant:
Choose a location with partial shade, though they can tolerate full sun in cooler climates if the soil remains consistently moist. They thrive in rich, moist, and well-draining soil. Forget-Me-Nots are perfect for woodland settings, shaded borders, rock gardens, and massed as a groundcover beneath taller plants.

How to Plant:

Direct Sow: Clear the area of weeds and loosen the soil. Scatter seeds over the surface and gently rake them in, or lightly press them into the soil. These seeds require light to germinate, so cover with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil.

Indoor Start: Sow seeds in trays filled with seed-starting mix, lightly covering them. Keep the soil moist and at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F. Seedlings will emerge in 8-14 days.

Spacing: Once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them or space them to be about 6-10 inches apart.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

Fertilizing: Forget-Me-Nots do not typically require fertilizer. If your soil is very poor, a light application of compost in the spring is sufficient.

Lifecycle: This plant is a biennial, meaning it grows foliage in its first year and flowers, sets seed, and dies in its second. However, it self-seeds so proficiently that new plants will continually emerge each year, creating a permanent and ever-expanding patch. You can deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming slightly, but leave some to ensure a new crop of flowers for the following spring.