How to Sow and Grow Mixed Forget-Me-Not Seeds in the UK

Mixed Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis alpestris) are a delightful addition to UK gardens, with their iconic blooms in shades of blue, white, and pink. These hardy perennials are perfect for ground cover, borders, or containers, and they self-seed naturally, ensuring vibrant blooms return each year. Easy to grow and ideal for beginner and experienced gardeners, Forget-Me-Nots also attract bees and butterflies, contributing to your garden’s biodiversity.

Why Grow Mixed Forget-Me-Nots?

• Height and Spread: 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) tall with a spread of 20–30 cm (8–12 inches), ideal for dense coverage.
• Flowering Season: Blooms from spring to early summer, transitioning beautifully into warmer months.
• Hardiness: Can survive UK winters and naturally re-emerge in spring.
• Wildlife-Friendly: A magnet for bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sowing Forget-Me-Not Seeds

• Indoors: February to April to get a head start on the growing season.
• Outdoors: April to May or August to September for blooms the following spring.
• Temperature Requirements: Maintain a soil temperature of 15–21°C (59–70°F) for successful germination. Wait until the soil warms up for outdoor sowing.
• Soil Requirements: Forget-Me-Nots thrive in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. They can tolerate slightly sandy or clay soils.
• Location: Choose a spot with full sun or partial shade. They flower most abundantly in sunnier areas but tolerate light shade.

How to Sow Forget-Me-Not Seeds

Indoors

1. Fill seed trays or small pots with fine seed compost.
2. Sow seeds 3 mm deep in shallow drills and cover lightly with compost or vermiculite.
3. Mist the soil gently to maintain moisture and place in a warm, bright spot.

Outdoors

1. Loosen the soil with a fork and remove clumps or debris.
2. Scatter seeds thinly and rake them in lightly.
3. Water gently to settle the seeds.
4. Germination Period: Seeds typically germinate within 7–14 days. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during this period.
5. Transplanting: Once seedlings have two true leaves, move them to their final growing location.
6. Spacing: Space plants 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) apart to prevent overcrowding.

Caring for Forget-Me-Not Plants

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilisation: Low-maintenance plants rarely need extra feeding, but a balanced fertiliser in early spring promotes healthy growth.
• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to prolong blooming. Allow some to go to seed for natural self-seeding.
• Winter Care: Forget-Me-Nots will die back in winter but don’t require protection unless in exposed locations. Apply light mulch in harsher areas.

Harvesting Forget-Me-Nots

• Cut Flowers: Harvest fully open flowers for vases or pressed flower crafts.
• Seed Collection: Allow flowers to mature and dry on the plant, then collect seeds for future planting.

Common Questions About Growing Forget-Me-Nots in the UK

• Do Forget-Me-Nots come back every year? Yes, they are hardy perennials and self-seed naturally, ensuring blooms return each spring.
• Can Forget-Me-Nots grow in shade? Yes, they tolerate partial shade but flower most abundantly in full sun or light shade.
• How do I prevent Forget-Me-Nots from taking over my garden? To control their spread, deadhead flowers before they set seed. Alternatively, designate a specific area for naturalised growth.

By following this guide, you’ll enjoy the charm of Mixed Forget-Me-Nots throughout your garden year after year. Their ability to self-seed, low maintenance needs, and stunning flowers make them a perfect choice for creating colourful, wildlife-friendly gardens in the UK.

Frequently Bought Together