How to Grow and Care for Forget Me Nots
Forget Me Nots are a species of flowering plants that belong to the Boraginaceae family. They are native to Europe and Asia and have become an extremely popular plant to grow in borders and containers, bursting into a bed of gorgeous small flowers early in the Spring season.
These delicate and beautiful flowers have become popular due to their stunning blue, pink, and white hues, as well as their ability to bloom continuously from spring to fall. In this blog post, we will go over the steps for growing and caring for Forget Me Nots, so that you can enjoy their beauty in your garden for years to come.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
The first step to growing Forget Me Nots is to choose the right location for them. These plants prefer full sun to partial shade, but they can tolerate some shade if you have no choice in your planting spot!
Keep in mind that if you grow Forget Me Nots in full shade, they may not produce as many flowers as they would in full sun. Additionally, they prefer well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider mixing in compost or other organic matter to improve drainage or potentially plant them with a base of sand to really help improve drainage around the roots.
Step 2: Planting
Forget Me Nots can be planted in either spring or autumn, but spring is the most popular time to plant. When planting, make sure to space the plants about 10 to 12 inches (around 25cm) apart, as they will spread over time.
Dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down the soil to remove any air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly after planting and they will start thriving in no time!
Step 3: Watering
Forget Me Nots require regular watering, especially during periods of drought and hot sunny days. They prefer consistently moist soil, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot – this is why it’s important to provide good drainage in clay soil.
A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once a week, but more often during dry spells. To conserve moisture and reduce watering needs, consider adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
Step 4: Fertilising
Forget Me Nots do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they will benefit from a light application of balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring. Alternatively, you can feed the plants with compost or well-rotted manure. Using compost as a source of additional nutrients can also help to act as a mulch and retain water around this moisture-loving plant.
Step 5: Pruning and Dead-Heading
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for Forget Me Nots, as it helps to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. After the plants have finished flowering, cut back the stems to just above the leaves. This will encourage new growth and prevent the plants from becoming leggy and overgrown. In the autumn, cut back the plants to the ground, as they are not winter-hardy and will die back in the winter.
Step 6: Pests and Diseases
Forget Me Nots are relatively pest and disease-resistant, but they can still be susceptible to problems like powdery mildew, rust, and aphids. To prevent pest and disease issues, be sure to plant in a location that has good air circulation, avoid over-fertilising, and water at the base of the plant to prevent moisture from splashing onto the foliage. If you do encounter a pest or disease problem, treating it promptly with a natural preventative measure is important and if needed, remove a diseased plant to stop the spread to nearby growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
When to cut back Forget-Me-Nots
For Forget-Me-Nots, the best time to cut back is just after they’ve finished blooming. In the UK, this typically happens in late spring or early summer. By this time, the plants will have set their seeds, ensuring a new generation of delightful blooms for the next spring.
Don’t be timid when cutting back Forget-Me-Nots – you can cut them right down to the ground. This might seem drastic, but it’s an essential step in their life cycle. It helps to control their spread, tidy up your garden, and more importantly, it allows the plant to focus its energy on seeding and regrowth.
After cutting back, be sure to rake up and compost the cuttings. Left in the garden, they can lead to a litter of self-sown seedlings – charming, but potentially overwhelming!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Forget Me Nots are beautiful and easy-to-grow plants that will add a splash of colour to your garden from spring to fall. By following the steps outlined above, you can enjoy the beauty of these delicate flowers for years to come. So why not add some Forget Me Nots to your garden today? You won’t regret it!
