Forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica) is a low plant, 6 to 12 inches tall and 6 to 10 inches wide, with small blue, pink or white flowers about 3/8 inch across. NC State Extension describes it as a short-lived perennial usually grown as an annual or biennial, hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8.
Forget-Me-Not at a glance
| Type | Flower |
|---|---|
| Season | Cool-season |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Plant spacing | 8 in |
| Row spacing | 8 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | At surface |
| Days to maturity | Blooms in spring (April–May) |
| How to start | Start forget-me-not seed indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost for same-year bloom, or sow outdoors in mid-summer for flowers the next spring, in moist, rich soil with some afternoon shade in hot climates |
| Water | 2 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant forget-me-not
For blooms the same year, start seed indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost. For biennial bloom, sow outdoors in mid-summer for flowers the following year (NC State). It blooms in spring, typically April and May, with sporadic bloom in mid-summer. Use your frost dates and the growing zone finder.
How to plant forget-me-not
- Light: full sun to partial shade; in hot summer climates it benefits from some afternoon shade.
- Soil and moisture: rich in organic matter and well-drained, kept consistently moist. It tolerates shallow standing water and wet soils.
- Spacing and depth: NC State does not give a sowing depth or spacing; plants spread 6 to 10 inches, so allow room for that. See the plant spacing calculator.
Caring for forget-me-not
Keep soil consistently moist; see the garden watering calculator. Deadhead promptly to encourage more flowers and to limit seeding. Creeping stems root and form colonies, which can work as a ground cover on damp sites.
NC State lists no known insect or disease problems but notes susceptibility to mildew and rust; see the pest identifier. It resists deer and rabbits and attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and pollinators.
Weed warning: it self-seeds freely and sometimes aggressively, and NC State notes it is listed as a noxious weed in one or more Midwestern states. Check your local rules before planting.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Borders, mass plantings, rain gardens, water gardens, rock gardens and naturalized woodland areas |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Dry sites, and places where aggressive self-seeding is unwelcome |
Sources do not list companion plants. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Too many seedlings | Plants spread into lawns and beds | It self-seeds freely and sometimes aggressively; deadhead promptly and pull unwanted seedlings. |
| Mildew or rust | White coating or orange spots on leaves | NC State notes susceptibility to both; see the pest identifier. |
| Dry, stressed plants | Wilting or poor flowering | It needs consistently moist soil and, in hot summer climates, some afternoon shade. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
This is an ornamental. To limit spread, deadhead promptly after flowering (NC State). The flowers suit borders, rain gardens and woodland edges and attract pollinators.
Plan your forget-me-not
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant forget-me-nots?
Space forget-me-nots 8 inches apart in rows 8 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant forget-me-not seed?
NC State gives no sowing depth; follow the seed packet.
How long do forget-me-nots take to grow?
Spring bloom, typically April and May; start seed 8–10 weeks before the last frost for same-year bloom.
How much water do forget-me-nots need?
About 2 inches of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Needs consistently moist soil.
When do I plant forget-me-nots?
Start seed indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost, or sow outdoors in mid-summer for next spring.
Are forget-me-nots invasive?
They self-seed freely and sometimes aggressively and are listed as a noxious weed in one or more Midwestern states; check local rules.
Do they like sun or shade?
Full sun to partial shade, with afternoon shade helping in hot summers.