How to Grow Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis Sylvatica)

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Grow Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis Sylvatica) Grow Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis Sylvatica)

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Grow a few of these in a lightly wooded area and you're likely to have a mist of beautiful blue flowers each spring. Although this annual also comes in pink and white, it's the sky blue that's most memorable.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Check out local nurseries for seedlings, the easiest way to plant forget-me-nots. If your nursery doesn't have them, try starting them from seed.
Step2
Start from seed indoors 8 to 10 weeks before planting outdoors in early spring. Or scatter seeds directly on bare, prepared ground in early spring when a light frost is still possible. In winters where temperatures seldom dip below 10 degrees, sow in early autumn.
Step3
Prepare the soil by working in a few spadesful of compost. Forget-me-nots like rich soil with plenty of organic matter.
Step4
Plant seedlings a few inches apart. Don't worry about getting the plants too close together since forget-me-nots don't mind crowding.
Step5
Keep evenly moist, not allowing to dry out.
Step6
Prevent reseeding and encourage longer bloom time of existing plants by trimming spent blooms.
Step7
Pull up and discard plants in late summer once plants have begun to whither.

Tips & Warnings

  • A ready self-seeder, this annual spreads happily over the years in lightly shaded areas, acting like a perennial and creating a carefree wildflower effect.
  • Forget-me-not does especially well under trees or large shrubs but also thrives in lightly shaded rock gardens and flower beds.
  • To encourage reseeding, leave spent flowers on the plants well after they've faded.
  • In very early spring, while weeding, take care not to dig up tiny forget-me-not seedlings.

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eHow Article:  How to Grow Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis Sylvatica)

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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