When To Plant Forget Me Not Seeds Outside

When you should plant forget me not seeds outside depends on your climate, but the best time to plant forget me not seeds outside is in late summer or early fall.

This timing lets the seeds germinate and establish strong roots before winter sets in, which is exactly what these hardy little flowers need to bloom brilliantly the following spring.

You can also plant forget me not seeds outside in early spring, right after the last frost has passed, though you may not see flowers until the next year.

In this post, we’ll cover when to plant forget me not seeds outside, the different climate considerations, and the best practices for getting a gorgeous patch of these sky-blue blooms.

Let’s dig in.

When to Plant Forget Me Not Seeds Outside

The ideal time to plant forget me not seeds outside is during the late summer to early fall window, typically from August through October.

This is because forget me nots are biennials or short-lived perennials that prefer cooler temperatures for germination.

When you plant forget me not seeds outside in the fall, the seeds naturally stratify over winter, meaning the cold helps break their dormancy.

Come spring, you’ll be rewarded with healthy seedlings that are ready to grow and flower.

If you live in a region with mild winters, you can also plant forget me not seeds outside in early spring for blooms later in the season.

1. Fall Planting for Early Spring Blooms

Planting forget me not seeds outside in the fall is the most reliable method for ensuring a spectacular spring display.

The seeds will lie dormant during the cold months and then germinate as soon as soil temperatures warm up in early spring.

This natural cold treatment mimics what happens in the wild, giving you stronger, more resilient plants.

Aim to sow your seeds about six to eight weeks before your first expected frost date.

This gives the tiny seedlings just enough time to sprout and develop a small root system before going dormant for winter.

2. Spring Planting for Summer or Next-Year Blooms

If you missed the fall window, you can plant forget me not seeds outside in early spring as soon as the ground is workable.

For spring planting, it’s a good idea to cold-stratify your seeds in the refrigerator for a few weeks beforehand.

This mimics the winter chill they would have naturally experienced outdoors.

Spring-planted forget me nots will often bloom later in the summer or, more commonly, they’ll bloom the following spring.

So don’t worry if you see mostly foliage in the first year; that’s perfectly normal.

3. Climate Considerations for Planting

When you plant forget me not seeds outside, your local climate plays a huge role in the best timing.

In cooler northern climates with harsh winters, late summer planting (August) is perfect because the seeds can establish before the ground freezes solid.

In milder southern climates, you have more flexibility, and fall planting can be pushed into October or even November.

If you live in a very hot, arid region, plant forget me not seeds outside in early spring or late fall to avoid the intense summer heat, which can stress young seedlings.

Forget me nots truly prefer cool, moist conditions, so timing your planting to avoid heat waves is key.

How to Plant Forget Me Not Seeds Outside for Success

Knowing when to plant forget me not seeds outside is only half the battle; how you plant them matters just as much.

These flowers are not fussy, but they do appreciate a little care during the planting process.

Here’s how to get it right.

1. Choose the Right Location

Forget me nots thrive in partial shade, though they can handle full sun in cooler climates.

They love moist, well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter.

A spot under a deciduous tree or along a north-facing wall is often ideal.

Avoid areas that dry out quickly or become waterlogged after rain.

2. Sow the Seeds on the Surface

Forget me not seeds need light to germinate, so don’t bury them deeply.

Simply scatter the seeds on the soil surface and press them down gently.

You can cover them with a very thin dusting of soil, no more than 1/8 of an inch.

Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually takes 7 to 30 days.

A light misting with a garden hose is better than a heavy stream, which can wash the tiny seeds away.

3. Thin the Seedlings

Once your seedlings have their second set of true leaves, thin them out.

Space the young forget me nots about 6 to 12 inches apart to give them room to grow.

If you leave them too crowded, they’ll compete for nutrients and produce weaker blooms.

Don’t toss the thinnings; you can transplant them to another spot in your garden.

Forget Me Not Care After Planting

Once you plant forget me not seeds outside and they’ve started growing, a little maintenance goes a long way.

These plants are pretty self-sufficient once established, but they do have some preferences.

1. Keep the Soil Moist

Forget me nots love water, so make sure they get about one inch of water per week.

During dry spells, you may need to water them more frequently.

A layer of mulch around the plants helps retain soil moisture and keeps the roots cool.

Just be sure not to mulch too heavily over the crown of the plant.

2. Feed Them Lightly

You don’t need heavy fertilizer for forget me nots.

A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is plenty.

Too much nitrogen will give you lush leaves but very few flowers.

Compost mixed into the soil at planting time is often all they need.

3. Let Them Self-Seed

One of the joys of forget me nots is their ability to self-seed readily.

If you leave the spent flower spikes on the plant at the end of the season, they will drop seeds.

This means you’ll naturally get new plants coming up the following year.

So, after you plant forget me not seeds outside once, you may never have to plant them again.

So, When Should You Plant Forget Me Not Seeds Outside?

You should plant forget me not seeds outside in late summer or early fall, from August to October, for the best results.

Fall planting gives the seeds the cold stratification they need and results in stronger, earlier-blooming plants.

If you plant forget me not seeds outside in early spring, you can still get blooms, but they may not appear until the following year.

By choosing the right time and giving your seeds a bit of care, you’ll enjoy these charming, sky-blue flowers for many seasons to come.

Happy planting.