How to Grow Forget-Me-Nots in a Pot

If you’re looking for a beautiful and easy-to-grow flowering perennial, forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica) are a great choice. These charming little flowers can be grown in pots or in the garden, and they bloom throughout the spring and summer. Read on to learn more about how to grow forget-me-nots in a pot.

The forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica), also known as wood forget-me-not, is a flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae. The species was brought to Australia and North America after being native to Europe and Asia. The plant grows to 20–60 cm (8–24 in) tall, with small blue flowers that bloom in the spring.

Forget-me-nots have a long history and have been mentioned in literature and art since medieval times. In the language of flowers, they symbolize true love and remembrance. The name “forget-me-not” was utilized in English in the fifteenth century, and is derived from the Middle English forgeten notte, meaning “forget us not.”

The plant is considered invasive in some areas, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.

Forget-Me-Nots Description:

Forget-me-nots are small herbaceous perennial plants that grow to 20–60 cm (8–24 in) tall. The leaves are opposite, lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, 2–5 cm (0.79–1.97 in) long and 0.5–2 cm (0.20–0.79 in) broad, with a serrated margin. 

The flowers are borne in clusters of two to six blooms on erect stems; each flower is 5–7 mm (0.20–0.28 in) in diameter, with four pale blue to violet petals and a yellow center. The flowers bloom in the spring, typically from April to June.

The fruit is a schizocarp composed of four nutlets that split open when ripe.

Common Names:	Woodland forget-me-not, ornamental forget-me-not
Botanical Name:	Myosotis sylvatica
Family Name:	Boraginaceae
Plant Type:	Biennial
Mature Size:	Up to 1 ft. tall, with a similar spread
Sun Exposure:	Full, partial
Soil Type:	Moist, well-drained
Soil pH:	Mildly acidic, neutral, mildly alkaline
Bloom Time:	Spring, summer
Flower Color:	Blue, white, yellow, pink
USDA Hardiness Zones:	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Native Area:	Europe

Forget-Me-Nots Taxonomy:

The forget-me-not was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1753 work Species Plantarum. The specific epithet sylvatica means “of the woods,” referring to the plant’s natural habitat. It is classified in the genus Myosotis within the subfamily Boraginoideae of the borage family Boraginaceae.

There are two subspecies:

* Myosotis sylvatica subsp. sylvatica – Europe, Asia

* Myosotis sylvatica subsp. scopulicola (Guss.) Arcang. – North Africa, southwestern Asia

Forget-Me-Nots Distribution and Habitat:

The forget-me-not is native to Europe and Asia, from Spain and Portugal in the west to Siberia in the east. It has been introduced to North America, found in Canada and the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. In North America, it is most common in the northeastern United States.

The plant prefers damp woods and shady locations, and it can also be found in meadows, riverbanks, and forest edges.

Forget-Me-Nots Ecology:

Bees, flies, and beetles pollinate the forget-me-not flowers. The plant is a food source for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the dot moth (Melanchra persicariae) and the setaceous Hebrew character (Xestia c-nigrum).

Forget-Me-Nots History:

Forget-me-nots have a long history and have been mentioned in literature and art since medieval times. In the epic poem The Faerie Queene (1590), Edmund Spenser writes of “a small floure, / Most beautiful of all other, / That men call forget-me-not.” Shakespeare mentions forget-me-nots in his play Henry V (1599), when Princess Katherine says: “And I shall throw my maid’s glove to you; which if any of your people take, let them be hang’d for me; and that’s all the favour I’ll do ’em.”

The plant is also mentioned in the German folk song “Greensleeves,” which dates to the 16th century. The first verse goes:

“Greensleeves was all my joy,
Greensleeves was my delight,
Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but Lady Greensleeves?”

The plant is also the subject of some works of art, including paintings by Albrecht Dürer and Viktor Vasnetsov.

In 1866, Swiss pastor Henri-Frédéric Amiel wrote in his journal: “Forget-me-nots are the modest emblems of love and affection. They say nothing, but they speak everything. They tell us that even if we forget everything else, we must not forget to love one another.”

In the 20th century, forget-me-nots were a symbol of remembrance for soldiers who died in World War I and II. In 1941, the forget-me-not was adopted as the official flower of The Royal Canadian Legion, a veterans’ organization. The flower is a representation of Alzheimer’s awareness as well.

Forget-me-nots are also the state flower of Alaska and Montana.

Forget me not. They have been grown in gardens since the 16th century. They are easy to grow from seed and will self-seed if left to their own devices. However, they can also be invasive in some areas.

How to Grow Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis sylvatica) in a Pot?

Forget-me-nots are one of the most popular spring flowers, and they’re also very easy to grow in containers. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

What You’ll Need:

• A pot that is at least 12 inches wide and has drainage holes
• Forget-me-not seeds or seedlings
• Potting soil
• A sunny spot indoors or outdoors

Instructions:

1. Fill your pot with potting soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top. If you’re using forget-me-not seeds, sprinkle them on top of the soil. If you’re using seedlings, gently loosen the roots and plant them in the soil.
2. Water the soil until it is moist but not soggy.
3. Place the pot in a sunny spot indoors or outdoors. Forget-me-not plants need at least six hours of sunlight each day if grown inside.
4. When the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, rinse the soil to keep it moist. They will require more water while forget-me-nots are in bloom.
5. Once the flowers have faded, cut back the stems to encourage new growth.

Growing forget-me-nots in pots is a great way to add color to your home or garden with little effort! These cheerful flowers are easy to care for and bloom for several weeks. With a little TLC, you’ll enjoy them for years to come.

How To Care For Forget-Me-Nots For Planting?

To ensure that your forget-me-nots thrive, giving them the right care is important. Here are a few tips:

• Plant forget-me-nots in a pot at least 12 inches wide with drainage holes.
• Choose a sunny spot indoors or outdoors for your pot. If you’re growing forget-me-nots indoors, they will need at least six hours of sunlight daily.
• Water the soil until it is moist but not soggy. Keep the soil moist, watering when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. When forget-me-nots are blooming, they will need more water.
• Once the flowers have faded, cut back the stems to encourage new growth.

With proper care, forget-me-nots will bloom for several weeks and add color and beauty to your home or garden. Enjoy them for years to come!

Prevention From Pests And Diseases :

Forget-me-nots are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but a few things can cause problems. Here are a few tips for preventing pests and diseases:

• Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which will help prevent fungal diseases.
• Avoid chemical pesticides, as they can harm bees and other pollinators. If you must use them, choose an organic option.
• Inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests or disease. If you see anything suspicious, isolate the affected plant and remove any pests or diseased leaves.

With proper care and regular inspection, you can keep your forget-me-nots healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Uses Of Forget-Me-Nots:

The forget-me-not has been used in folk medicine to treat various ailments, including cancer. The scientific basis for this usage, however, is lacking.

In the language of flowers, forget-me-nots symbolize true love and remembrance. The name “forget-me-not” was first used in English in the 15th century, and is derived from the Middle English forgeten notte, meaning “forget us not.”

The plant is sometimes used as an ornamental plant in gardens. However, it can be invasive in some areas, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.

Forget-me-nots are also used as a symbol of Alzheimer’s awareness.

Conclusion 

Forget-me-nots are beautiful and easy-to-grow spring flowers. They are perfect for adding color to your home or garden, and they will bloom for several weeks with proper care. Forget-me-nots are resistant to most pests and diseases, but it’s important to inspect them regularly and remove any affected leaves. With a little TLC, you can enjoy these cheerful flowers for years.