How To Plant And Grow Forget-Me-Not Cynoglossum Blue

Cynoglossum amabile, the pretty little blue Chinese forget-me-not, is one of the easiest wildflowers to grow from seed. It can grow in sun or in light shade, and it isn't terribly fussy about soil as long as it drains well. Cold hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 10, the forget-me-nots are undemanding annuals once established. Chinese forget-me-nots grow quickly and bloom heavily. Given the chance, Cynoglossum will reseed itself generously for the following spring.

Step 1

Choose a well-draining site in full sun or light shade for your forget-me-nots. Cultivate the soil several inches deep two weeks before the last predicted frost for your area. Incorporate organic matter such as compost, peat moss or well-rotted manure.

Step 2

Sow seeds in the prepared site and press them lightly into the soil with the palm of your hand. Chinese forget-me-nots need light to germinate. They'll sprout in about two weeks.

Step 3

Water the planting site gently but thoroughly. The soil should remain evenly moist and not be allowed to dry out as the seeds germinate.

Step 4

Thin the seedlings when they're 2 to 3 inches tall and have developed at least two sets of true leaves. Space them about 6 to 8 inches apart.

Step 5

Water the forget-me-nots just enough to keep the soil surface evenly moist throughout the growing season.

Step 6

Feed the seedlings with a good all-purpose water-soluble fertilizer monthly beginning when they're about 4 inches tall.

Step 7

Deadhead flowers as they fade if you don't want them to reseed and return the following spring.