Forget Me Not Ms. Marilyn Seeds

SOWING:

Transplant - Start seed indoors 4 to 6 weeks before planting out. Forget Me Nots like cool weather - best to plant out in the very early spring. Plant in fall if winter temps above 0℉ (-18°C) or in very early spring to get the longest stem length. Folks in cooler climates or those with afternoon shade can experiment with later plantings for fall blooms. Direct seed - Sow as soon as soil can be worked.

Germination Requirements: Cover seeds lightly with soil as darkness is required for germination.

Days to Germination:  8-12 days at 65-70℉

GROWING:

Light Preference: Full Sun/Part Shade.

Plant Height: 18-30 inches

Plant Spacing: 6-9" for cut flower production

Pinching: I don't pinch these - side shoots will elongate after the first central stem is cut. Buds will set when the plant is still short. Don't stress, the plant puts on a lot of growth before blooming - one year I measured it and the stems grew 2-3" per day when the buds appeared!

Flower Support: I typically net this variety but netting may not be necessary due to its shorter height and bushy nature.

Days to Bloom: 80-90 days

HARVEST AND VASE LIFE:

Yield: 4-5 stems per plant

Harvest Fresh: Harvest when the bottom third of the flower clusters have 1 or 2 florets opened. Flowers will continue to open after cutting. Avoid harvesting in the heat of the day. Transport cut flowers to a cool spot immediately after cutting.

Expected Vase Life: 6 to 8 days

USES: 

Cut Flower, Garden Beds, and Beneficial Insects

ALTERNATE NAME:

Chinese hound's tongue