Forget Me Not

This classic wildflower is known throughout much of the world for the shape of the leaf, indeed the Latin name comes from the Greek for "mouse's ear". The foot-high plants are covered by multiple clusters of 5 petaled light blue flowers with yellow centers. The blooms are less than an inch across and will appear throughout the summer. This waterside plant thrives on plenty of moisture. The legend is that a knight was picking a bouquet for his beloved from a stream - as he was swept away by the water he tossed her the flowers saying "forget me not". Self-seeds. 50 seeds   PLANTING Myosotis sylvatica Perennial, Zones 4-8 Germination: 7-30 days Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-70ºF Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface Starting Indoors: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Cold treat the seed by sowing into moist soil or paper towel, wrap in a clear plastic bag, and place in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. Provide 65-75ºF soil temperatures until germination. Transplant 6-8” apart after the last frost. Sowing Outdoors:  Direct sow in spring or fall  Growth Habit: Mounding Height and Width: 6-12”’ x 8-12”   Spacing: 6-8” apart Light Needs: Full sun to part shade Soil Needs: Fertile, moist but well-drained  Approximate days to flower from seed: Blooms the second season but often blooms the first season when started early indoors. Mid-spring into early summer thereafter. Uses: Woodland gardens, planting under trees, shrubs, and spring bulbs, attracts pollinators Care:  Self-seeds, cut back stems as the blooms fade if you do not desire plants the next season.