The forget-me-not is an undemanding and easy-care plant that can be grown as an annual, biennial or perennial. The pretty flower does not require much care. However, it is important that the soil is always slightly moist, because forget-me-nots do not tolerate drought at all.

Forget-me-not demands little attention

How are forget-me-nots cast?

  • Never let the soil dry out completely
  • water regularly
  • Allow the top layer of soil to dry before watering
  • Avoid waterlogging
  • Always water forget-me-not from below

Forget-me-nots prefer moist soil. You should therefore water more frequently in the hot summer months. Let the surface of the soil dry before you reach for the watering can. Be sure to avoid waterlogging.

If you grow forget-me-nots in a bucket, make sure that excess water can drain off. Water more frequently as the soil in the pot dries out faster.

Forget-me-nots are susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or gray mold. Always water the plants from below to prevent fungal infestation.

Do forget-me-nots need fertilizer?

The spring flowers like a nutrient-rich soil. However, it is not necessary to fertilize the plants. On the contrary, fertilizer increases the risk of fungal diseases.

Do forget-me-nots need to be pruned?

Perennial forget-me-nots are pruned in autumn so that the plant becomes nice and bushy.

If you want to prevent the forget-me-not from seeding itself, cut off faded inflorescences before seeds can form.

If self-sowing is desired, leave the faded flowers. But you can also cut them off and shake them out in a suitable location to settle new forget-me-not plants there.

What diseases and pests can occur?

  • aphids
  • spider mites
  • gray mold
  • powdery mildew

Young shoots in particular quickly become victims of aphids and, more rarely, spider mites. You can combat a light infestation with soapy water or hosing down with stinging nettle decoction. In the case of a severe infestation, it is better to remove the affected plants completely so that the pests cannot spread further.

Fungal diseases such as gray mold and powdery mildew usually occur when the humidity is too high, for example in very humid summers. Controlling fungal diseases is very difficult. Try diluted fresh milk squirting over the plants. In most cases, however, the only option is to tear up the plants and dispose of them with household waste.

To prevent fungal infestation, it is best to water forget-me-nots in the morning, since the air humidity is reduced by the wind during the day.

Are forget-me-nots hardy?

The forget-me-nots grown in the garden are descended from the native forget-me-not species and are therefore used to the cold. Winter protection is only necessary if you planted the plants late in the fall.

Plant forget-me-nots as early in the year as possible. The spring flowers then have enough time to prepare for the cold season.

tips

The roots of the forget-me-not tolerate salt, for example road salt, only poorly. This is another reason why it is important that you water regularly to dilute any residues.

Category:

Herbs