How to Grow Forget-Me-Nots at Home in a Pot

Dainty, delicate forget-me-nots (Myosotis spp.) exist in a wide variety of types and colors, including the common forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica) and the true forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides). All varieties grow well in pots, where their sometimes aggressive growth can be more easily controlled. Potted forget-me-nots need relatively little care once established, but they must be grown under the right conditions to encourage flowering.

Forget-me-nots grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 8, although hardiness varies between species and cultivars. The common forget-me-not grows in USDA zones 3 to 8, with cultivars such as ‘Victoria Blue’ (Myosotis sylvatica ‘Victoria Blue’) thriving in USDA zones 3 to 9. True forget-me-nots are slightly less cold-tolerant and perform best in USDA zones 5 to 9.

Regardless of species or cultivar, all forget-me-nots share the need for similar growing conditions. Sun exposure is a key factor to growing forget-me-nots, especially when cultivating them in pots. Midday shade suffices in cooler climates, although part shade all day is best in warmer climates with hot summers. Forget-me-nots handle full sun better when grown in very moist or wet soil.

Choosing the right pot and soil also plays a major role in growing potted forget-me-nots. Both common and true forget-me-nots reach a similar mature height of 6 to 12 inches, although the former spreads 6 to 8 inches while the latter spreads 8 to 12 inches. A12- to 18-inch pot with multiple drainage holes around the base will provide the right amount of space and the correct drainage for a single forget-me-not plant, or plant two plants in a 24- to 36-inch pot.

Forget-me-nots need moderate to poor soil fertility to perform well. Mix 2 parts potting soil, 1 part compost and 1 part coarse sand to improve the drainage and nutrient content of the soil. Fill to within 2-inches of the top of the pot and don't tamp down soil too much. Rich soil encourages legginess and poor blooming, so avoid potting mixes with added fertilizer.

Plastic pots are lighter and lose moisture less quickly than ceramic or clay pots, which makes them a good choice for moisture-loving plants such as forget-me-nots.

Forget-me-nots are relatively low-maintenance plants, although potted specimens need a little extra attention to look their best. Provide the following:

Regular irrigation. Potted forget-me-nots dry out faster than those grown in the garden. Provide 1 inch of water weekly during dry weather. Water until excess liquid trickles from the bottom of the pot, then wait until the soil surface dries out before watering again.

Annual feeding. Both perennial and biennial forget-me-nots benefit from a light application of fertilizer each spring. Spread slow-release, granular 10-10-10 fertilizer onto moist soil at a rate of 1/2 teaspoon per each gallon of soil. Apply to moist soil to avoid root burn.

True forget-me-nots are water-loving plants. Don’t let their soil dry out completely or they may go dormant.

Forget-me-nots overwinter well in containers, which helps widen their growing range to include colder climates. The most effective and least labor-intensive way of overwintering forget-me-nots is to move their pot into an unshaded cold frame with southerly exposure. True forget-me-nots may need to be moved indoors to a heated room with unshaded, south-facing windows during the winter because of their limited cold tolerance. During the winter:

Water occasionally. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely before watering again.

Rotate the pot. Rotating the pot by 90 degrees every week or so will help expose the entire plant to light, which will help it grow more evenly come spring.

In spring, move the pot to a sheltered location outdoors after all frost danger has passed. Keep it there for a week or two to re-acclimatize it to outdoor conditions, then move it to its original growing location. Resume regular watering and feeding once it shows signs of growth.

Do not let plants sit in soggy soil during cold weather; it will rot their roots.

Forget-me-nots may spread aggressively if preventative measures aren’t taken. Growing in pots will limit their spread via rhizomes, but most varieties still produce an abundance of highly viable seed. Removing the faded flowers, or deadheading, will help eliminate unwanted seedlings and will improve the look of the plants, which often take on a scraggly, unattractive appearance after blooming.

Before deadheading, soak pruning shear blades in undiluted household disinfectant for five minutes to disinfect them. Rinse them well and wipe dry before use.