Flowers Mix Growing Guides

How to Grow Cape Forget-Me-Not

Direct Sowing Outdoors (Recommended in Warm Zones)

Cape Forget-Me-Not is a warm-season annual best suited to USDA zones 7 to 10. It grows well in sunny, well-drained areas and can tolerate poor or sandy soil once established.

• 1. Choose a Season
  Direct-sow outdoors after the last frost, once soil temperatures reach 60 to 65°F. In cooler zones, start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost and transplant after all frost danger has passed.
• 2. Choose the Right Spot
  Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Cape Forget-Me-Not thrives in well-drained soil and tolerates poor or sandy ground. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil.
• 3. Prepare the Soil
  Loosen the top layer of soil and remove weeds, rocks, and debris. Rake the area smooth before sowing. Well-drained soil is important, as Cape Forget-Me-Not performs poorly in soggy conditions.
• 4. Broadcast the Seeds
  Spread seeds evenly over the planting area. Aim for 8 to 12 inches between plants after thinning. For an even stand, broadcast the seeds first and thin seedlings later.
• 5. Create Good Seed-to-Soil Contact
  Cover seeds with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil and press gently for good seed-to-soil contact. These seeds need light to germinate, so barely cover them and do not bury deeply.
• 6. Water the Area
  Keep the soil lightly moist for 14 to 21 days until germination. Once plants are established, water only occasionally and allow the topsoil to dry between waterings. Do not overwater.
• 7. Grow On
  Plants can grow up to 18 inches tall and bloom from late spring through summer, delivering months of color.

Starting Indoors (Alternative for Cooler Zones)

In cooler zones, starting Cape Forget-Me-Not indoors helps plants get a head start before warm outdoor conditions arrive.

• 1. Start Seeds Early
  Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost.
• 2. Sow the Seeds
  Sow seeds on the surface of a fine seed-starting mix and cover with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil. Do not bury deeply, as the seeds need light to germinate.
• 3. Keep Lightly Moist
  Keep the growing medium lightly moist, but not soggy. Germination usually takes 14 to 21 days.
• 4. Provide Bright Light
  Once seedlings emerge, place them in a bright location or under grow lights to keep plants strong and compact.
• 5. Transplant Outdoors
  Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors. Plant after all frost danger has passed, spacing plants 8 to 12 inches apart in a sunny, well-drained location.

Growing Tips

• Cape Forget-Me-Not grows best in warm weather and is best suited to USDA zones 7 to 10.
• Choose full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Seeds need light to germinate - cover with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil.
• Keep soil lightly moist during germination, but avoid soggy conditions.
• Germination usually takes 14 to 21 days.
• Once established, plants are drought-tolerant and need only occasional watering.
• Allow the topsoil to dry between waterings after plants are established.
• Thin seedlings to 8 to 12 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.
• 1 oz covers up to 200 sq ft.
• Plants grow up to 18 inches tall.
• Blooms appear from late spring through summer.