Forget-me-nots are a total staple for gardens, balconies, and patios alike. Most of the time, when you see these little beauties, you’re looking at the Wood Forget-me-not, which is one of our favorite early spring bloomers. But here’s a pro tip: not all of them peak in the spring! Some varieties love the summer sun, and others will keep your garden popping with color all the way into October. If you pick your varieties right, you can have those delicate blossoms brightening up your yard from spring straight through fall.
- Forget-me-not Varieties and Their Bloom Times
There are actually 13 different species out there, and each one has its own unique schedule. Generally speaking, you can expect forget-me-nots to bloom somewhere between April and October. Just keep in mind that Mother Nature has the final say—things like local temperatures and weather patterns will definitely shift those dates a bit.
The most popular kids on the block are the Water (Marsh) and Wood Forget-me-nots, which usually start showing off in May. While we all love that classic blue, Wood Forget-me-nots also come in gorgeous pink and white varieties. Here’s a quick breakdown of when the different types typically hit their peak:
- Wood Forget-me-not: Blooms May to July (though a cold snap might cut them short by early June).
- Water Forget-me-not: Blooms from late May all the way through September.
- Alpine Forget-me-not: A summer favorite, blooming from early June to late July.
- Field Forget-me-not: A real workhorse! Starts in April and doesn’t quit until October.
- Siberian Bugloss (Caucasian Forget-me-not): A short but sweet window from April to May.
- Creeping Forget-me-not: Brightens things up from April to June.
- Procumbent Forget-me-not: Blooms from early June through mid-to-late August.
- Changing Forget-me-not: Shows its colors from mid-April to early June.
- Grove Forget-me-not: A long-lasting bloomer from early May to late August.
- Hill Forget-me-not: Blooms from April to mid-June.
- Lake Constance Forget-me-not: A spring specialist, blooming mid-April to late May.
- Strict Forget-me-not: Blooms from mid-April to mid-June.
- Narrow-leafed Forget-me-not: Blooms from early June through late July.
- Sand Forget-me-not: Gets an early start in April and goes through June.
How to Get the Best Blooms
If you want those iconic spring flowers to show up early, timing is everything. You’ll want to get your seeds in the ground by the previous summer. Honestly, the easiest way to do this is to just let your plants “self-seed”—let them drop their own seeds naturally! This gives the new plants plenty of time to establish strong roots and grow enough leaves to survive the winter. If the weather stays relatively mild, you might even see your first blossoms popping up as early as March!
