Forget-me-nots are classic spring bloomers and proud members of the borage family. You’ll spot them just about everywhere—from cozy backyard flower beds to balcony boxes and patio containers. While that iconic, vibrant blue is what most of us picture, these little beauties actually come in a whole palette of colors, including pink, violet, and even a crisp, snowy white.
The Blooms
Most forget-me-nots show off that famous bright blue, but here’s a fun gardening fact: sometimes they actually start out as a delicate pink! This happens because the plant’s sap is slightly acidic at first. As the pH changes, the petals shift to blue. Depending on which of the 50+ species you’re growing, you might also see shades of yellow or white mixed in with those lovely blues and purples.
The flowers themselves are five-petaled and grow in pairs along curved stems called cymes. If you look closely, you won’t find any bracts (leaf-like structures) under the flowers. Instead, the five sepals are fused into a tiny funnel shape. Most of these flowers are “perfect” (meaning they have both male and female parts), though you’ll occasionally find purely female blooms. They’re a hit with local pollinators like flies, beetles, and butterflies, but they can also self-pollinate if needed.
Once the flowers are pollinated, they develop into small nutlets—usually four brown or black seeds. When they’re ripe, these seeds break apart and hitch a ride on the wind or on the fur of passing animals to find a new spot to grow.
When Do They Bloom?
The timing for forget-me-nots really depends on the specific variety you’ve planted. Most of the popular garden types kick off their show in May, but some species can keep going all the way into October. Pro tip: if you’re a true fan, you can mix and match different species to keep those blooms popping from early spring right through the fall!
Here’s a quick cheat sheet for different bloom times:
- Water Forget-me-not: Starts its show in June.
- Alpine Forget-me-not: Usually blooms from June through July.
- Field Forget-me-not: A real marathon runner, blooming from April all the way to October.
- Siberian Bugloss (Caucasian Forget-me-not): Brightens up the garden from April to May.
Get a Head Start by Sowing Early
If you want to influence when your garden starts glowing with color, it’s all about when you get those seeds in the ground. For a spectacular early-season display, you’ll want to sow your seeds by the summer of the previous year. This gives the little seedlings plenty of time to establish strong roots and healthy leaves. That foundation is key for them to survive the winter and be ready to burst into bloom the moment spring arrives!
