In the garden, forget-me-nots can create stunning carpets of color, turning your flower beds into literal lakes of sky-blue blooms. But hey, even if you don’t have a backyard to work with, you don’t have to miss out on these charming spring favorites! Forget-me-nots actually do great in containers and pots.
Growing Forget-Me-Nots in Containers
In early spring, you’ll see pre-grown forget-me-nots popping up at every garden center. These are perfect for potting up into containers, window boxes, or large planters. Just remember: these little guys need some elbow room to grow, so make sure your pot is big enough—especially if you’re planting a group of them. You’ll want to aim for a spacing of at least 6 inches between plants. Here’s how to get them settled:
- Pick a larger container that has at least one drainage hole at the bottom.
- Create a drainage layer over the hole using broken terracotta shards or gravel.
- Cover that layer with a piece of landscape fleece so the soil doesn’t clog the drainage.
- Add a bit of potting mix to the container.
- Set your plants in, making sure they aren’t buried any deeper than they were in their nursery pots.
- Keep that 6-inch spacing in mind.
- Fill the rest of the container with soil.
- Press the soil down firmly to get rid of air pockets.
- Give your new plantings a good drink of water.
What Kind of Soil Should You Use?
Forget-me-nots love soil that stays fresh to moderately moist with a sandy to loamy-clay texture. Your potting mix should be rich in nutrients and organic matter (humus), and a little bit of lime doesn’t hurt either. The most important thing is that the soil drains well. Forget-me-nots absolutely hate “wet feet” (standing water). If you aren’t into mixing your own soil, a high-quality standard potting mix from the store works just fine.
Overwintering Potted Forget-Me-Nots
While forget-me-nots planted in the ground can usually handle a frosty winter without a hitch, container plants need a little extra TLC. Only the youngest garden plants need a light covering of evergreen branches, but potted versions require real protection. Start by moving your pots to a spot shielded from the wind, like right up against the house. Place the pot on an insulating base, like a piece of Styrofoam or a wooden pallet. Then, wrap the container itself in bubble wrap, burlap, or several layers of garden fleece. Finally, cover the plants themselves with evergreen boughs, brushwood, or dry leaves. Once winter starts to fade and the hard freezes are over, you can strip away the winter gear and let them breathe!
