I. Plant Profile

II. Morphologische Merkmale

Forget-me-not is an annual, biennial, or perennial herbaceous plant, 20-60cm tall, with an open and compact plant shape, combining flexibility and elegance:

• Blätter: Basal and cauline leaves are similar in shape, lanceolate or oblanceolate, bright green, smooth surface, entire margins, alternate and neatly arranged;
• Inflorescence: Terminal cymes composed of dozens of dense small flowers, slender and upright flower stems, small flowers about 1-1.5cm in diameter, funnel-shaped with 5 petals and slightly wavy edges;
• Flower Colors: Classic colors are pale blue and dark blue, with varieties in pink, white, purple, rose red, etc. Some varieties have yellow or white dots in the center of petals, fresh and elegant;
• Fruits: Small nutlets form after flowering, oval-shaped, blackish-brown when mature, containing tiny seeds with a viability of about 2-3 years, suitable for saving and sowing.

III. Wachstumsgewohnheiten

Forget-me-not has strong adaptability, prefers cool and dry environments, tolerates poor soil, and is easy to care for even for beginners. Key growth requirements are as follows:

• Temperatur: Optimal growth temperature is 15-22℃, good cold resistance (can tolerate short-term low temperature of -3℃), intolerant to high temperature and humidity. When temperature exceeds 30℃ in summer, it is prone to leggy growth and reduced flowering;
• Licht: Sun-loving, requiring at least 6 hours of light per day. Sufficient light results in brighter flower colors and fuller inflorescences. Long-term insufficient light leads to weak plants and sparse flowering;
• Boden: Prefers well-drained, loose, and slightly alkaline soil (pH 7.0-8.0), avoids heavy clay soil and waterlogging, can grow in poor soil without the need for fertile soil;
• Wasser: Drought-tolerant but waterlogging-intolerant, following the “better dry than wet” principle. Water only when the soil is completely dry, and drain timely in rainy seasons to avoid root rot;
• Special Traits: Strong ability to tolerate poor soil, low demand for fertilizers. Excessive fertilization easily causes leggy branches and leaves, affecting flowering quality.

IV. Grundwerte

1. Ornamental Value: A Versatile “Beauty” with Fresh Charm

With its delicate small flowers and soft colors, forget-me-not can create a fresh and natural atmosphere whether potted to decorate balconies and windowsills, or mass-planted in courtyards to form a “flower sea”. It is also a “golden supporting role” for flower borders, matching well with lupins, petunias, carnations and other flowers. Suitable for making bouquets and flower arrangements as cut flowers, it can be dried into everlasting flowers with an ornamental period of more than 1 year, not easy to fade.

2. Cultural Value: An Emotional Flower Carrying Longing and Commitment

The name “forget-me-not” itself carries romantic implications, symbolizing “eternal love”, “unchanging longing”, and “sincere blessings”, making it a popular flower for expressing emotions. Suitable for gifting to lovers, friends, and relatives, it can be presented alone or as a supporting flower in bouquets to convey care and affection. Commonly seen in weddings, anniversaries, farewell gifts and other occasions.

3. Practical Value: Combining Medicinal and Ecological Functions

The entire plant of forget-me-not can be used as medicine, cool in nature, with effects of clearing heat and detoxification, improving eyesight, and promoting diuresis (use under medical advice). Meanwhile, its long flowering period and abundant pollen can attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, contributing to ecological balance. Suitable for planting in courtyards and gardens to create ecological landscapes.

Scientific Planting Guide for Forget-Me-Not

I. Planting Time Selection: Better Adaptation to North-South Climates

Forget-me-not is intolerant to high temperature and humidity. Planting time should be adjusted according to regional climate. Autumn sowing is better than spring sowing, resulting in more vigorous flowering:

• Southern Regions (Yangtze River Basin and southward): Sow in September-October, when the temperature is 18-25℃, suitable for seed germination. Seedlings can grow in the mild winter environment and enter full bloom in April-May next year;
• Northern Regions (Yellow River Basin and northward): Sow in March-April (after soil thaws) to avoid seedling damage from low winter temperatures, blooming in June-July the same year. If choosing autumn sowing, complete it before mid-September, and move to indoor or cover with insulation film in winter to keep the temperature above -3℃.

II. Soil Preparation: Key is Looseness and Slight Alkalinity

Forget-me-not has low soil requirements, but looseness, drainage, and slight alkalinity are crucial. Adequate preparation in advance can improve survival rate:

1. Soil Mix: Recommended ratio – 4 parts garden soil + 3 parts leaf mold + 2 parts perlite + 1 part wood ash. Wood ash can adjust soil pH. If soil is acidic (pH < 6.5), add a small amount of quicklime for adjustment;
2. Sterilization: Expose the soil to the sun for 3-5 days before sowing, or spray with 1000x diluted carbendazim solution, stir well and let stand for 1-2 days to kill insect eggs and pathogens in the soil.

III. Sowing Methods: Direct Sowing or Seedling Transplanting

Forget-me-not has well-developed root systems and better transplant tolerance than lupins. Choose sowing method according to needs:

1. Seed Pretreatment: Seeds are tiny, no need for soaking. To improve germination rate, mix seeds with moist fine sand, refrigerate for 1-2 days (cold stratification), take out and dry before sowing;
2. Direct Sowing: Dig shallow holes with plant spacing 15-20cm and row spacing 20-25cm, sow 3-5 seeds per hole, cover with 0.5-1cm thick fine soil (too thick covering will affect germination), water thoroughly to settle the soil, and keep soil slightly moist;
3. Seedling Transplanting: For centralized management, first sow in seedling trays, cover with thin soil and wrap with plastic film to retain moisture. Control temperature at 15-20℃, germination occurs in 7-10 days. When seedlings grow 4-6 true leaves, transplant with soil to flower pots or plots, water and let seedlings acclimate for 3-5 days;
4. Germination Management: Remove the plastic film promptly after germination, gradually increase light to avoid leggy seedlings.

IV. Seedling Stage Management: Promote Strong Seedlings and Prevent Legginess

The seedling stage (before 4-6 true leaves) is crucial for laying the growth foundation. Focus on two key points:

• Thinning and Reseeding: When direct-sown seedlings grow 2-3 true leaves, keep 1-2 strong seedlings per hole, remove weak and diseased seedlings. After transplanted seedlings acclimate, thin them out if overcrowded to ensure proper plant spacing;
• Prevent Legginess: If seedlings are slender with long internodes, it is caused by insufficient light or overwatering. Increase light time, reduce watering frequency, and properly ventilate to lower ambient humidity.

V. Growth Period Care: Easy Care for Abundant Blooms

Forget-me-not tolerates poor soil and has strong adaptability. No delicate operation is needed for growth period care. Focus on the following key points:

VI. Pest and Disease Control: Few Pests, Easy Prevention

Forget-me-not has very few pests and diseases. Proper ventilation and soil drainage can effectively prevent them. Countermeasures for common problems are as follows:

1. Diseases: Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spot

• Powdery Mildew: Prone to occur in high temperature and humidity environments, with white powdery substances on leaves. Control method: Strengthen ventilation, reduce humidity, spray with 800x diluted thiophanate-methyl at early stage, spray twice consecutively;
• Leaf Spot: Brown spots appear on leaves and gradually expand. Control method: Remove diseased leaves promptly, spray with 1000x diluted chlorothalonil once every 7 days, spray 2-3 times consecutively.

2. Pests: Aphids, Spider Mites

• Aphids: Suck leaf sap, causing leaf curling. Control with 1500x diluted imidacloprid spray;
• Spinnmilben: Prone to occur in high temperature and dry conditions, with yellowish-white spots on leaves. Control with 1000x diluted abamectin spray, focusing on the back of leaves.

VII. Seed Harvesting and Storage

To save seeds for next year’s planting, harvest when fruits mature in June-July:

1. Erntezeit: Harvest promptly when fruits turn from green to blackish-brown and feel dry to avoid seed loss due to fruit cracking;
2. Processing Method: Dry the harvested fruits in the sun, rub to separate pure seeds, remove impurities, put into sealed bags, and store in a dry and cool place. Cold stratify again before sowing next year to improve germination rate.