Forget-me-nots know how to put on a show; whether the dainty annual types or the lush New Zealand native Chatham Island type, they are far from forgettable. The swathes of dainty flowers of the annual types cover the ground for months on end in the cooler months of the year. The Chatham Island Forget-me-nots appeal to many with its thick, large, glossy leaves and stems of blue or white flowers in late winter and spring.
3 steps to planting Forget-me-not
prepare
Chatham Island Forget-me-nots: These are best suited to a shady spot with good drainage and fertile soil.
Bedding Forget-me-nots: These adapt to sunny or shady spots. They have a shallow root system which means they can grow in places many other plants can’t. Ideally, they enjoy a fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in winter. Plants will readily self-seed after flowering, but you may find the new seedlings have a different flower colour to the original plants.
Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Rose & Shrub mix.
PLANT
The best times to plant are early in the morning, or late in the day so the plants aren't exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Directions for planting in garden beds
- Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
- Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
- Fill in with Tui Rose & Shrub mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
Directions for potting plants
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Half fill your container with Tui Pot Power.
- Gently take the plant from the current container, loosen the root ball and remove any loose or dead plant material and roots.
- Position the plant in the centre of the new container and fill with Tui Pot Power up to 3cm from the top.
- Gently firm mix around the base of the plant. The mix should be at the same level on the plant as it was in the previous container.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
nourish
Feed your plants and they will reward you. Replenishing the nutrients used by your plants ensures your plants grow to their full potential. Feed with Tui NovaTec® Premium Fertiliser in autumn for Bedding Forget-met-nots and spring for Chatham Island Forget-me-nots.
A well-watered, well-nourished garden will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay. While your Forget-me-nots are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost.
Slugs and snails love the leaves, so be vigilant and lay Tui Quash pellets regularly.