Chinese forget-me-nots (Cynoglossum amabile) are easy-to-grow plants that can be grown from seed directly in the garden or indoors:
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Direct sowingIn early spring after the last frost, sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 30 centimeters apart. You can roughen the soil, scatter seeds, and then lightly cover them. Water the soil until it's moist but not wet, and keep it consistently moist until germination, which should take 5–10 days at a soil temperature of 18–21°C. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to 10–12 inches apart to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to powdery mildew. During their first few weeks, water the seedlings regularly and protect them from pests, pets, and weather. Chinese forget-me-nots grow best in locations with morning sun and afternoon shade or light shade all day, and they prefer not to get too hot.
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Indoor sowingIn May, June, or September, sprinkle seeds indoors and cover them with compost. Use a heated propagator or a warm windowsill to create the right conditions for germination. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into pots.
Chinese forget-me-nots are perennials that can self-seed and spread widely. To reduce the risk of plants growing where you don't want them, grow them in containers or away from natural areas. After flowering, the plant will produce clusters of sticky seeds that turn from reddish green to brown when ripe.