Forget-Me-Not in Zone 3a & 3b
Myosotis sylvatica
Yes, forget-me-not grows in zones 3a and 3b. Plant it outside May 16–May 23.
When to plant forget-me-not in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 16–May 23 |
| Estimated bloom | Jul 25–Aug 1 (~70 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 3b
These go outside within two weeks of forget-me-not in zone 3b, so one planting day can cover them.
- Agrostemma (Corn Cockle)May 16–May 23
- AstilbeMay 16–May 23
- Bachelor's Button (Cornflower)May 16–May 23
- Basket-of-GoldMay 16–May 23
- Bupleurum (Thoroughwax)May 16–May 23
- CalendulaMay 16–May 23

This is the plant most people mean by forget-me-not: Myosotis sylvatica, small, blue, and gone by midsummer.
How forget-me-not fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Forget-me-not needs about 70 days from sowing to first bloom.
Forget-Me-Not planting windows in every zone
Zone 3b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b (your zone) | Not usually | May 16–May 23 | Jul 25–Aug 1 |
| 4a & 4b | Not usually | May 1–May 8 | Jul 10–Jul 17 |
| 5a & 5b | Not usually | Apr 26–May 3 | Jul 5–Jul 12 |
| 6a & 6b | Not usually | Apr 11–Apr 18 | Jun 20–Jun 27 |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Mar 27–Apr 3 | Jun 5–Jun 12 |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Mar 11–Mar 18 | May 20–May 27 |
Bloom dates are about 70 days after the sow or plant-out date.
Good companions
No well-established companions for forget-me-not.
Where to buy forget-me-not seeds
Botanical Interests (each supplier's forget-me-not seeds)
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing forget-me-not" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Forget-Me-Not in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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