Growing Cynoglossum Amabile: A Guide to Chinese Forget-Me-Nots

Cynoglossum amabile, commonly known as Chinese forget-me-not or hound's tongue, is a charming annual flower that brings delicate blue blooms to gardens throughout the growing season. Despite its common name, this plant is distinct from true forget-me-nots, offering gardeners a unique option for adding soft color and texture to flower beds and borders.

Plant Characteristics

Chinese forget-me-nots are known for their airy, branching growth habit and prolific flowering. The plants typically reach heights of 18 to 24 inches, making them ideal for mid-border placement or container gardening. Their small, five-petaled flowers bloom in shades of blue, pink, and white, depending on the variety you choose. The foliage is soft and slightly hairy, adding to the plant's delicate appearance.

Starting from Seeds

Cynoglossum amabile seeds are easy to start indoors or direct sow into the garden. For indoor starting, sow seeds 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Press seeds lightly into moist seed-starting mix, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain temperatures around 70°F for best results. Seedlings typically emerge within 10 to 14 days.

If you prefer direct sowing, wait until after the last frost date and scatter seeds where you want them to grow. Thin seedlings to 6 to 12 inches apart once they develop their first true leaves.

Growing Conditions

These flowers thrive in full sun to partial shade, though they perform best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They're adaptable to various soil types but prefer well-draining soil with moderate fertility. Overly rich soil can encourage excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.

Water regularly during the growing season, keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Once established, plants are fairly drought-tolerant, though consistent moisture produces the most abundant blooms.

Care and Maintenance

Cynoglossum amabile requires minimal maintenance. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continued blooming throughout the season. A light application of balanced fertilizer in mid-summer can support vigorous growth and flowering. These plants generally don't require staking or special support unless grown in very windy locations.

Harvesting and Uses

The delicate flowers are excellent for cutting and bring an airy quality to fresh flower arrangements. Cut stems in the morning when flowers are fully open for the longest vase life. The plants also self-seed readily, so you may find volunteer seedlings appearing in subsequent seasons if you allow some flowers to mature and drop their seeds.

In Summary

The Chinese Forget-Me-Not (Cynoglossum amabile) is a highly productive easy-care annual. Produces adorable, delicate sprays of blue blossoms with scalloped petals around a blue center. Grows 1'-2' tall on thin, hairy stems with lance-shaped foliage. Stunning in the garden or as a cut flower.

• Life cycle: Annual
• Bloom season: Spring, summer
• Attracts: Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
• Flower meaning: True love

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Cynoglossum amabile
• Hardiness zones: 1-10
• Planting season: Spring, fall
• Days to maturity: 75-85 days
• Cold stratify: Yes
• Depth to plant seeds: 1/4"
• Spacing between plants: 8"-12" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-10 days
• Germination soil temps: 65F-70F
• Soil types: Sandy, loamy, well-drained
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
• Water needs: Average
• Sun needs: Full sun, part shade, full shade
• Frost tolerant: Yes
• Drought tolerant: Yes
• Deer resistant: No