Do I need to deadhead the flowers?

Deadheading spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce a second flush of blooms. Simply pinch off the faded flower stalks.

How much light is too much?

While they love sun, extremely harsh afternoon heat can scorch the leaves. Provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day.

Why is my field forget-me-not not blooming? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Assess the amount of daily sunlight the plant receives.
Check if the plant is crowded by other taller plants.
Verify the fertilizer type you are using.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks leggy and stretches toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move your plant to a brighter location with full sun or bright indirect light. It needs at least 6 hours of light daily to trigger blooming.
Excessive Nitrogen
Possible
How to tell: The plant has lush green foliage but shows no signs of flower buds.
What to do: Switch to a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content to encourage blooms. Stop using high nitrogen fertilizers during the growing season.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your field forget-me-not

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for the plant to stop blooming once the season ends or temperatures get too high. Worry only if the plant is in its prime growing season and shows no buds.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent bright light and use a balanced fertilizer during the early spring.

Field forget-me-not: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your field forget-me-not and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Do I need to deadhead the flowers?: Deadheading spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce a second flush of blooms. Simply pinch off the faded flower stalks.
How much light is too much?: While they love sun, extremely harsh afternoon heat can scorch the leaves. Provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day.

Why is my field forget-me-not not blooming?