
Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.
Phacelia
FlowerPhacelia tanacetifolia
- Full sun
- Zone 11
- 45 days to maturity
- Flowers
- 12" spacing
- Moderate water
- Annual
Overview
Most commonly seeded in mass plantings, or as an annual cover crop with nectar-rich blooms to attract and support beneficial and pollinator insects. An excellent, fast-growing, easy-to-grow source of nectar for honeybee forage. Tolerant of low water conditions and poor soils. Used as a cover crop, will winterkill at 18°F (-8°C) - residue breaks down relatively quickly. Furled, lavender-colored flowers with tall, sturdy stems are sometimes used as a cut flower, adding a casual, wildflower look to bouquets. Also commonly known as bee's friend, lacy phacelia, blue tansy, purple tansy, and lacy scorpion-weed. Relative of borage and native to the United States and Mexico. For mass plantings or cover crop, sow at 3 oz./1,000 sq.ft. or 7 lb./acre.
Planting
Direct sow after last frost once soil is workable
Growing
Sun: full. Water: moderate. Soil: Tolerant of poor soils; prefers well-drained conditions. Space plants 12" apart. Germination: 7-14 days.