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Phacelia

Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.

Phacelia

Flower

Phacelia tanacetifolia

  • Full sun
  • Zone 11
  • 45 days to maturity
  • Flowers
  • 12" spacing
  • Moderate water
  • Annual
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  • 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.