Lacy Phacelia Growing GuideUpdated 7 days ago
Lacy Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) is a versatile plant often used as a cover crop, pollinator attractor, or ornamental flower. It’s a quick-growing annual that blooms with beautiful lavender-blue flowers, providing nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Lacy Phacelia is also valued for its ability to improve soil health.
How to Plant:
- Sowing Rate: Our Lacy Phacelia packet sows approximately 140 square feet when the seeds are planted about 2 inches apart.
- Soil Preparation: Phacelia thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It tolerates poor soils but performs best with some organic matter.
- Light: Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.
- Sowing Depth: Plant seeds at a depth of about 1/4 inch.
- Spacing: Sow seeds 2 inches apart to maximize coverage.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate. Once established, Lacy Phacelia is somewhat drought-tolerant but performs best with regular watering.
Germination and Growth:
- Germination Time: Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days.
- Bloom Time: Flowers usually appear about 6-8 weeks after sowing.
- Growth Habit: Phacelia grows up to 2-3 feet tall and spreads to fill in garden spaces quickly.
Benefits:
- Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
- Soil Health: Improves soil structure and acts as a green manure when turned under.
- Versatility: Ideal for use in gardens, meadows, or as a cover crop.
Care Tips:
- Weed Control: Phacelia establishes quickly and can outcompete many weeds, but early weeding may be necessary.
- Cutting Back: If grown as a cover crop, cut plants before they set seed to prevent self-seeding.