Lacy Phacelia Seeds

Often referred to as ‘’Purple Tansy,’’ Lacy Phacelia is originally native to the desert regions of the southwestern USA and northwestern Mexico. Often planted in gardens as an ornamental plant, it is also frequently used as a cover crop in vineyards, orchards and alongside crop fields. Lacy Phacelia’s purple flowers are regarded as one of the best pollinators in the garden, and bees will flock in from miles away to get a taste of their nectar. A good option for areas of your garden that are less exposed to pollinators or near crops that are respond well to high pollination.

Lacy Phacelia is an early-flowering annual plant that grows to about two feet tall and produces beautifully curved clusters of flowers that open sequentially, for a long blooming season. The lavender-purple, bell-shaped flowers have extra-long stamens, making them especially attractive to pollinators. The plants are self-seeding, so dedicate an area in your garden for them to return every year or plant in pots to keep them contained. Lacy Phacelia is an excellent addition to your garden to keep it buzzing with activity.

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Native to California’s sweltering Mojave and Sonoran deserts, phacelias are used to excessive heat and sandy soil, but will adapt well to other climates. This annual will grow quickly and bloom early in the season. Well-known for their bright blue blossoms, these wildflowers are superstars in pollinator gardens.

Phacelia seeds should be sown directly outdoors when temperatures range from 10-13 degrees. They can be sown before the last frost. Short, cool short days help the seeds germinate and get established before the longer, warmer days arrive. By the time plants are established, they will thrive in full sun, especially in northern regions.

Sow seeds into a well-worked field or garden bed of well-drained soil, cover lightly and keep moist. Germination should occur in 15-30 days. Thin plants as needed to reach a final spacing of 10-20 cm. Phacelias will grow quickly and bloom before almost any other spring flower. They bloom earliest in seeded meadows alongside wild baby’s breath. They will do exceptionally well in the cool months of spring and fall, but flowering will slow down in periods of dry heat. Phaelias don’t require any fertilizer or plant food.

Plants will reach about 70 cm in height and explode with vivid blue bell-shaped blossoms. Flowers will reseed themselves at the end of the growing season, spread and naturalize over the years. Like a true wildflower, phacelias will propagate themselves and evolve to acclimate to their current surroundings. Deadhead the flowers as they fade to prevent self-seeding and to encourage further blooming.

QUICK FACTS

- Lacy phacelia can be grown for use as green manure. Make sure to dig the plants back into the soil before they flower, as that is when they have the most nutrients and the seeds won’t spread everywhere.

- Phacelia seeds will remain viable for 2 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.