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Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia)
Phacelia is a fast-growing annual widely used as a green manure and pollinator-friendly plant. It produces masses of delicate, frilly purple-blue flowers that are highly attractive to bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. Its dense growth suppresses weeds and improves soil structure, making it an excellent choice for both wildlife gardens and vegetable plots. Easy to grow and quick to flower, phacelia is ideal for filling gaps or sowing as a soil improver between crops.
1 in stock
Description
Type: Green Manure / Pollinator Plant
Best Grown: Outdoors in beds, borders, or as a cover crop
Sowing Time: April–August
Plant Out: Direct sow outdoors in prepared soil
Flowering / Use Time: June–October (approx. 6–8 weeks from sowing)
Spacing: Scatter sow or thin to approx. 10–15 cm apart
Height: Grows approx. 45–60 cm tall
Difficulty: Very easy
Why grow it?
- Attracts bees and beneficial insects with nectar-rich flowers
- Suppresses weeds and improves soil structure
- Fast-growing and ideal for filling bare soil
- Can be dug in as green manure or left to self-seed
- Beautiful addition to wildlife-friendly gardens
How to grow: Sow directly outdoors April–August onto prepared soil. Rake lightly to cover seed and water in. Thin seedlings to around 10–15 cm apart if needed. For green manure, dig in before flowering or leave flowers to feed pollinators and self-seed. Phacelia dies back naturally with frost.
Usage ideas: Grow to attract pollinators, use as green manure to improve soil fertility, or enjoy as a decorative addition to wildflower mixes and cottage gardens.
Seeds per pack: Not specified
Seeds saved by: Jane, from plants grown from Alma Proust seed
