Lacy Phacelia Seeds - Phacelia tanacetifolia

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 1-11 - Lacy Phacelia is a versatile, cool-season hardy annual. It can be planted in any zone, with the timing adjusted to avoid the peak heat of summer, which will cause the plant to end its life cycle.

Best Performance - This plant thrives in the mild, sunny weather of spring and fall. It produces the most abundant blooms and lush foliage when temperatures are cool to moderate.

Northern Zones (1-6) - An ideal spring-sown flower and cover crop. Direct sow seeds as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, even before the last frost. It will grow quickly and bloom profusely before the onset of high summer heat.

Hot Climate Zones (7-11) - Best used as a fall-sown cover crop and winter/spring wildflower. Plant in the autumn for a carpet of green through the winter that will erupt in a spectacular floral display in early spring. Avoid planting in the summer.

Soil Temperature - Phacelia germinates best in cool soil. The ideal temperature range is between 45 and 70 degrees F. The seeds also prefer darkness to sprout, so ensure they are well-covered with soil.

Growing Season - This is a very fast-maturing plant. It typically flowers within 60 days of sprouting and will continue to bloom for several weeks until hot weather arrives or it is terminated as a cover crop.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant
Phacelia is best planted in cool weather.

Spring Planting: Sow seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. It is frost-tolerant, so it can be planted 2-4 weeks before your average last frost date.

Fall Planting: In zones 7 and warmer, sow in fall for winter ground cover and early spring blooms. In colder zones, sow in late summer for a fall bloom.

As a Cover Crop: Plant in early spring to improve soil for summer crops, or in fall to protect and enrich soil over the winter.

Where to Plant
Sunlight: Full sun is best, but it will tolerate light shade.

Soil: Phacelia is not picky and is an excellent choice for improving poor soil. It prefers well-draining soil but is adaptable to various soil types. No fertilizer is needed.

How to Plant
Prepare the Area: Clear the desired area of weeds and debris. Rake the soil surface to create a fine, loose seedbed.

Sow Seeds: This plant is best sown by broadcasting (scattering) the seeds over the prepared area. For a dense stand, use a rate of about 1/4 pound per 500 square feet.

Cover the Seeds: Phacelia seeds require darkness to germinate. After scattering the seeds, rake them in gently so they are covered with about 1/4 inch of soil. Lightly tamp the area down with the back of a rake or by walking on it to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

Water: Water the area thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil moist until germination, which usually occurs in 7 to 14 days in cool soil.

Using Phacelia as a Green Manure
Timing is Key: To get the most benefit from Phacelia as a soil builder, you must cut it down and incorporate it into the soil before it sets seed. The best time to do this is when it's in full flower, as this is when the plant's nutrient content is at its peak.

How to Incorporate: Use a mower, scythe, or string trimmer to chop the plants down. Let the foliage wilt for a day, then till or dig it into the top 4-6 inches of your soil. Allow the plant matter to decompose for 2-3 weeks before planting your next crop.