Description

Condition: New

Fresh seeds of Phacelia tanacetifolia (commonly known as lacy phacelia, purple tansy, or fiddleneck) is a fast-growing, hardy annual plant native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is widely celebrated in agriculture and gardening as a premier cover crop, green manure, and pollinator magnet.

Key Benefits & Uses

Top Pollinator Plant: It is ranked among the top 20 honey-producing flowers. The lavender-blue, bell-shaped flowers release a honey-like scent and produce highly concentrated, sugar-rich nectar that heavily attracts honeybees, bumblebees, and hoverflies.

Green Manure & Soil Improver: It does not fix nitrogen, but it acts as a nitrogen holder. Its extensive, deep root system breaks up heavy clay, improves soil structure, and prevents erosion.

Natural Weed Suppressor: The plant grows rapidly—forming a dense, fern-like carpet of foliage that naturally smothers out competing weeds.

Companion Planting & Cut Flowers: Planted near crops like cucumbers or squash, it boosts local pollination. It also features sturdy stems and a long vase life, making it an exceptional cut flower.

Cultivation & Sowing Profile

Timing: Sow directly outdoors from March to September/October. It germinates exceptionally well at low temperatures and can survive mild winters.

Darkness for Germination: Seeds are negatively photoblastic, meaning they require total darkness to germinate. Ensure they are covered with about 1 cm (½ in) of soil.

Growth Cycle: Seedlings emerge in 10–15 days. Flowers appear 6 to 8 weeks after sowing and will bloom continuously for another 6 to 8 weeks.

Height & Spread: Grows erect, typically reaching heights between 30 cm to 100 cm (1 to 3 feet).