What is another name for phacelia?
Phacelia tanacetifolia is a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrophyllaceae, known by the common names lacy phacelia, tansy-leaf phacelia, blue tansy, purple tansy or fiddleneck (UK). Phacelia (phacelia, scorpionweed, heliotrope) is a genus of about 200 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants in the family Hydrophyllaceae, native to North and South America. California is particularly rich in species with over 90 recorded in the region.Phacelia tanacetifolia is a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrophyllaceae, known by the common names lacy phacelia, tansy-leaf phacelia, blue tansy, purple tansy or fiddleneck (UK).
How long does phacelia take to flower?
It takes 6-8 weeks for phacelia to flower from sowing. Phacelia is effective at preventing nitrogen leaching and suppressing weeds due to its fast establishment. Phacelia: A fast-establishing cover crop with good top growth and a root system that suppresses weeds. A competitive crop with benefits for managing erosion, leaching and structure. Not entirely frost tolerant and unlikely to senesce fully over winter.Incorporating phacelia into your soil You can leave phacelia overwinter after the frost kills the leaves, however a severe frost may kill the plants too.Phacelia produces good surface rooting which helps to keep the soil well drained and the crop is a good nectar source. The crop is often killed by hard frosts. Mustard helps with nitrogen capture and gives rooting benefits. The crop is largely killed by harsh frosts.
Is phacelia easy to grow?
Phacelia is generally trouble free. The only issue with growing phacelia is that it self-seeds readily. However, by simply removing flowers and/or controlling its spread by collecting seed yourself, you can prevent this problem. Seeds of phacelia germinate best when they are not exposed to light. Sow seeds at the recommended depth and cover with enough soil to exclude light. Alternatively, you can place a board or some black plastic over the seeds while they germinate, removing it as soon as possible after the seeds have sprouted.
How to germinate phacelia seeds?
Lacy Phacelia seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here. Press seeds into the soil 1/8-1/4″ deep. Keep seeds moist until germination, about 7-12 days after sowing your seeds. Sow phacelia in spring while the soil is still cool. Make sure seed is well covered, because phacelia seeds need darkness to germinate. Broadcast seed into cultivated soil so that the seeds are about 2 inches (5 cm) apart and one-fourth inch (0.