Phacelia tanacetifolia Seeds

Phacelia tanacetifolia is a fast-growing Hardy Annual (H3). In the UK, it is legendary for flowering within just 6–8 weeks of sowing, making it the perfect choice for a quick nectar-rich display or a protective ground cover.

The Soil Optimizer: Phacelia is an exceptional green manure. Its dense root system breaks up heavy UK clay soil, and the foliage protects the soil surface from the leaching effects of heavy winter rain. If using for soil improvement, simply dig the plants into the earth before they flower.

Butterfly and Bee Favorite: Listed on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, it is widely considered one of the top five nectar-producing plants for bees in the UK. The flowers produce nectar all day long, ensuring a constant supply for your garden's beneficial insects.

Phacelia is a "scatter and grow" plant, making it one of the easiest and most satisfying seeds to sow.

How to Sow:
Sow directly outdoors from March to September. Phacelia seeds need darkness to germinate. Rake the soil to a fine tilth, scatter the seeds thinly, and rake them in well so they are covered by roughly 1cm of soil. Germination is rapid, usually appearing in 7–14 days.

Where to Plant:
It thrives in full sun but will happily tolerate light shade. It is not fussy about soil types and will grow in everything from poor sandy ground to heavy clay—making it a versatile tool for any UK garden.

Ongoing Care:
Maintenance is minimal as the dense foliage naturally suppresses weeds. If you are growing it for flowers, you can deadhead to extend the season. If you prefer it to self-sow for the following year, allow the flower spikes to turn brown and drop their seeds naturally.

Create a pollinator paradise by pairing Phacelia with these nectar-rich stars from our collection:

• 💙 Anchusa 'Blue Angel': The Intense Blue Duo. Both plants are loved by bees and provide a stunning array of blue tones. Anchusa's electric blue flowers beautifully complement the softer lavender-blue spikes of Phacelia.
• 🔵 Cornflower 'Blue Ball': The Wildflower Border. The vibrant, solid blue of Cornflowers adds depth to the wispy, lacy texture of Phacelia, creating a naturalistic display that pollinators will flock to.

Sow in succession from spring through to late summer for a continuous display.