Phacelia Tanacetifolia Seeds

Phacelia tanacetifolia is scientifically proven to be one of the most attractive flowers to bees and beneficial insects. This hardy annual produces unique, curling flower spikes of soft lavender-blue that look like tiny, fuzzy fiddlenecks. The ferny, delicate foliage grows incredibly fast, smothering weeds and improving your soil simultaneously.

In mid-summer, a patch of Phacelia creates a constant, audible buzz. It delivers an immense amount of nectar and pollen, providing an essential food source during the peak summer months when many other wildflowers are finishing their display.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Phacelia Tanacetifolia'

We love this plant for its dual purpose as a powerful **Green Manure**. It has a vigorous root system that breaks up heavy soil and scavenges nitrogen, improving the fertility and structure of your soil when dug back in.

It is the definition of "fast food" for bees. Sown in succession, it provides a continuous, reliable source of nectar throughout the summer. It also makes an unusual, fragrant cut flower, adding unique texture to informal bouquets.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual / Green Manure?

Phacelia is a vigorous Hardy Annual.

It completes its life cycle in one season and must be direct-sown.
The Strategy: Phacelia must be sown in succession for a long flower display, or simply sown when a vegetable patch is empty. It grows fast, flowers fast, and then dies back.
Top Tip: If using as Green Manure, cut the plants down just before they set seed (when they are in full flower). Chop up the foliage and dig it into the soil to release the nutrients.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Phacelia is highly vigorous and establishes quickly.

🌱 Germination:
Sow directly outdoors from March to September. Phacelia is completely unfussy. Scatter the seeds lightly over the surface of moist soil and rake in gently. Germination is fast, usually 7-14 days.

Where to Sow:
It is incredibly resilient and happy in full sun or light shade. It tolerates almost all soil types, including heavy clay, and is a fantastic choice for improving poor quality patches.

Care While Growing:
Phacelia requires almost no maintenance. Ensure adequate water in drought conditions. The only decision is when to cut it down: leave it for the bees, or chop it before it sets seed for the soil.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Phacelia works best in a dedicated patch. Pair it with other direct-sown annuals that enhance the blue/purple meadow look:

• 🔵 Cornflower 'Blue Ball': For a structural contrast. The stiff, button-like Cornflowers contrast beautifully with the wild, fuzzy Phacelia spikes, ensuring an entire patch of glorious blue colour.
• 💙 Nigella 'Miss Jekyll Blue': Create a blue haze. Both plants have fine, airy foliage and are best direct-sown. The Nigella fills the base, while the Phacelia provides shaggy, mid-height texture.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow directly outdoors from spring to autumn for continuous flowers and green manure.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)