(Phacelia tanacetifolia) Lacy lavender-blue sprays of flowers, highly attractive to pollinators. Fern-like leaves grace this 12-24” bushy annual. Its high quality pollen and nectar make it an extremely beneficial insectary plant for honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies; also attracts hummingbirds. Blooms continuously for over 2 months, increasing beneficial insect populations and diversity. Suppresses weeds, sequesters nitrogen and calcium, and is easily cultivated under. Quickly decays leaving the soil with a light open texture.
Growing Notes
Direct seed in early spring. Seeds will germinate in cold soils but require darkness. Plant 1/4” deep and 2" apart. Flowering begins 6-8 weeks after germination. Thrives in both dry and moist soils. Native to Southwestern deserts of the US; requires little moisture.