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Phacélie à feuilles de tanaisie en fleurs, plante mellifère aux fleurs mauves.

Green manure and pollinator plant Boraginaceae

Green manures and pollinator plants

Lacy phacelia

Name: Lacy phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia)
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Phacelia tanacetifolia

Product code :

A fast-growing nectar-rich annual, lacy phacelia produces lavender-blue flowers heavily visited by pollinators. It quickly covers exposed soil and makes an excellent green manure for vegetable gardens, flowering strips, and ecological landscapes.

Quantity: Minimum 200 seeds
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Annual
Hardiness: Grown as an annual in zones 2 to 10

Common nameLacy phacelia

FamilyBoraginaceae

GenusPhacelia

Speciestanacetifolia

Cultivar

TypeGreen manure and pollinator plant

Botanical namePhacelia tanacetifolia

Reproducible seedsYes

Lacy phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) is a fast-growing nectar-rich annual valued for its upright stems, soft green finely divided foliage, and lavender-blue to violet flowers. Its curled flower clusters gradually unfurl, creating a light, natural, and lively effect in the garden. The abundant bloom may continue from June through September, depending on sowing time and growing conditions. Plants generally reach 60 to 100 cm tall and quickly develop a dense stand of foliage. Grown as an annual in Quebec and across Canada, lacy phacelia provides rapid ornamental impact while covering temporarily open soil in vegetable gardens, pollinator plantings, and informal landscape areas.

Lacy phacelia grows best in full sun but tolerates light partial shade. It performs well in loose, well-drained sandy to loamy soil with a pH near 6.0 to 7.5. Direct sow from spring through summer about 5 mm deep, then keep the seedbed lightly moist until seedlings emerge. Once established, plants require little watering except during extended dry periods. A modest application of compost before sowing is usually sufficient. In Quebec and other Canadian regions, succession sowing can extend the flowering period. Cut the plants before seeds fully mature when using them as green manure or when natural reseeding is not desired.

In vegetable gardens, flowering strips, and naturalistic plantings, lacy phacelia supplies abundant nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and many other beneficial insects. It is also widely grown as a cover crop and green manure because its rapid growth produces useful biomass, shields exposed soil, and helps improve soil structure when cut and incorporated before mature seed develops. It combines well with sunflowers, crimson clover, borage, cosmos, and many vegetable crops. This annual is primarily cultivated to support biodiversity, add ornamental colour, and contribute organic matter to the soil rather than as a food crop. Its generous flowers bring sustained movement and ecological value to productive gardens.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

5 mm

Spacing / density

20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)

Germination temperature

18 to 22°C

Germination time

7 to 14 days

Sowing period

Spring through summer

Propagation

Direct sowing or natural reseeding

Growing method

Direct sow Lacy Phacelia seeds outdoors once the soil has warmed in spring or again in late summer for autumn flowering. Cover the seeds lightly with about 5 mm (0.2 in) of fine soil and maintain even moisture until germination. Seedlings emerge quickly and grow vigorously even in relatively poor soils. This annual prefers full sun but tolerates light partial shade. It is widely used as a green manure crop because it improves soil structure while suppressing weeds. Its abundant flowers attract exceptional numbers of bees and beneficial insects, and it may self-seed lightly under favorable conditions.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Minimum temperature

Approximately -5°C

Care level

Low

Drought tolerance

Yes

Watering

Light during establishment, then as needed

Soil type

Well-drained sandy to loamy soil

Fertilization

Low requirements; light compost before sowing

Moisture

Low to moderate; avoid excessive moisture

Seasonal care

In spring, prepare loose soil and sow once it has warmed sufficiently. Maintain even moisture during germination, then thin crowded seedlings. During summer, water only through extended dry periods and make succession sowings to spread out the bloom season. Remove or cut plants before seeds fully mature when natural reseeding is not wanted. For green manure use, mow the growth before flowering is completely finished and either incorporate it lightly or leave it to break down as surface mulch. In autumn, remaining plant material may be left on the ground to add organic matter and provide temporary soil protection. Clear mature seed heads first when controlling volunteers is a priority.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

30 cm (12 in)

Lacy Phacelia grows well in containers at least 30 cm (12 in) deep filled with a light, well-drained growing medium. It flowers abundantly even in planters placed on sunny patios or balconies. Regular but moderate watering encourages vigorous growth and prolonged blooming. As both a green manure crop and an outstanding nectar plant, it also brings valuable biodiversity to small urban spaces.