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Pollinator-friendly annual
Boraginaceae
Green manures and pollinator plants
Akène
Phacelia tanacetifolia
Lacy Phacelia
From seed to harvest
Common nameLacy Phacelia
FamilyBoraginaceae
GenusPhacelia
Speciestanacetifolia
TypePollinator-friendly annual
Botanical namePhacelia tanacetifolia
Reproducible seedsYes
Quantity per packetAbout 200 seeds
Lacy Phacelia is a fast-growing annual with upright stems, soft green finely divided leaves and lavender-blue to violet flowers. Its curled flower clusters gradually unfurl, creating a light, natural and lively appearance in the garden. Generous flowering can continue from June to September, depending on the sowing date and growing conditions. Phacelia tanacetifolia reaches 100 cm (39.4 in) in height. Grown as an annual in Canada, it provides quick ornamental interest while covering temporarily empty spaces. The combination of rapid leafy growth and unfolding flower clusters makes this annual useful where a seasonal display is wanted.
Grow lacy phacelia in sun to partial shade with well-drained sandy to loamy soil. Sow lacy phacelia seeds directly in spring after the risk of frost has passed, using a prepared cultivated area. Germination is favoured by cool soil around 15 to 18°C (59 to 64.4°F). Container growing is also possible in a pot at least 30 cm (11.8 in) deep, filled with light, well-drained growing medium. Give the roots that depth when raising the annual in a planter, and use a mixture that maintains the drainage needed for its rapid seasonal development.
Lacy phacelia provides abundant nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other beneficial insects. Grow it in vegetable gardens, flower strips or naturalistic plantings where a flowering annual can support pollinator activity. Phacelia tanacetifolia can also serve as green manure: its rapid growth produces substantial biomass and protects the soil surface. Cutting and incorporating the plants before seed set can help improve soil structure. It is chiefly grown for biodiversity, ornament and soil health rather than as a food plant. This gives a temporarily unused bed a useful seasonal role before the next crop.
Light and life cycle
In the garden
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Annual
Sowing and germination
Sowing guide
Sowing & germination
Sowing depth
5 mm (0.2 in)
Spacing / density
25 cm (9.8 in)
Germination temperature
18 to 22°C (64.4 to 71.6°F)
Germination time
5 to 10 days
Sowing period
Spring after the last frost
Propagation
Sow directly in spring after the risk of frost has passed, in prepared, well-drained soil. Germination proceeds well in cool soil, around 15 to 18°C (59 to 64.4°F). Lightly cover the seeds and maintain moisture until emergence. Neither cold stratification nor scarification is required.
Growing method
For lacy phacelia seeds, follow this protocol: sow directly in spring after the risk of frost has passed, in prepared, well-drained soil. Germination proceeds well in cool soil, around 15 to 18°C (59 to 64.4°F). Lightly cover the seeds and maintain moisture until emergence. Neither cold stratification nor scarification is required. Sowing depth: 5 mm (0.2 in). Germination takes 5 to 10 days. Allow 25 cm (9.8 in) between plants in their permanent position. Grow lacy phacelia in full sun to partial shade, providing a suitable root environment for the developing young plants as they become established. For establishment, choose soil that is sandy to loamy and well drained. Prepare clean sowing containers fitted with drainage holes, and moisten the prepared growing medium before you distribute the seeds across it. Having the containers ready makes it easier to sow evenly. Level the surface of the growing medium before sowing. This supports an even distribution of seed and helps prevent watering from washing small seeds into the corners of the container, where they would become crowded together. Maintain moisture after the light covering of soil until the seedlings emerge.
Soil and care
Soil and care
Soil & care
Moisture
Low to moderate; avoid excess water
Care level
Easy
Drought tolerance
Yes
Watering
Adjust watering for lacy phacelia to establishment and soil moisture. Water developing young plants while they establish their roots, then adjust watering intervals to rainfall and the actual condition of the soil. Soil that is still moist does not automatically need another watering. Check containers more often because their growing medium can dry quickly when exposed to sunshine or wind.
Soil type
For lacy phacelia, choose sandy to loamy and well drained soil. Observe the site after rainfall to check whether moisture matches the plant's requirements. Prepare the root zone before planting, removing competing weeds and avoiding unnecessary compaction of the soil around the future roots. Soil texture and the movement of water need to be considered together. Even soil that appears suitable can become too dry or too wet because of the slope of the site or the vegetation growing around it.
Fertilization
A light compost amendment before sowing can support lacy phacelia. First assess soil fertility and the plant's condition before adding a product. Concentrated fertilizer cannot correct poor drainage or weakened roots. The aim is balanced growth that suits the condition of the soil and the stage of the growing season. Avoid trying to force faster establishment by applying a large dose of fertilizer to the young plant.
Seasonal care
For lacy phacelia, prepare loose soil and sow when spring soil warms. Keep moisture regular during germination and thin crowded plants. For green manure, mow before flowering ends. Remove plants before seeds mature to limit self-seeding. In spring, first watch the plant for signs that growth has resumed before removing dry stems or branches. This helps you base the cleanup on what the plant is actually doing as the season begins. Carefully remove material that is actually dead or damaged. Check the moisture below the soil surface, and remove competing plants from around young specimens. The aim is to help them establish without unnecessarily disturbing the roots that are developing beneath the growing plant. In summer, adjust watering to rainfall, heat and the actual condition of the soil. Inspect new growth instead of watering automatically on a fixed schedule. Soil that is still moist does not need the same amount of water as a dry growing medium. A plant in a pot often needs more frequent observation, so use the condition of its soil to guide your response. Plants raised from seed can vary slightly from one another. Note how they behave in your own garden before changing the care of the entire planting, allowing your observations of actual growth to guide any adjustment. Watch seed maturity when deciding the cutting date.
Growing in containers
Container growing
Container growing
Recommended pot size
30 cm (12 in.)
Lacy phacelia can be raised in a container at least 30 cm (11.8 in) deep with light, well-drained growing medium. It grows quickly and flowers generously even in a planter on a sunny terrace. Regular watering without excess supports vigorous growth and a long flowering season. As a plant used for both green manure and pollinator forage, it also brings biodiversity to a limited space. The container provides a practical way to enjoy its unfolding lavender flower clusters close to a patio. Grow lacy phacelia in full sun to partial shade, providing a suitable root environment for the young plants as they become established. For establishment, choose soil that is sandy to loamy and well drained. Choose a container with drainage holes through which excess water can leave freely. Drainage depends on the growing medium as well as on the openings in the container. A layer of stones cannot replace a potting mixture suited to the plant's roots, so consider both the soil mixture and the outlet for excess water. Firm the growing medium lightly around the roots after planting, then water so that the medium settles into contact with the root ball. Let the excess water escape from the container instead of leaving it around the roots.
Growth and harvest
Size, flowering & harvest
Mature height
100 cm (39.4 in)
Width / spread
30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in.)
Flower color
Lavender-blue to violet
Foliage color
Soft green
Foliage type
Annual, finely divided
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Upright, branched and quickly covering the soil
Fragrance
Flowers with a light honey scent
Bloom period
Lacy phacelia can flower from June to September, depending on sowing date and growing conditions. Phacelia tanacetifolia is a fast-growing annual with upright stems, finely divided soft green leaves and lavender-blue to violet flowers. Its generous flowering provides a lively seasonal display above the foliage. The timing of the sowing and the conditions of cultivation influence how that flowering period develops in the garden.
Fruiting
Lacy Phacelia produces achenes. Fruit or seed formation depends on the maturity of the plants and on flowering conditions. Watch their development before harvesting: structures that are still green have not necessarily reached maturity. Leave a portion on the plant when this matches your naturalization or wildlife-observation goals. The achenes are the dry fruiting structures of Phacelia tanacetifolia. Their stage of development is what matters when following seed production after the flowering display.
Days to maturity
Flowering about 6 to 8 weeks after sowing
Harvest
Collecting phacelia seeds: Harvest mature seeds from July to September.
Garden companions
Garden associations
Companion plants & uses
Companion plants
Suggested companions for Lacy Phacelia include sunflower, crimson clover, borage, cosmos and vegetables. Give every plant enough room to develop. Check the particular needs of each companion and position lower-growing plants where they will still receive enough light. These combinations are based on compatible requirements for light and moisture as well as on contrasts in growth habit and foliage. Consider both the growing conditions and the different forms of the plants when placing them together. Include the vegetables within this cultivated flowering design.
Garden use
Sow lacy phacelia in vegetable gardens, flower strips, pollinator beds or temporarily unused ground. Rapid growth protects the soil and produces useful plant cover between crops. Cut before seed formation, then leave the biomass on the surface or incorporate it as green manure. Lavender-blue flowers bring movement to naturalistic displays while attracting beneficial insects. Suitable companions include sunflower, crimson clover, borage, cosmos, vegetables and small fruits. This makes phacelia useful in a cultivated area that needs a temporary flowering cover rather than a permanent perennial planting. Lacy phacelia provides abundant nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other beneficial insects. Grow it in vegetable gardens, flower strips or naturalistic plantings where a flowering annual can support pollinator activity. Phacelia tanacetifolia can also serve as green manure: its rapid growth produces substantial biomass and protects the soil surface. Cutting and incorporating the plants before seed set can help improve soil structure. It is chiefly grown for biodiversity, ornament and soil health rather than as a food plant. This gives a temporarily unused bed a useful seasonal role before the next crop. The annual's fast leafy growth makes temporarily unused ground productive as a planted, flowering cover.
Wildlife and pets
Wildlife & precautions
Supporting wildlife
Lacy phacelia attracts bees and other pollinators with flowers supplying nectar and pollen. It also supports beneficial predatory and parasitoid insects. Its flower clusters therefore bring together several relationships with garden wildlife. The floral resource serves visitors present during blooming, within flowering strips and open habitats, rather than depending on its separate use as a cover crop.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow lacy phacelia from seed?
For lacy phacelia seeds, sow directly in spring after the risk of frost has passed, in prepared, well-drained soil. Germination proceeds well in cool soil, around 15 to 18°C (59 to 64.4°F). Lightly cover the seeds and maintain moisture until emergence. Neither cold stratification nor scarification is required. Sow at a depth of 5 mm (0.2 in). Adjust watering for lacy phacelia to establishment and soil moisture. Water young plants during the period when their roots are becoming established. Afterwards, adjust the intervals between waterings to the rainfall and to the actual condition of the soil around the growing plants.
Why does lacy phacelia attract bees?
Lacy phacelia's nectar-rich flowers provide food for honey bees and native pollinators. The generous flowering display also draws butterflies, hoverflies and other useful insects into vegetable gardens, flower strips and naturalistic plantings. Its abundant nectar and pollen are the main reasons for using this annual as a flowering pollinator garden plant. Rapid growth gives a temporarily unused bed a flowering role, rather than leaving it without a cultivated plant cover. Pair phacelia with sunflower, crimson clover, borage, cosmos or vegetables to create a lively cultivated display. Its value comes from the resources offered by the blossoms throughout their seasonal development.
Can lacy phacelia be used as green manure?
Yes. Lacy phacelia is grown as a temporary cover crop in vegetable gardens. Prepare the soil before sowing and choose when to cut according to your purpose. Cutting before seed maturity reduces self-sowing, while retaining flowers extends the resource available to insects. It is not a legume, so do not attribute the nitrogen fixation associated with certain members of that family. Its cover and plant residues form part of overall soil management. Its rapid growth produces a substantial quantity of biomass that can enrich the soil. As a green manure, the growing cover protects temporarily free ground before the next vegetable crop.
Is lacy phacelia perennial?
No. Lacy phacelia is grown as an annual in Canadian gardens, completing its seasonal development rather than returning as a hardy perennial. Prepare loose soil in spring and sow as the surrounding soil warms after the risk of frost has passed. Keep moisture regular during germination and thin crowded seedlings. If using the crop as green manure, cut it before flowering finishes and before the seeds mature. Remove plants before seed production when self-seeding needs to be limited. This lets Phacelia tanacetifolia provide quick plant cover and a pollinator-friendly flowering display as a managed seasonal crop in the cultivated garden.
Can I grow lacy phacelia in Canadian gardens?
Yes. Lacy phacelia suits summer growing conditions in Canadian gardens and can flower generously through the season. In spring, prepare loose soil and sow once the ground is sufficiently warm and the risk of frost has passed. Maintain regular moisture during germination, then thin plants that are too crowded. If you are growing it as green manure, mow before flowering ends. Remove the plants before seed maturity when you want to prevent natural self-seeding. Check moisture below the surface and remove competing plants near young specimens without disturbing their roots. These actions support establishment and keep the annual crop suited to its intended use.
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