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Lacy phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia)
Lacy phacelia combines several useful functions in a single sowing. Its rapid growth helps cover exposed soil, reduces open space available to weeds, and produces valuable biomass. When cut and incorporated before seeds fully mature, it adds organic matter and contributes to improved soil structure. Its abundant flowers also support pollinators and beneficial insects, helping create a more active, diverse, and ecologically balanced vegetable garden.
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Product information
Product
identification
identification
Common nameLacy phacelia
Latin namePhacelia tanacetifolia
FamilyBoraginaceae
TypeGreen manure and pollinator plant
CycleAnnual
Quantity per packMinimum 200 seeds
Product
description
description
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
guide
Sowing periodSpring through summer
Best time
Spring through summer
Sowing depth5 mm
Spacing / density
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)
Germination temperature18 to 22°C
Germination time7 to 15 days
Propagation
Direct sowing or natural reseeding
Growing
method
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
and care
ExposureFull sun to partial shade
Soil
Well-drained sandy to loamy soil
Soil pH6.0 to 7.5
Watering
Light during establishment, then as needed
Fertilization
Low requirements; light compost before sowing
Care levelLow
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
growing
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.
Bloom,
harvest
and garden
harvest
and garden
Its nectar- and pollen-rich flowers attract a broad range of bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects for several weeks while adding luminous lavender-blue colour to vegetable gardens and naturalistic plantings.
Lacy phacelia combines several useful functions in a single sowing. Its rapid growth helps cover exposed soil, reduces open space available to weeds, and produces valuable biomass. When cut and incorporated before seeds fully mature, it adds organic matter and contributes to improved soil structure. Its abundant flowers also support pollinators and beneficial insects, helping create a more active, diverse, and ecologically balanced vegetable garden.
Garden use
Sow lacy phacelia in vegetable gardens, flowering strips, pollinator gardens, or plots that are temporarily between crops. Its rapid growth protects exposed soil and creates useful living cover. Plants may be cut before seed formation, then left on the surface or incorporated as green manure. The lavender-blue flowers add movement to naturalistic designs and attract many beneficial insects. Lacy phacelia combines especially well with sunflowers, crimson clover, borage, cosmos, vegetables, and small fruit crops, making it a versatile choice for productive and ecological garden spaces.
Bloom period
June through September
Flower colorLavender-blue to violet
Foliage colorSoft green
Harvest
Mature seeds from July through September
Fruiting
Achenes
Wildlife appealBees, butterflies, and pollinators
Size
and facts
and facts
Height60 to 100 cm
Spread30 to 60 cm
Maximum height100 cm
Maximum width60 cm
Growth rateFast
Hardiness zoneGrown as an annual in zones 2 to 10
Minimum temperatureApproximately -5°C
Foliage typeAnnual, finely divided
Papillonstrue
Insectes utilestrue
Planting
partners
partners
Good companions
Sunflowers, crimson clover, borage, cosmos, and vegetables
Avoid planting with
Invasive thistles and highly competitive weeds
Recipe
and inspiration
and inspiration
Lacy Phacelia is grown primarily as a green manure crop, nectar plant, and ornamental edible flower. The young flowers can occasionally be used as decorative garnishes in salads. It is valued far more for supporting pollinators, improving soil, and beautifying gardens than for food production. Its nectar-rich blooms also produce a highly prized honey appreciated by beekeepers.
Frequently asked questions
Direct sow Lacy Phacelia from spring until mid-summer. Successive sowings provide continuous flowering for pollinators throughout the growing season.
Its flowers produce exceptional amounts of nectar, making them one of the best food sources for honey bees and many native pollinators.
Yes. Lacy Phacelia is widely grown as a green manure because it quickly produces abundant biomass that enriches and improves the soil.
Yes. It is valued for its rapid growth and exceptional ease of cultivation, making it suitable for both beginner gardeners and market growers.
Yes. Lacy Phacelia performs exceptionally well during Canadian summers and flowers abundantly throughout the growing season.
The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Attracts or supports pollinating insects
Pollinators
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
