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Boraginaceae
Ornamental flowers seeds
California Blue Bell phacelia (Phacelia campanularia)
Product code : 61-5600-010
California Blue Bell phacelia is a compact annual with delicate, vivid gentian-blue, bell-shaped flowers accented by white anthers. It grows approximately 15 to 30 cm tall and spreads 7.5 to 15 cm, a size ideal for borders, containers, and mass plantings. The W.H. Perron packet contains approximately 300 bare seeds. Sow indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost at about 18°C; germination takes 12 to 30 days and maturity 11 to 12 weeks. Grow plants in full sun and dry, light, very well-drained soil. Once established, this variety tolerates drought very well and needs little maintenance.
- Quantity
- Approximately 300 seeds per packet
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Annual
Discover the plant
Common nameCalifornia Blue Bell phacelia
FamilyBoraginaceae
GenusPhacelia
Speciescampanularia
CultivarCalifornia Blue Bell
Typebare seeds
Botanical namePhacelia campanularia
California Blue Bell phacelia (Phacelia campanularia) is a compact annual covered with delicate, vivid gentian-blue, bell-shaped flowers accented by white anthers. Plants grow approximately 15 to 30 cm tall and spread 7.5 to 15 cm. Their low profile and bright colour create a particularly attractive effect in mass plantings, borders, containers, and small sunny spaces. Flowering continues from June through September and adds a light texture without hiding taller plants positioned behind it. Repeating several plants creates a clear ribbon of blue across the garden and keeps the display cohesive.
The W.H. Perron packet, product code 61-5600-010, contains approximately 300 bare seeds. Sow indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost in porous, well-drained seed-starting mix. Maintain a temperature close to 18°C and even moisture without soaking the medium; germination generally takes 12 to 30 days. After emergence, provide abundant light and gentle air movement. Transplant seedlings when sturdy enough to handle, then harden them gradually before moving outdoors 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost. Keep trays level so moisture remains evenly distributed between all cells.
Grow California Blue Bell in full sun and dry to moderately moist, light, very well-drained soil. Sandy or stony ground is particularly suitable, and a near-neutral pH is preferred. Space plants according to their mature 7.5 to 15 cm spread to form an even edge or small mass planting. Water regularly during establishment, then allow the surface to dry between waterings. Once established, this phacelia tolerates drought very well and requires little maintenance. This ornamental annual is not intended for consumption. Avoid sites where water remains around the roots after rain.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Surface sow; do not cover
Spacing / density
Allow 7.5 to 15 cm of spread per plant
Germination temperature
Approximately 18°C
Germination time
12 to 30 days
Sowing period
Indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow after frost risk
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
Sow California Blue Bell indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost. Fill cells with porous, moist, well-drained seed-starting mix, then distribute the bare seeds according to the available space. Maintain approximately 18°C and even moisture without standing water; germination may take 12 to 30 days. After emergence, place seedlings under abundant light and provide gentle air movement. Transplant when they are sturdy enough to handle without crushing the stems. Harden plants gradually to sun and wind, then move them outdoors 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost. Choose a full-sun site with light, dry, very well-drained soil. Space plants according to their mature 7.5 to 15 cm spread. Water after planting to settle soil around the roots, then allow the surface to dry between applications. Once established, plants tolerate drought very well. Avoid heavy soil, waterlogged areas, and excessive automatic irrigation. Maturity is listed at 11 to 12 weeks, and flowering continues from June through September according to local conditions. Check each cell during the longer germination window, and water individual dry spots instead of saturating the entire tray. Label seedlings clearly so the product code and sowing date remain available until flowering.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Light, dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil
Minimum temperature
Frost tender during annual production
Care level
Easy
Watering
Water regularly after transplanting to support root establishment, then allow the soil surface to dry before the next application. Once established, California Blue Bell tolerates drought very well and prefers dry soil to constant moisture. Check containers more often because a small volume dries quickly in full sun. Water thoroughly, allow excess water to drain, and never leave the pot standing in a full saucer. Adjust frequency to actual heat, wind, and rainfall instead of following a fixed schedule.
Soil type
This phacelia prefers dry to moderately moist, light, very well-drained soil. Sandy or stony textures are particularly suitable, and W.H. Perron indicates that a near-neutral pH is preferable. In containers, use a light potting mix and keep drainage holes open. Avoid heavy, compacted, or constantly waterlogged soil, which limits air around the roots. A thick layer of moist mulch against the stems is unnecessary for this drought-tolerant annual.
Fertilization
California Blue Bell needs little feeding in reasonably fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporate a small amount of mature compost before planting when soil is very poor. In containers, use a balanced fertilizer for flowering annuals when needed, following the dilution and frequency on its label. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers and may produce weaker stems. Do not apply fertilizer to completely dry growing medium.
Moisture
Consistent without saturation
Seasonal care
In spring, prepare a sunny, well-drained site and harden seedlings before transplanting. During establishment, water regularly without saturating the soil. In summer, allow the surface to dry between applications and remove only damaged or diseased growth. This annual tolerates drought well once established and needs no structural pruning. After heavy rain, simply confirm that water drains quickly. At the end of flowering, remove annual plants as they decline and clean containers before storing or reusing them. Monitor trays in early spring because germination may take 12 to 30 days. Keep the medium moist without saturation and provide abundant light immediately after emergence. Before transplanting, increase outdoor exposure gradually. After planting, check rooting and moisture more often for two to three weeks. When new growth resumes, reduce watering rather than keeping soil constantly wet. During hot periods, observe foliage in the morning and intervene only when soil is dry. Remove damaged tissue promptly after storms and preserve good air movement. No routine structural cutting back is required. In late summer, continue avoiding excess water even as nights become cooler. Record the best-performing locations to help plan the following season. If containers are reused, wash them and confirm that every drainage opening remains clear before adding fresh potting mix. Store unused seed in its labelled packet in a cool, dry place away from rapid temperature changes and humidity.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Container at least 30 cm wide with drainage
California Blue Bell suits containers when the pot receives full sun and provides very effective drainage. Choose a container with open holes and fill it with a light potting mix, ideally including a mineral fraction that improves drainage. Group several plants for a small gentian-blue mass while respecting their 7.5 to 15 cm spread. Water after planting, then allow the surface to dry between applications. Containers heat and dry faster than garden soil, so check moisture during hot weather without keeping the medium constantly wet. Position the pot where the small flowers remain clearly visible at eye level. During the first weeks, check the potting mix surface daily and water only when it begins to dry. Rotate the container periodically when light reaches mainly one side, and remove damaged stems without cutting back healthy growth unnecessarily. A low pot can hold several plants, but leave enough room for air movement between them. After heavy rain, empty any saucer and confirm that drainage holes remain open. Light feeding for flowering annuals can be used when needed according to its label. At the end of the season, remove plants, discard diseased material, and clean the container before reusing it.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
15 to 30 cm (5.9 to 11.8 in)
Width / spread
7.5 to 15 cm (3 to 5.9 in)
Flower color
Gentian blue with white anthers
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Green foliage
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Compact and spreading
Fragrance
No particular fragrance confirmed
Bloom period
Gentian-blue flowering begins when plants reach maturity, generally 11 to 12 weeks after sowing under good conditions, and continues from June through September. Delicate bell-shaped flowers carry clearly visible white anthers. Full sun and dry, light, well-drained soil support steady flowering without requiring excessive watering once plants are established. Exact timing varies with sowing date, temperature, available light, and local conditions.
Days to maturity
11 to 12 weeks
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Combine California Blue Bell with low annuals that prefer full sun and light, dry, well-drained soil. White, pale-pink, or soft-yellow flowers create clear contrast with gentian blue. Position taller species behind the phacelia and avoid highly vigorous companions that could shade it. In containers, choose plants that tolerate the same watering pattern and leave enough room for air movement. No required botanical companion is published; compatibility depends mainly on similar growing needs, mature size, drainage, and exposure throughout the season.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
What is in a California Blue Bell phacelia packet?
The W.H. Perron packet, code 61-5600-010, contains approximately 300 bare Phacelia campanularia California Blue Bell seeds. “bare” means the seed is not pelleted or coated. The source does not present this format as organic and publishes no other treatment, so semences_biologique is FALSE. This is not identified as an F1 hybrid; semence_reproductible is therefore TRUE, although saved-seed fidelity depends on pollination and isolation. semence_patrimoine remains FALSE because no official heirloom designation is published. Close the packet after use, store it cool and dry, and record the opening date. Keep unused seed clearly labelled and separated from food seed at home.
How should California Blue Bell be sown successfully?
Sow indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost in porous, well-drained seed-starting mix, or direct sow after the risk of damaging frost has passed. Maintain approximately 18°C and steady moisture without saturating the medium. W.H. Perron lists germination in 12 to 30 days, so do not discard a seemingly slow tray too early. After emergence, provide abundant light and gradually increase air movement. Harden plants before setting them outside, 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost. Handle roots gently, then water thoroughly after planting to establish soil contact. Check the seedbed regularly because its surface can dry before deeper soil does.
What flowers and dimensions should be expected?
California Blue Bell produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers in vivid gentian blue, highlighted by white anthers. W.H. Perron lists approximately 15 to 30 cm in height and 7.5 to 15 cm in spread, with maturity in 11 to 12 weeks. Group several plants for a more visible blue mass while preserving enough space for air circulation. This annual suits sunny flower beds and containers. Its compact habit allows placement near the front of a border. Flowering is listed from June through September, although actual duration depends on sowing time, heat, moisture, and local conditions. Combine it with plants that do not shade or overwhelm its relatively small stature.
What soil and maintenance suit this phacelia?
Place California Blue Bell in full sun in dry, sandy, or stony soil that is preferably neutral and always well drained. W.H. Perron notes good drought tolerance once established. Water regularly during rooting, then space applications according to soil, rainfall, and heat; never leave water standing around roots. Check containers more often because their medium dries rapidly. Light fertilization is generally sufficient in reasonable soil; avoid excess nitrogen that promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. Remove diseased tissue, watch for slugs, aphids, and signs of rot, and preserve adequate air circulation in dense plantings. Water the soil rather than repeatedly wetting flowers and foliage.
Is this phacelia organic, edible, or confirmed safe for pets?
This format is not presented as organic, so semences_biologique is FALSE. W.H. Perron sells California Blue Bell as an ornamental annual and publishes no food use; comestible is FALSE. No consulted official veterinary source specifically confirms Phacelia campanularia as safe for dogs and cats. pet_friendly is therefore FALSE as a precaution, without claiming that a specific toxicity is proven; toxicite is FALSE because no particular hazard was confirmed in the retained sources. Nevertheless, prevent animals and children from ingesting seed or plants. After ingestion or an unusual skin reaction, contact a veterinarian or poison centre with the botanical name, possible amount, and product packet. Avoid unsupported home remedies.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
The retained sources primarily describe California Blue Bell as an ornamental annual for containers and garden beds. They do not guarantee visits from any particular pollinator or animal species. Observed activity depends on flowering, neighbouring plants, weather, and wildlife already present in the garden throughout the season.
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