Phacelia is an annual plant that thrives with its ability to rapidly grow and establish a strong presence in the garden. Known for its eye-catching purple flowers, it is a nitrogen-fixer and an effective weed suppressant. The flowers of Phacelia attract a wide variety of beneficial insects, including bees, making it an essential part of any pollinator garden.
The plant’s dense, shallow root system conditions the top 3-4 cm of soil, improving soil structure and making it an excellent choice for soil health. Its ability to prevent nitrogen leaching further enhances its value as a green manure in crop rotation and vegetable gardens. Though not a deep-rooted species, Phacelia is a vital ally in soil conditioning and is also very efficient in preventing the spread of weeds, giving your garden the boost it needs.
Key Benefits
- Nitrogen-fixing: Helps to retain nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility.
- Attracts bees and beneficial insects for effective pollination.
- Weed suppression: Fast-growing nature helps in controlling weeds.
- Excellent for soil improvement and conditioning the top 3-4 cm of soil.
- Perfect for crop rotation and as a green manure to improve soil health.
- Provides pollen and nectar for pollinators, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.
Planting Guide
- Sowing rate: 1g per square metre.
- Flowers from June to October, offering a long blooming period for pollinators.
- Height when fully grown: Around 1 metre – a good size for use in flower beds or vegetable patches.
- Sowing tips: Phacelia seeds must be sown shallowly or harrowed and rolled to ensure germination, as they require darkness to sprout.
- Caring tips: It thrives in a range of soil conditions, including poor soil, and is particularly useful for drought resistance and soil leaching prevention.
What’s in the Packet?
100% Phacelia Seeds
For detailed information on how to sow and care for your Phacelia, visit our Learning Hub for Phacelia.
Please note: Packaging may vary.