Origin of seeds: The Netherlands

Buzz score: 
The buzz score indicates how much food our seeds provide to pollinators such as bees, butterflies and other insects. 1 bee: Moderately pollinator-friendly to 3 bee: Extremely pollinator-friendly.

Growth and flowering info

  • Sowing time in the garden: March-August
  • Indoor sowing time: any time
  • Keep the paper wet for the first 5 days
  • Position: full sun
  • Soil: slightly nutrient-rich soil, moderately damp but preferably not too dry.
  • Germination after 6 or 7 days
  • Fast grower
  • Flowering after about 6 weeks in the flowering season (May to September)
  • Annual plant
  • 100% guaranteed germination
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Phacelia: the all-rounder in the garden

Phacelia, also known as bee friend or crested beauty, is an impressive plant that can offer many benefits in your garden. With its attractive flowers and its ability to improve the soil, phacelia is not only pleasing to the eye, but also a valuable helper for your garden work. In this blog article, you will learn everything you need to know about phacelia, from its planting and care to its many benefits.


What is phacelia?

Phacelia belongs to the waterleaf family (Hydrophyllaceae) and consists of about 200 species. The most commonly cultivated species in our regions is Phacelia tanacetifolia. It is best known for its dense, violet-blue flowers, which attract numerous bees and other pollinators. Phacelia is often used as a green manure crop because it improves the soil and suppresses weeds.


Cultivation and care

Phacelia is easy to grow and care for, making it an ideal plant for hobby gardeners.

Here are some tips on how to grow phacelia successfully in your garden:

  • Location: Phacelia prefers sunny to semi-shaded locations. It adapts well and thrives in most soil types.
  • Soil: A well-draining soil is ideal, but phacelia can also cope with less optimal conditions.
  • Sowing: Sow the paper with Phacelia seeds directly outdoors when there is no more chance of frost. The optimal period for sowing is between April and September.
  • Care: Phacelia needs little care. Keep the soil evenly moist until the plants are well developed. After that it can also withstand drier conditions.
  • Flowering time: The flowering period varies from June to September. After flowering, you can work the plants into the soil as a green manure crop.

Benefits of phacelia

Phacelia offers numerous benefits that make it a valuable addition to any garden:

  1. Pollinator-friendly: Phacelia flowers are an excellent food source for bees, bumblebees and other pollinators. By planting phacelia, you are actively contributing to the protection and promotion of these important insects.
  2. Soil health: As a green manure crop, phacelia improves soil structure, increases humus content and promotes soil fertility. It also helps protect the soil from erosion.
  3. Weed suppression: Due to its rapid growth and dense leaf mass, phacelia suppresses weeds and reduces the need for weed control.
  4. Nutrient enrichment: Phacelia absorbs nutrients from the soil and releases them during decay. This improves nutrient availability for subsequent crops.
  5. Pest control: Phacelia can help reduce harmful nematodes in the soil, promoting the health of your plants.

Tips for use in the garden

Phacelia is not only useful, but also decorative. Here are some ideas on how to use phacelia in your garden:

  • Between crops: Use phacelia as an intermediate crop to improve the soil between main crops.
  • Flower bed: Plant phacelia in your flower bed to add colour and texture while attracting pollinators.
  • Vegetable garden: Use Phacelia in the vegetable garden as a green manure crop to prepare the soil for future vegetable crops while promoting soil health.
  • Edge planting: Use Phacelia as an edge planting to create a natural barrier against weeds and improve the aesthetics of your garden.

Conclusion

Phacelia is a versatile and useful plant that should not be missing in any garden. It offers numerous benefits for soil health, attracts pollinators and suppresses weeds. Easy to grow and care for, it is ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners. If you want to enrich your garden ecologically and make it more beautiful at the same time, phacelia is the perfect choice.

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Order your own design now on 80g/m² paper with phacelia.

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