Phacelia tanacetifolia is a species of flowering plant in the borage family Boraginaceae, known by the common names lacy phacelia, blue tansy or purple tansy.
Is Tansy same as phacelia?
Also known as purple tansy or scorpion-weed, phacelia is related to borage (Borago officinalis), this annual is known for its long bloom time of 6 to 8 weeks and its highly attractive, unique flower.
Do phacelia seeds need cold stratification?
Sow on top of soil as light is needed for germination. Seed Treatment: While no stratification is needed, germination is enhanced by scarifying the seeds.
Is phacelia native to UK?
This species has been cultivated in Britain since 1832. It was first recorded in the wild in 1885 (S. W. Yorks.), and appears to be increasing.
What is lacy phacelia used for?
Phacelia is a rapidly growing, high biomass plant. It is a nitrogen holder and weed suppressor. Its eye catching purple flowers are particularly good at attracting bees and other beneficial insects. Used as a soil improving green manure.
Is lacy phacelia toxic to dogs?
Lacy phacelia is considered non-toxic, but it is a nitrate accumulator and should be used in a mix when fed to livestock.
Is Lacy phacelia invasive?
Lacy phacelia may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed.
How do you take care of Lacy phacelia?
Lacy phacelia prefers dry soil, which means its watering requirements are not high. It is also fairly drought tolerant. Make sure to not overwater as standing water will affect the plant’s growth. When growing in poor soil, add a balanced organic fertilizer to the soil before planting for better results.
Is Lacy phacelia a perennial?
The many species of phacelia include annual, biennial and perennial plants. Lacy phacelia is an annual flower, however Silky phacelia is a perennial. Although Lacy phacelia is an annual, due to reseeding it can return for many years in the same garden.
How do you collect lacy phacelia seeds?
Seed Saving: After the plant begins to turn brown, the Lacy Phacelia seeds will begin to ripen on the stem. Gather the seeds as soon as they have turned brown; watch them carefully to prevent loss, since Lacy Phacelia seeds can easily drop. Store Phacelia Tanacetifolia seeds in a cool, dry place.
How do you germinate lacy phacelia seeds?
Sow phacelia in spring while the soil is still cool. Make sure seed is well covered, because phacelia seeds need darkness to germinate. Broadcast seed into cultivated soil so that the seeds are about 2 inches (5 cm) apart and one-fourth inch (0.5 cm) deep. Thin to 10 inches (25 cm) apart in all directions.
How do you grow Lacy Phacelia from seed?
Sow Lacy Phacelia seeds in the early spring when there is still a chance of frost. Press the wild flower seeds into the soil, cover 1/8, and keep seeds moist continuously. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart. Lacy Phacelia will drop its own wildflower seeds.
Do bees like phacelia?
Phacelia is one of them. It provides masses of blue pollen for honey bees and nectar for lots of other types of bee (see for our observations on types of bee). In several countries (US, Germany) it is grown as a green manure to enrich arable land.
Is phacelia annual or perennial?
Phacelia Tanacetifolia is a quick growing hardy annual green manure that germinates at low temperatures and is ideal for sowing from March until September. It will grow up to 1m in height and is tolerant of cold temperatures and may over-winter if it’s not too cold.
When should I plant phacelia?
Growing Phacelia from seed
In cool regions sow seeds from mid-spring to early summer. In temperate areas, it is best to sow Phacelia seeds in spring. Sow seeds about 5-6mm deep. They need total darkness to germinate so don’t just scatter Phacelia seeds on the surface.
Is purple tansy invasive?
Tansy is an herbaceous perennial plant, often deemed as a weed. Tansy plants are common in the United States, particularly temperate regions. The scientific name for common tansy, Tanacetum vulgare, may be an assertion to its toxic properties and invasive nature.
Is phacelia frost hardy?
Frost tolerant
Phacelia will survive mild frosts to overwinter and bloom in spring.
