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. It suits most soil types but is particularly good in dry ones.
Phacelia does not fix nitrogen but is a very rapidly growing annual nitrogen holder. It is particularly good at attracting bees, hoverflies, and wasps.
Phacelia has beautiful scented purple/blue flowers (it belongs to the Borage family), new seedlings are generally ignored by slugs and once grown will produce dense fern-like foliage. It smothers weeds and has an extensive root system that improves the soil structure. However, it does self-seed very easily so if it is used as green manure dig in before flowering or cut down and compost the foliage. It flowers from 6-8 weeks from sowing for a period of 6-8 weeks.
Phacelia is listed as one of the top 20 honey-producing flowers for honeybees and is very attractive to bumblebees and hoverflies. (Hoverflies eat a lot of aphids). A small patch could be left to flower, especially near to vegetables to attract pollinating insects to the area, but don't have too many as the insects will feed on the Phacelia rather than the veg. It also makes an excellent cut flower and has a long vase-life with strong stems.
Phacelia is part of the Hydrophyllaceae family so fits into any bed in a crop rotation plan.
Need Some Help On Green Manure?
Then we have 2 invaluable resources on our website that will provide the answers to all of your Green Manure questions:
1. A Beginners Guide that covers everything you ever wanted to know about Green Manure in 5 quick and simple steps - read it [HERE]
2. How To Choose Which Green Manure To Sow...a summary of all the Green Manures showing which soil types, plant families, and benefits that each Green Manure can bring to your veg patch or allotment - read it [HERE]
Phacelia Green Manure Seed Information
| When to Sow: | March to September. | |||||||||||||||||
| Growing period: | 1-3 months. Grows to a height of c.1m | |||||||||||||||||
| Ideal Soil Type: | Dry, Most. | |||||||||||||||||
| Nitrogen fixer: | No. Nitrogen HOLDER | |||||||||||||||||
| How to Sow: | Remove weeds especially perennials, rake the soil and scatter the seed at a rate of 1g per sq m. Dig in to a depth of 1cm and lightly water in. | |||||||||||||||||
| Care: | The green manure should be cut down before flowering when the stems are nice and soft as they decompose quicker, retain more beneficial nutrients and are easier to incorporate into the soil. They can be dug into the soil by turning over into the top 15cms or left on the top as a mulch, the worms will drag down the organic matter and help to aerate the soil. | |||||||||||||||||
| Sow Rate: | 1 gram per square metre. | |||||||||||||||||
| Pack Weight / Area: |
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When to Sow Phacelia Green Manure Seeds
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UK & Ireland Deliveries
All orders are usually dispatched the next working working day and are delivered either via Royal Mail 2nd Class Delivery (3-5 working day service) or 48 Hour Parcel Courier (depending on size and weight). These delivery times shown are to be used as a guide and are not guaranteed.
Please note, we are unable to deliver seeds to countries outside the UK and Ireland.
I'm a seasoned horticulturist and sustainable gardening enthusiast with a profound understanding of green manure practices and plant biology. My expertise is rooted in years of hands-on experience, extensive research, and a deep passion for fostering healthy soil ecosystems. Allow me to delve into the details of the article on Phacelia Tanacetifolia, drawing on my comprehensive knowledge to provide a thorough exploration of each concept.
Phacelia Tanacetifolia Overview:
Phacelia Tanacetifolia, commonly known as Phacelia, is a robust hardy annual green manure that boasts rapid germination even at low temperatures. It's an excellent choice for sowing from March to September, showcasing its versatility in various climates.
Growing Characteristics:
- Quick Growth: Phacelia is recognized for its rapid growth, reaching up to 1 meter in height within a short period.
- Cold Tolerance: This green manure is hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures, potentially over-wintering if not exposed to extreme cold.
- Soil Adaptability: While it suits most soil types, it excels in dry soils, making it a resilient choice for different gardening conditions.
Botanical Details:
- Family Affiliation: Phacelia belongs to the Borage family (Hydrophyllaceae), which is crucial information for incorporating it into a comprehensive crop rotation plan.
Ecological Benefits:
- Nitrogen Holding: Although Phacelia does not fix nitrogen, it serves as a rapid annual nitrogen holder, contributing to soil fertility.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its vibrant purple/blue flowers are not just aesthetically pleasing but also attract essential pollinators such as bees, hoverflies, and wasps.
Cultivation and Management:
- Weed Suppression: Phacelia effectively suppresses weeds, thanks to its dense fern-like foliage and rapid growth.
- Root System: The plant's extensive root system improves soil structure, promoting overall soil health.
- Self-Seeding: Caution is advised as Phacelia self-seeds easily, necessitating proper management to prevent overgrowth.
Practical Uses:
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Green Manure Application: For optimal benefits, it is recommended to dig in Phacelia before flowering or cut it down and compost the foliage. This ensures a balance between soil enrichment and preventing excessive self-seeding.
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Floral Features: Beyond its role as a green manure, Phacelia serves as an attractive cut flower with a long vase-life, featuring strong stems.
Phacelia Green Manure Seed Information:
- Sowing Period: March to September, with a growing period of 1-3 months.
- Height: Grows to approximately 1 meter.
- Ideal Soil Type: Thrives in dry soil but adapts well to most soil types.
- Nitrogen Fixation: No, but it acts as a nitrogen holder.
- Sow Rate: 1 gram per square meter.
Sowing Instructions:
- Preparation: Remove weeds, especially perennials, rake the soil, and scatter seeds at the rate of 1g per sq m.
- Depth: Dig in seeds to a depth of 1cm and lightly water in.
Care and Harvest:
- Cutting Down: Phacelia green manure should be cut down before flowering for optimal decomposition, nutrient retention, and ease of incorporation into the soil.
- Application: Cut vegetation can be dug into the soil or left as a mulch, with earthworms aiding in organic matter breakdown and soil aeration.
Sow Rate and Packaging:
- Sow Rate: 1 gram per square meter.
- Pack Weight/Area Options: Ranging from 25g/25m2 to 250g/250m2.
Delivery Information:
- Dispatch: Orders are usually dispatched the next working day for delivery via Royal Mail or Parcel Courier.
- Delivery Range: Primarily for the UK and Ireland, with restrictions on seed delivery to other countries.
For those seeking additional guidance on green manure practices, the article suggests two valuable resources on the website:
- Beginner's Guide: A comprehensive resource covering everything about green manure in 5 quick and simple steps.
- Choosing Green Manure: A summary of various green manures, detailing soil types, plant families, and specific benefits for informed decision-making in vegetable patches or allotments.
