Lacy Phacelia Growing: A Guide to Cultivating This Beautiful Plant

If you're looking for a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant to add to your garden, consider lacy phacelia. This stunning plant is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also provides numerous benefits to your garden as well. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about growing lacy phacelia.

What is Lacy Phacelia?

Lacy phacelia, also known as purple tansy or blue tansy, is a fast-growing annual plant that produces clusters of small, delicate flowers in shades of lavender, blue, and white. It's native to California but can grow in a variety of environments, including arid regions.

The Benefits of Growing Lacy Phacelia

Aside from its beauty, lacy phacelia provides numerous benefits to your garden. For one, it attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for those who want to support local ecosystems. Additionally, lacy phacelia has a deep taproot that helps to break up compacted soil and improves water retention, making it a great plant for areas with poor soil quality.

How to Grow Lacy Phacelia

Growing lacy phacelia is relatively easy, even for novice gardeners. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Seed Selection

The first step to growing lacy phacelia is to select high-quality seeds. Look for seeds from reputable suppliers and check their germination rate before purchasing.

Step 2: Soil Preparation

Lacy phacelia thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of at least six inches and adding compost or other organic matter to improve its quality.

Step 3: Sowing Seeds

Sow the seeds directly into the soil at a depth of around 1/4 inch. Space the seeds about 6-12 inches apart, depending on how large you want the plants to grow.

Step 4: Watering

Water the seeds immediately after planting and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the plants have established themselves.

Step 5: Maintenance

Once the plants have reached a height of around six inches, thin them out to allow for proper airflow and prevent overcrowding. Remove any weeds or dead foliage regularly to promote healthy growth. Fertilize the plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Step 6: Harvesting

You can harvest the flowers of lacy phacelia once they have fully bloomed. The flowers make an excellent addition to cut flower arrangements or can be left on the plant to attract pollinators.

Tips for Growing Lacy Phacelia

Here are some additional tips to help you successfully grow lacy phacelia:

• Plant lacy phacelia in full sun for best results.
• Don't overwater the plants, as this can cause root rot.
• Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
• Use lacy phacelia as a cover crop to improve soil quality in-between growing seasons.

A beautiful lacy phacelia growing in a garden bed

Lacy phacelia is a stunning and beneficial plant that's easy to grow and care for. Its delicate flowers and ability to attract pollinators make it an excellent addition to any garden, and its deep taproot can help to improve soil quality. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully grow lacy phacelia in your own garden.

Lacy phacelia, purple tansy, blue tansy, pollinators, soil improvement, gardening