Photo: "Am Feldrand" by Michael Mueller · CC BY 2.0

Phacelia · Cover-crop-forb

Phacelia cover crop and bee forage

Annual · Boraginaceae

Phacelia is a fast cover crop and one of the best bee-attracting flowers gardeners can sow for short windows between food crops. It makes fine roots, quick canopy, and purple blooms that support pollinators and beneficial insects, which is why it is often used as both a cover crop and a habitat plant. It suits gardeners who want rapid bloom and ecosystem services from a short planting.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

45–60 days

Sun

6+ hours

full sun 6-8 hours

Spacing

6–12 "

Seed Start

0 weeks

before transplant

Container

Not Ideal

5+ gallon pot

Height

0.5–4 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 5–14 days

Optimal Temp 65°F

Seed Depth 0.25"

Watering

Weekly Water 0.75–1.25 "

Needs Moderate

Method Base watering

Soil

pH Range 6–7

Soil Type Average to moderately fertile, well-drained soil; most of these crops do not need rich feeding.

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: High Drought: Moderate

Common Problems

damping-off

Cause: Cold, wet seedbeds or overly dense sowing can kill seedlings.

Prevention: Use clean seed, shallow sowing, and thin dense stands.

powdery-mildew

Cause: Late-season humidity can coat foliage and blooms.

Prevention: Improve airflow and avoid crowding.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity None feeder

Harvest

Terminate at early bloom for easy incorporation and maximum tenderness.

Expected Yield 0 lbs/plant

Storage Not normally stored; use as mulch or incorporation residue the same day.

Sources

seed_catalog Johnny's Selected Seeds seed_catalog Hancock Seed university Extension source

Phacelia cover crop and bee forage Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Phacelia cover crop and bee forage vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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