Traditionally used as a green manure this flower is so pretty and unusual for bouquets. Will attract lots of pollinators and is a weed surpressant if grown en masse. Sow at the rate of 1g per square metre. Phacelia is one of the fastest-growing green manures you can sow. It germinates quickly and creates a lush carpet of foliage that covers bare soil, helping to suppress weeds before they take hold. When it’s dug back into the ground, phacelia acts as a natural soil improver, adding valuable organic matter that boosts structure, improves drainage, and helps the soil retain moisture for longer. It’s a simple, sustainable way to build healthier soil without chemicals. Unlike legumes, phacelia doesn’t fix nitrogen, but it’s brilliant at capturing nutrients in its leafy growth. Instead of being washed away by rain, those nutrients are held within the plant and then returned to the soil as it breaks down — feeding your next crop naturally. Another huge benefit is its flowers. Phacelia’s beautiful violet-blue blooms are a magnet for bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators, making it as good for wildlife as it is for your soil. Few green manures look this pretty while doing their job. Use it as a short-term cover crop, a rotation gap-filler, or a late-season sowing to protect your soil over winter. Whether you’re a home gardener or managing a cut flower plot, it’s one of the most effective — and easiest — green manures to grow. When to Sow: Mar - Sep
HOW TO SOW:
As green manure Sow direct - Broadcast seed over the area and rake over with 5mm of soil and water until established as needed. For a garden filler broadcast in drifts throughout the borders and for cut flower sow in drills. - Classification: Hardy Annual
- Expert Level: Easy to Grow
- Germination Time: 1 Week
- Site: Full Sun/Part Sun
- Soil Type: Will grow in most soils
- Soil Acidity: All
- Mositure: Well drained
- Care: If using as a greem manure crops should be dug in before flowering. Will self sow freely if not cut back.
- Use: Garden Borders, Green Manure, Cut Flowers
- Harvesting: Cut when blooms are 50 % open.
- Days to Maturity: 90 Days
- Vase Life: 5 Days
- Height: 70-90cm
- Plant Spacing: 10cm
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