- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
Variety Info
Days to Maturity: 45-60 days, annual
Family: Hydrophyllaceae
Native: Arizona, California, and northern Mexico
Hardiness: Frost-tolerant annual. Hardy to 19°F. Winter kills at 18°F; if using as winter cover, leave organic matter in place to prevent soil erosion.
Exposure: Full sun
Plant Dimensions: 12"-36" tall
Variety Info: Erect and semi-erect stems covered with short stiff hairs. Small, violet, bell-shaped flowers occur in fiddlehead clusters that unfold as the plant continues to bloom. Plants can cause minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Attributes: Frost Tolerant
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. In spring, sow as soon as the ground can be worked. Germination takes place when soil temperatures are between between 40°F and 68°F. Extreme high and low temperatures inhibit germination. Darkness is required for germination, so fully cover seeds with soil. In fall, start 8 weeks before your expected first frost to reach plant maturity.
When to Start Inside: Not applicable.
Days to Emerge: 15-30 days
Seed Depth: 1/4"
Seed Spacing: Scatter seed about 2" apart
Row Spacing: Not Applicable
Your hardiness zone is
Growing Info
Harvesting: Before they set seed, cover crops should be incorporated into the soil or removed. Dig up the plants and turn under or use a tiller. If you want to speed the decomposition process, mow the crop first to cut the plants into smaller pieces. Cover crops decompose in the soil rather quickly; in just 2 to 4 weeks after incorporation, you can sow your next crop. If you choose not to incorporate the cover crop into your soil right away, add the cuttings to your compost pile. As they break down, they give the compost the same enriching benefits to be added to your garden soil later. You can use cover crops as mulch, too. As mulch, the plants break down more slowly, but still add the benefits of soil-moisture retention, wind erosion reduction, and insulation, which keeps the soil warm or cool. To use as mulch, cut plants down to the soil by hand, mower, or weed whacker.
- SummerRated 5 out of 5 stars3/9/265 Stars
Arrived way earlier than expected. I've ordered from here before and I always like the little box the seeds come in
- Clara P.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2/20/26Growing like crazy.
Phacelia seeds sown in 9B outdoors in fall are growing like gangbusters in mid-February. Over a foot tall. Looking forward to many blooms this spring. I posted an earlier review and photo when the Phacelia first sprouted which impressed no one. :) Hope this photo gives a better idea of Phacelia as a cover crop.
Which best describes you as a gardener? BeginnerBIBotanical Interests2/20/26Hey Clara,
That's incredible growth! Over a foot tall in mid-February - your Lacy Phacelia is absolutely thriving in that 9B climate! We love that you're documenting the journey from those early sprouts to this impressive cover crop growth. It's so exciting to see how well they're establishing themselves for what's sure to be an amazing bloom show this spring! Thanks for sharing both photos and giving everyone a great look at how fantastic Phacelia can be as a cover crop. We can't wait to see those blooms when they arrive! Thank you for choosing us and for sharing this wonderful growing success with us. Keep on growing 🌻️
- DeAnna W.Verified BuyerRated 2 out of 5 stars12/15/25frustrated
i planted these in one of my garden boxes to help better the soil over the winter and to have something beautiful growing in that space. only 3 little seedlings have appeared nearly 6 weeks after planting.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests12/22/25Hey DeAnna,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Clara P.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars11/19/25This plant sprouted within a week...
...after I tossed it around before our first Fall rains. Last Spring, I tried starting it in pots with no success, so this time I tried direct sowing in Fall. Looks like it's working here in a 9B climate. The seedlings just developed their first true leaves.
Which best describes you as a gardener? BeginnerBIBotanical Interests11/20/25Hey Clara,
Thank you so much for this fantastic 5-star review! We absolutely love that you discovered the perfect timing and method for your 9B climate - direct sowing before those fall rains was such a smart approach, and seeing those seedlings sprout within a week and develop their first true leaves must feel so rewarding!
Your spring-to-fall growing experiment and "looks like it's working" success will be so inspiring for other gardeners in similar climates who want to discover just how adaptable and reliable Lacy Phacelia Cover Crop Seeds can be when you find that perfect seasonal timing that works with your local weather patterns for creating beautiful soil-building cover crop success!
Keep on growing 🌻️
- SharlaRated 5 out of 5 stars9/20/255 Stars
Just planted we shall see!