Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Hydrophyllaceae
Native
Arizona, California, and northern Mexico
Life Cycle
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.
Plant Height
12"-36" tall
Further Information
Growing Conditions
Frost Tolerant
About Lacy Phacelia Cover Crop Seeds
Phacelia tanacetifolia
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.
Planting Cover Crop
Days to Maturity
45-60 days, annual
Plant Spacing
Scatter seed about 2" apart
Light Required
Full sun
Plant Height
12"-36" tall
Planting Depth
1/4"
Coverage & Planting Details
| Coverage | This packet sows approximately 140 square feet. |
|---|---|
| Row Spacing | Not Applicable |
| Seed Depth | 1/4" |
| Seed Spacing | Scatter seed about 2" apart |
| Germination | 15-30 days |
| Start Indoors | Not applicable. |
| Direct Sow | 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. |
| Special Sowing | Lacy Phacelia grows best in cool conditions. Sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Late spring, summer, and fall plantings may all be successful depending upon the location. Loosen the garden soil and scatter seeds about 44 seeds per square foot. Rake seeds into the soil so that they are covered with soil to the recommended depth, and to ensure good contact between the seed and the soil. This will also aid germination. |
| Growing & 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. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
Send Your Recommendation
Total 5 star reviews: 11 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 0
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Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
13 reviews
- Clara P.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars5/27/26Throw a bee party.
Seeds sown in Fall in 9B started blooming on March 19th, provided early food for bees and other pollinators, and improved the soil while keeping weeds at bay. These annuals are now starting to fade (end of May), just in time to be turned into mulch and the soil used for planting out sweet corn. While phacelia did my garden a lot of good, I'd plant them anywhere just to make the bees happy. The bees feasting was a wonderful sight every day I went into the garden. I mostly did not water the phacelia, relying on winter and spring rains. Only watered twice when there had been no rain for over 3 weeks. I planted the phacelia seeds in poor soil that had been covered by English ivy for decades.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Beginner - JAMES S.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars4/23/26Lacy Phacelia
Has taken off growing on my acreage in TX like it had always belonged here.
Which best describes you as a gardener? ExpertBIBotanical Interests5/3/26Hey James,
Thank you so much for the 5-star review! It's wonderful to hear that your Lacy Phacelia has taken off like a native on your Texas acreage! We'd love to see photos! Your land must be loving the nitrogen fixation and all those beneficial pollinators visiting those beautiful purple blooms. Keep on growing 🌻
- 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 🌻️