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Phacelia

I have been given some Phacelia seeds, I don't know what type of Phacelia, but apparently they are helpful to bees.  What I need to know is how high do they grow and do they spread.  Can anyone help?  I think it is time to sow them now.

Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    http://www.gardenersworld.com/blogs/plants/phacelia-tanacetifolia/3495.html

    This is good for bees, is this the one you mean? I remember it as about a foot tall but haven't grown it lately. 



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • It's good as a green manure, too.  When it's finished flowering, dig it in and it will help to improve your soil.

  • Hi Caz,

    There is a quite in depth article on the telegraph about Phacelia...

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/howtogrow/9200394/Sow-a-patch-and-replenish-your-plot.html

    Growing anything from 0.5-1.5m (20in-5ft) tall, with feathered, fern-like
    leaves, it has truly beautiful flowers that unfurl, rather prawn-like, in
    purple. (link above).

  • TootsietimTootsietim Posts: 178

    I sowed my whole front garden with Phacelia tanecetifolia about two weeks ago, it germinated within a week or so and is now ready to thin out. The seeds were from Kings seeds and only cost £1.50. Actually I only used half a packet, so 75p. I shall dig some in as green manure as the seaon progresses to make room for the pumpkins that I shall be planting out later, but will leave at least a couple of rows by the hedge for the bees.

    Actually on second thoughts I may leave it all and let the pumpkins fight it out for themselves.

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