Lacy Phacelia is a herbaceous flowering annual. It is a good cover crop that limits nitrate leaching and attracts pollinators like Honeybees, Bumblebees, and Hover Flies. It is one of the top 20 honey producing flowers. 

It germinates in cool soil (optimal for germ is 37-68°F) , although it does grow well in hot, dry soil. The seeds require dark for germination. 

USES:

Cover Crop:

Phacelia winter kills at 18°F. This makes it a good Fall/Winter Cover. It has also been found to stop nitrate leaching into the groundwater.

Insects:

Phacelia is very attractive to beneficial insects. Its quick growth (initiates flowering 45-60 days after planting), and long flowering period (Flowers 6-8 Weeks) not only attract pollinators and predators of pests, but allow them to flourish and build up their populations. 

Attracting pollinators such as honeybees and bumblebees  aids in crop pollination of crops following Phacelia. Caution should be taken though, as Phacelia is an insectary plant that produce a high volume of high quality nectar and pollen, and pollinating Phacelia may be more attractive than other crops.

Phacelia also attracts Hoverflies which feed on aphids and young caterpillars. It is also said to bring in parasitic wasps.

Livestock Feed:

Phacelia is non-toxic, and can be mixed in with livestock feed. Protein Content ranges from 6.7% to 19%

Seed Production:

Harvest by direct combine before more than 10% of the seed heads have turned brown and fluffy. Harvested material must be dried to prevent mold and decay. Seed production rates are highly variable and have been reported from 150 pounds in eastern Texas to 800 pounds in eastern Oregon.

PLANTING:

Seeds per Pound: 245,000

Spacing:  12" between row spacing, Drill 4-7 # per acre.  

Planting Depth: 1/4"

Germ Temp:  37-68°F

Plant Date:  seed should be planted into a firm, weed-free seedbed in early spring after the soil has reached a temperature of 40°F, and the danger of a killing frost has passed