With their sugar-sweet nectar, Phacelia magically attract bees and butterflies. As if that weren't enough, the annual summer flower acts as a revitalizing green manure by suppressing weeds and breathing new life into fallow land. With a view of the pretty blue clusters of flowers, the bee pasture delights us at the same time as a handsome feast for the eyes. The following answers to frequently asked questions provide detailed information on how to skilfully cultivate the multifunctional flower.

Popular with humans and insects: the bee pasture

care tips

The robust constitution of a phacelia requires little maintenance. If the weather is within normal parameters, the bee pasture is content with the natural rainfall. If, on the other hand, summer comes with long-lasting drought, the summer flower gets enough water in the morning or evening hours. In pot culture, this can be the case every 1-2 days in a sunny location, as the substrate dries out quickly due to the exposed location. As a rule, no fertilization is required in the bed, whereby one or the other portion of compost proves advantageous for a lush abundance of flowers. In the planter, fertilize with a liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks from May until the end of the flowering period. At temperatures below - 8 degrees Celsius, the plant freezes. Leave the stems and leaves on the ground as a natural winter protection, to rake them into the soil in spring as an efficient soil conditioner.

Which location is suitable?

In a sunny to semi-shady location, the bee pasture thrives in almost any soil, as long as there is no waterlogging. If you are struggling with empty beds or gaps in the kitchen garden, Phacelia will transform these areas into a blue-violet sea of flowers.

What soil does the plant need?

Tufted beauty makes no significant demands on the soil conditions. The pH value is just as secondary for the summer flowers as the nutrient content. Even in acidic sandy soil, the bee pasture acts as a beneficial green manure and prepares the soil for more demanding crops. Only in waterlogged soil does the phacelie not thrive. For cultivation in the tub, we recommend a commercially available potting soil that is enriched with a little sand.

When is flowering time?

The main flowering period extends from June to September, with the individual flowers gradually opening over a period of 3 to 4 weeks and then withering. Seeds sown in April will show off their blue flowers from June. During the summertime, freshly sown seeds quickly transform into flowering bee pastures within 4 weeks. Even Phacelia seeds planted in August will flower in the same year.
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Cut phacelia properly

The task assigned to a bee pasture defines the timing and execution of the cut. We have compiled all the occasions when phacelia are cut for you here:

  • As green manure: cut or mow close to the ground, just before the beginning of the flowering period
  • As a vase ornament: cut the most beautiful stems when the first individual flowers open
  • As bee pasture: After the first frost, cut off the withered shoots and rake them into the ground

Since the tufted flower is not closely related to any classic useful plant, it is ideal for intersowing. In this case, integrate the phacelia into the crop rotation and cut off at the appropriate time to work the withered parts of the plant into the soil.

Water phacelia

The robust bee pasture is content with the natural rainfall. Only water the summer flowers in the early morning or in the evening if the drought persists. Cultivated in a pot or flower box,(16.99€) the soil dries out more quickly. Check here every few days with a thumb test whether the substrate has dried out in order to water if necessary.

Fertilize phacelia properly

If the bee pasture thrives in normal garden soil, there is no need to add fertilizer. On the contrary, the summer flower acts as a green manure by enriching the soil with nitrogen. In the narrowly limited substrate volume of the pot and balcony box, the nutrient reserves are of course quickly used up. If signs of deficiency appear here, such as dull colors and limp leaves, administer a liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.

multiply phacelia

With a view to the easy sowing, alternative propagation methods for the bee pasture are not relevant. Once the flower thrives in the garden, it sows itself diligently anyway. In this case, leave the withered stems in the bed until winter. The next spring, the offspring sprout in large numbers as if by magic.

Phacelia in the pot

In the pot, the rustic bee pasture sets decorative accents in the natural and cottage garden. Fill the jar with a mix of potting soil and sand to sow the seeds directly. Since these are dark germs, sieve the seed 1-2 cm thick with substrate and water carefully. In a sunny to partially shaded location, at 12-18 degrees Celsius, germination takes place within 1-2 weeks. Your phacelia will be in full bloom after just 4-5 weeks. Keep the substrate constantly slightly moist. Every 3-4 weeks the swarmed bee friend is happy about a dose of organic liquid fertilizer.

Is Phacelia Poisonous?

While the bee pasture serves as a green forage and provides delicious nectar, the flower is not without health concerns. The phacelioids contained in the plant parts can trigger contact allergies. We therefore recommend wearing protective gloves for all planting and care work.

How to sow Phacelia?

From April to August the time window is open for sowing bee pasture. Prepare the well-drained garden soil in a finely crumbly manner in a sunny to partially shaded location. Ideally, mix the very fine seed with a little sand for even distribution and spread it out. A dosage of 2 grams per square meter has proven itself in practice. Since these are dark germinators, rake the seeds 1-2 cm deep into the soil. Finally, water the seedbed with a fine spray and stretch a close-meshed insect net over it to protect against pecking birds and voracious pests. At temperatures between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius, germination takes 7 to 14 days.
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Beautiful varieties

  • Blue Bonnet: Very beautiful bee pasture with deep blue flowers, which is also ideal as a vase decoration
  • Tansy Phacelia: The variety acts as an ornamental cover crop with clusters of lavender flowers; 70 cm
  • Summertime Blues: Pretty two-toned phacelia whose white flowers are edged in blue; 40-60cm

Category:

Herbs