Bee’s Friend

Phacelia tanacetifolia

Features

  • Easy to grow
  • Foliage & Filler
  • Fragrant
  • Medium producer
  • Pollinator-friendly

Description

One of the most pollinator- and beneficial-insect-friendly flowers that you can grow, this medium-size plant is a must-have for any garden. Exceptionally interesting, curling flowers are held above lacy, fern-like foliage. Blooms are a soft periwinkle blue-purple and smell like grape candy. In addition to being a favorite with the insects, bee’s friend makes a delightful, long-lasting cut flower.

Details

Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 18 to 30 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 45 to 60 days
Plant spacing: 6 to 9 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Direct-seed in the spring as soon as all danger of frost has passed. Cover seeds with soil, as they need darkness to germinate.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest stems when flowers are just beginning to open. Expect a 7 to 10 day vase life.

Details

Description

One of the most pollinator- and beneficial-insect-friendly flowers that you can grow, this medium-size plant is a must-have for any garden. Exceptionally interesting, curling flowers are held above lacy, fern-like foliage. Blooms are a soft periwinkle blue-purple and smell like grape candy. In addition to being a favorite with the insects, bee’s friend makes a delightful, long-lasting cut flower.

Details

Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 18 to 30 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 45 to 60 days
Plant spacing: 6 to 9 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Direct-seed in the spring as soon as all danger of frost has passed. Cover seeds with soil, as they need darkness to germinate.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest stems when flowers are just beginning to open. Expect a 7 to 10 day vase life.

Sources

How to Grow

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.