Bee’s Friend
Phacelia tanacetifolia
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
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
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
Sources
How to Grow
Seed-Saving Mini Course
Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia
In our upcoming free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.
