Phacelia (Lacy Phacelia) in Zone 2a & 2b
Phacelia tanacetifolia
Yes, phacelia (lacy phacelia) grows in zones 2a and 2b. Plant it outside Apr 29–May 6.
When to plant phacelia (lacy phacelia) in zone 2b
Zones 2a and 2b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 29–May 6 |
| Estimated bloom | Jul 8–Jul 15 (~70 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2.5-3.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 2b
These go outside within two weeks of phacelia (lacy phacelia) in zone 2b, so one planting day can cover them.
- Black-Eyed SusanApr 29–May 6
- Clarkia (Farewell-to-Spring)Apr 29–May 6
- Cynoglossum (Chinese Forget-Me-Not)Apr 29–May 6
- Saponaria (Soapwort)Apr 29–May 6
- Agrostemma (Corn Cockle)May 6–May 13
- Bachelor's Button (Cornflower)May 6–May 13
Phacelia, also called purple tansy or lacy phacelia, is grown less for cutting than for what it does in the garden: it's an outstanding nectar source for honeybees and draws beneficial insects reliably wherever it's planted.
How phacelia (lacy phacelia) fits zone 2's season
Zone 2b's frost-free window runs about 104 days, from May 20 to September 1. Phacelia (lacy phacelia) needs about 70 days from sowing to first bloom.
Phacelia (Lacy Phacelia) planting windows in every zone
Zone 2b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2a & 2b (your zone) | Not usually | Apr 29–May 6 | Jul 8–Jul 15 |
| 3a & 3b | Not usually | May 9–May 16 | Jul 18–Jul 25 |
| 4a & 4b | Not usually | Apr 24–May 1 | Jul 3–Jul 10 |
| 5a & 5b | Not usually | Apr 19–Apr 26 | Jun 28–Jul 5 |
| 6a & 6b | Not usually | Apr 4–Apr 11 | Jun 13–Jun 20 |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Mar 20–Mar 27 | May 29–Jun 5 |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Mar 4–Mar 11 | May 13–May 20 |
| 9a & 9b | Not usually | Jan 25–Feb 1 | Apr 5–Apr 12 |
| 10a & 10b | Not usually | Jan 9–Jan 16 | Mar 20–Mar 27 |
| 11a & 11b | Not usually | Dec 11–Dec 18 | Feb 19–Feb 26 |
Bloom dates are about 70 days after the sow or plant-out date.
Zone 2 sows before zone 3 here, which looks wrong and is not. USDA zones rank winter cold, not season length, and zone 2 is mostly interior Alaska, where hard winters come with warm summers. More on what a zone measures.
Good companions
No well-established companions for phacelia (lacy phacelia).
Where to buy phacelia seeds
True Leaf Market · High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's phacelia seeds)
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing phacelia (lacy phacelia)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 2b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Phacelia (Lacy Phacelia) in USDA zone 2b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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