Phacelia (Lacy Phacelia) in Zone 3a & 3b

Phacelia tanacetifolia

When to plant phacelia (lacy phacelia) in zone 3b

Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.

Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Phacelia (Lacy Phacelia) doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.

Start indoors	Not typically started indoors
Direct sow / transplant outside	May 9–May 16
Estimated bloom	Jul 18–Jul 25 (~70 days after direct-sowing)

Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2.5-3.5 ft.

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 3's season

Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Phacelia (Lacy Phacelia) needs about 70 days from sowing to first harvest.

Good companions

No standout companions recorded yet for Phacelia (Lacy Phacelia).

Where to buy phacelia seeds

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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 3b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Phacelia (Lacy Phacelia) in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.

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