Phacelia (Lacy Phacelia) in Zone 5a & 5b

Phacelia tanacetifolia

When to plant phacelia (lacy phacelia) in zone 5b

Zones 5a and 5b 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 indoorsNot typically started indoors
Direct sow / transplant outsideApr 19–Apr 26
Estimated bloomJun 28–Jul 5 (~70 days after direct-sowing)

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

Phacelia (Lacy Phacelia)
Photo: AnRo0002 via Wikimedia Commons, CC0, cropped.

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 5's season

Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 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)

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Growing Phacelia (Lacy Phacelia) in USDA zone 5b

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Growing Phacelia (Lacy Phacelia) in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.

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