Phacelia (Lacy Phacelia) in Zone 9a & 9b
Phacelia tanacetifolia
When to plant phacelia (lacy phacelia) in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Jan 25–Feb 1 |
| Estimated bloom | Apr 5–Apr 12 (~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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 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 9b 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 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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