Phacelia is excellent at building soil structure, thanks to an extensive, fibrous root system that can reach up to 30 inches deep — though most of its intense soil-conditioning effect happens in the top 2 inches of soil. Its purple-blue flowers attract a wide range of beneficial insects, while its dense foliage does a strong job suppressing weeds.
Phacelia produces large amounts of biomass, but the residue breaks down quickly and likely won't persist into spring.
More Information
Type & Season
Type: Broadleaf
Season: Cool Season
Seeding & Growth
Precision: Not recommended
Drilled: 7 lb/A, 1/16" to 1/2" deep
Broadcast: 9 lb/A
Aerial: 11 lb/A
Dates: 5-7 weeks before average first frost
Avg Seeds/lb: 235,000
Emergence: 3-11 days, largely dependent on temperature — darkness germinates better than light
Height: 6"-47"
Inoculate: No
