Phacelia tanacetifolia PURPLE TANSY (25 seeds)

Purple Tansy or Lacy Phacelia is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Hydrophyllaceae family. It is native to North America (though often naturalized in Eastern Europe) and is particularly valued in organic farming. It grows rapidly, typically reaching a height of 30 to 40 cm. The plant features fine, lanceolate, and slightly downy foliage.

Its leaves are alternate with slightly serrated edges and a bright green color.

Flowering occurs in summer, producing small, star-shaped blue and mauve flowers grouped in panicles. These flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, especially bees, and create a vibrant colored carpet.

The fruits are small, oval, and elongated capsules, each containing several seeds. They form after flowering and contribute to the plant's reproduction.

Purple tansy seeds from Phacelia tanacetifolia are small, oval, and light brown or beige, measuring about 3 millimeters in length. They are easy to sow, and their rapid germination allows the plant to spread easily.

- Uses:

Lacy Phacelia is extremely popular as a honey plant; it is one of the best nectar-producing plants in Europe. It has a long flowering period and secretes nectar throughout the day. Bees also pollinate the flowers surrounding the plants, leading to better fruit and vegetable harvests in the kitchen garden.

Beyond its ecological value, it is widely used in organic farming and permaculture. It is a top choice for green manure. In organic cultivation, its flowers attract many aphid-eating insects (such as hoverflies), which helps limit pest attacks on nearby crops. Because it grows very quickly, it covers the ground rapidly, thereby limiting the spread of weeds. It improves soil quality thanks to its very dense and fine root system, which decompresses the earth at depth. By creating dense rooting, it aerates the soil and allows for better water infiltration. The organic waste from this annual herb serves as an excellent organic green fertilizer for other crops.

Phacelia is equally decorative. Its finely divided foliage and light, natural appearance make it an ideal ornamental plant for country-style borders or natural gardens. Its violet-blue flowers blend perfectly into flower meadows.

- Germination and Sowing of Seeds:

• The ideal period to sow purple tans is during April and May.
• Soak the seeds for one hour before cultivation to break dormancy and accelerate germination.
• Prepare a tray of fine horticultural potting soil.
• Sow the seeds on top.
• Cover with only a few millimeters of substrate.
• Firm down gently.
• Water delicately using a sprayer.
• Place the culture in a warm and humid spot at a temperature between 15 and 25°C.
• Germination will begin 1 to 2 weeks after planting.

- Substrate / Soil Type:

Phacelia thrives in light, well-drained soil rich in humus. It also flourishes in sandy or loamy soils, but should avoid heavy or clayey ground that retains too much water.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

It requires a full-sun exposure for optimal growth. A sunny location promotes abundant flowering and overall plant health.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

It tolerates moderate temperatures and grows very well in a range of 15 to 25°C. It is slightly hardy, surviving down to approximately -2°C.

- Watering / Water Needs:

This beautiful annual requires regular watering, especially during its growth phase and at the time of planting, to keep the soil moist but never waterlogged.

- Reproduction / Multiplication:

Lacy Phacelia reproduces primarily by sowing, generally in spring or autumn. It self-sows easily from year to year, allowing the plant to renew itself effortlessly. Unfortunately, it cannot be grown from cuttings.

- Pests / Predators:

It can be attacked by aphids or caterpillars, but it is generally not very susceptible to diseases. The presence of natural predators, such as ladybugs, helps control these pests.