Is phacelia good for honey bees?

Is phacelia good for honey bees?

It will germinate at low temperatures and will flower 6-8 weeks after sowing so is good to sow now. The flowers are very attractive to pollinating insects including honey bees, bumble bees, solitary bees and hoverflies so it will be a valuable end of season food source.

Is Bee’s friend a perennial?

Phacelia is a genus of about 200 plants. Phacelia tanacetifolia is an annual and grows to about 2 feet tall.

How do you grow a bee’s friend?

In addition to being a favorite with the insects, bee’s friend makes a delightful, long-lasting cut flower. How to Grow: Direct seed in the spring as soon as danger of frost has passed. Cover seeds with soil as they need darkness to germinate.

Do bees like lacy phacelia?

Celebrating BEEs and BUMBLEBEEs! If bees could make a list of their favorite plants to collect nectar and pollen, we are convinced Lacy Phacelia would be on it. The flowers produce loads of nectar and will attract countless honeybees, bumblebees and other pollinators.

When should I plant Phacelia tanacetifolia?

Phacelia Tanacetifolia is a quick growing hardy annual green manure that germinates at low temperatures and is ideal for sowing from March until September. It will grow up to 1m in height and is tolerant of cold temperatures and may over-winter if it’s not too cold.

Does phacelia attract bees?

Lacy phacelia info says the plant is well-known for its ability to attract bees and butterflies to an area. Lacy phacelia growing in or near the garden not only attracts bees, but butterflies as well. Include the purple tansy wildflower near vegetable and ornamental gardens for bigger blooms and vegetables.

How do you grow Phacelia tanacetifolia?

How to grow phacelia

1. Sow at a rate of 1g per sq m.
2. Dig the plants back into the ground before flowering, when the leafy material is still soft and holds more material. If you can, leave some to flower for pollinators but bear in mind that phacelia self-seeds readily.

How quickly does phacelia grow?

Phacelia Green Manure Seed Information March to September. Growing period: 1-3 months.

Is Phacelia the same as bee’s friend?

In addition to Bee’s Friend, Phacelia t. has several common names, such as Scorpionweed, Fiddleweed, Lacy Phacelia, and Blue Tansey. It is related to Borage. Though I can’t speak to its durability as a cut flower, I bet Bee’s Friend would look amazing in a vase with its “spiky” flowers.

Where to buy Phacelia tanacetifolia?

Seed Savers Exchange is one of the few online sources to offer Phacelia tanacetifolia seeds and claims Bee’s Friend is the “best plant for attracting bees to your garden.” There you go. I bought a 4 oz. package and will plant the seeds this spring in my wildflower bed and vegetable garden.

What is the scientific name for Phacelia?

Phacelia is a genus of about 200 plants. Phacelia tanacetifolia is an annual and grows to about 2 feet tall. In addition to Bee’s Friend, Phacelia t. has several common names, such as Scorpionweed, Fiddleweed, Lacy Phacelia, and Blue Tansey.

Is bee’s friend a pollinator friendly flower?

In addition to being a pollinator-friendly flower, Bee’s Friend can be grown as a cover crop, to protect and enrich the soil. Use it in your vegetable garden to attract the “good” bugs that will eat the “bad” bugs.