Phacelia

Tansy-leaved phacelia is a very versatile herbaceous annual used as an ornamental and bee-friendly plant, but also as a green manure, cover crop, or forage crop! Highly adaptable, it grows in semi-arid to humid climates, by the sea as well as inland and in the mountains. It prefers light and rather dry soils, but tolerates different soil types.

• Its extensive root system helps to improve soil structure, particularly in the case of compacted soils (unstable, rather silty soils and compacted clay soils whose surface cracks when drying).
• Early sowings yield up to 4.5 t/ha of vegetative biomass, while late sowings yield only about 1.25 t/ha.
• It is sown from the end of April to the beginning of June, depending on the region, because the soil temperature must be maintained between 13 and 18 °C for good germination.
• Phacelia is sown at a rate of 10-15 kg/ha at a depth of 0.5 cm. A good seedbed is prepared and then covered with soil. Small plots can be broadcast and then covered with a layer of soil, but for larger plots, it is better to use a vegetable seed drill.
• Especially in dry weather, rolling the plot after sowing is strongly recommended.
• Phacelia can also be sown in association with buckwheat at a rate of 8 kg/ha of phacelia to 40 kg/ha of buckwheat.
• Because of its ability to attract beneficial insects and improve soil health, phacelia can help reduce the incidence of certain diseases and pests.