Phacelia tanacetifolia - green manure
fiddleneck - green manure
Lavender-blue, bell-shaped flowers, which are laden with nectar, form in densely-packed clusters on sturdy stems and attract bees and other beneficial insects in their droves. Perfect for wildflower meadows, or naturalised planting schemes, the flowers of this hardy annual will last well after being cut. The fast growing foliage will help suppress weeds and makes an attractive groundcover. Scorpion weed is offered here as a green manure crop, and self-seeds freely. Ideal before heavy-feeding crops such as brassicas or squash.
Green manures are fast-growing plants sown to cover bare soil in productive areas such as allotments, or vegetable gardens, and when dug into the ground while still green, they return valuable nutrients to the soil and improve soil structure. They are especially useful in crop rotation and provide a natural, organic method of improving soil nutrition and structure for follow-on crops. Green manures are usually sown in late summer or autumn and store nutrients, preventing them from being removed by winter rains and cooler weather weeds. An excellent alternative to mulching, heavy-handling of bulky organic manures, and cost-effective.
Green manures are fast-growing plants sown to cover bare soil in productive areas such as allotments, or vegetable gardens, and when dug into the ground while still green, they return valuable nutrients to the soil and improve soil structure. They are especially useful in crop rotation and provide a natural, organic method of improving soil nutrition and structure for follow-on crops. Green manures are usually sown in late summer or autumn and store nutrients, preventing them from being removed by winter rains and cooler weather weeds. An excellent alternative to mulching, heavy-handling of bulky organic manures, and cost-effective.
How to care for Phacelia tanacetifolia:
Phacelia tanacetifolia thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and minimal care. For use as a green manure, cut down before flowering when the stems are still soft, then either turn into the top 15cm (6?in) of soil and leave to break down for at least three weeks prior to sowing or planting of main crop. Alternatively, leave on the surface as a green mulch, allowing worms to recycle the organic matter and aerate the soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and provides excellent forage for pollinators if left to flower.
Sowing instructions:
Sow in spring for a summer green manure, or in late summer or early autumn for winter cover. Sow seeds into a prepared tilth by broadcasting them across the soil at approximately 1.5g per sq. metre and rake them into the surface, keeping moist until germination.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.2m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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Humans: Skin allergen
25m² pack
£2.99
In stock
(shipped within 4-6 working days)
(shipped within 4-6 working days)
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