Also known as Scorpionweed · 149 saves
Phacelia
Phacelia, the genus most gardeners know as scorpionweed. We track 5 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Phacelia varieties
5 species of Phacelia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Phacelia in Sow
Save the Phacelia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Phacelia
Whats common across all Phacelia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them.
The Phacelia year
- PlantFebruary, March, September and October100% of varieties
Sow seeds directly in early spring or late fall for best results
- DeadheadMay and June40% of varieties
Allow some flowers to set seed for naturalizing and next year's growth
- HarvestJune40% of varieties
Allow flowers to fade and collect dried seed heads to sow for next year.
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly without overwatering 🌱
- Provide full sun exposure for optimal growth
- Mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool
- Fertilize lightly in early spring for vigorous flowering
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during flowering
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season
- Avoid waterlogging soil ❌
What goes wrong with Phacelia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Increase humidity and apply miticide if needed |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply organic fungicide or improve air circulation |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Ensure good air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
Making more Phacelia
Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings in late spring
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone
- Place in moist soil and keep humid for 4 weeks
Seed
- Tuck seeds 1/4 inch deep in prepared soil
- Keep soil moist for germination, which takes about 2 weeks
Phacelia questions
How many types of Phacelia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Phacelia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 149 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Phacelia grow in?
Across its varieties, Phacelia covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Phacelia bloom?
Most Phacelia varieties bloom in mid-summer, spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Phacelia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.