Growing California Bluebell Phacelia Garden Seeds

California Bluebell phacelia is easy to grow from seed and recommended for direct sowing outdoors after the frost. California Bluebell has a vigorous full sun wildflower habit and there is little need to start indoors but, for earliest blooms, begin seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior. If potting indoors, be sure to place California Bluebells in a warm window spot with full sun. Lightly cover 2-3 California Bluebell phacelia seeds with 6-9" apart in Organically rich, evenly moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. California Bluebell phacelia can be susceptible to downy and powdery mildew if not properly drained or ventilated. Do not overwater because phacelia is native to the California deserts and performs well in dry and poor soils. Cut back spent foliage, leaves, and blooms after flowering to prolong vitality into the fall. Phacelia has no serious pests or diseases but monitor regularly for aphids and white flies. California Bluebell phacelia matures in as quickly as 80 days as 12-24" tall upright shrubs with a 9-12" spread covered in 2" bell-shaped royal blue and cobalt blooms.

Phacelia campanularia is a flowering member of the borage family Boraginaceae and is native to California, specifically the Mohave and Sonoran deserts, hence the name California Bluebell. Phacelia campanularia is often considered a wildflower for its full sun hardiness, yet still makes a wonderful fresh cut like so few wildflowers can.