In praise of Phacelia

[Cazza]

I have beeh very impressed with the Phacelia which I grew for the first time this year.
The pollen loads carried off by my bees have been amazing and the purple pollen colour is stunning. It looks great flowering en masse too. Definately saving the seeds for next year. Grew really well in poor sandy soil in full sun.
Cazza

 

[peteinwilts]

After planting a few kg bagfuls, I had no luck in the fields... have not seen a single one come up...

I held a few back and grew them in a large container which did very well. They seemed invisible to the honeybees and only took the attention of bumbles though.

 

[Cazza]

Mine were broadcast sown and raked, fairly late around end of April. Came up like cress.
Bumble and honey bee magnet over the last two weeks, sited 50 yds from hives.
Cazza