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Distant Phacelia

Phacelia distans

annual View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

very low

Soil

Fast, Medium; Tolerates a variety of soils as long as drainage is good.

Size

0–2ft tall , 3–3ft wide

Bloom

Mar-May

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Dry grassland and scrub of the Sierra Nevada foothills and interior valleys from Shasta County to Kern County, 500-4000 ft elevation

Care Guide

Planting

Plant distant phacelia in full sun with fast-draining or medium soil - it tolerates a variety of soils as long as drainage is good. Sow seeds in spring for blooms from March through May. Space plants to accommodate their variable mature height of 2–30 inches, depending on growing conditions. This Bay Area native thrives in our climate and can be grown in containers or integrated into wildflower gardens.

After Planting

Once established, distant phacelia needs no summer irrigation - this is a very low-water plant that actually prefers to dry out. The critical first-year task is vigilant weeding, since this annual will struggle to compete with other plants. Under suitable conditions, it will re-seed itself for future seasons, but be prepared that as an annual, it will complete its life cycle and die back after flowering. The #1 mistake is overwatering: more water won't help it grow better and will actually stress the plant.

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