Phacelia is a plant that easily self-seeds. This means that once it matures and produces seeds, those seeds can fall to the ground and germinate without any intervention from the gardener. This self-seeding characteristic can be both a benefit and a challenge when growing phacelia.
To propagate phacelia from seed, you can simply sow the seeds directly on top of the soil after the last frost. The seeds are relatively small, so there’s no need to bury them deep in the soil. Just scatter them evenly across the desired area and lightly press them into the soil. Water the area gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
If you want to improve the germination rates of phacelia seeds, there are a couple of techniques you can try. One method is to scratch the seed coat before sowing. This can be done by gently rubbing the seeds against a fine-grit sandpaper or using a small file to create small scratches on the seed coat. The idea behind this technique is to break the seed coat and allow water to penetrate more easily, promoting germination.
Another method is to soak the seeds overnight before sowing. This can be done by placing the seeds in a container of room temperature water and letting them soak for about 12-24 hours. Soaking the seeds can help to soften the seed coat and speed up the germination process.
However, it’s important to note that while these techniques can help improve germination rates, phacelia is generally a reliable self-seeder even without any pre-treatment of the seeds. Its natural ability to self-seed means that even if some seeds don’t germinate immediately, there’s a good chance that new seedlings will appear in subsequent seasons.
While the self-seeding characteristic of phacelia can be advantageous in terms of easy propagation, it can also be a double-edged sword. In some areas, phacelia has been known to become weedy and invasive. If not managed properly, it can quickly spread and take over other plants in the garden.
To prevent phacelia from becoming weedy, it’s important to monitor its growth and take proactive measures if necessary. Regularly removing any unwanted seedlings or plants that are encroaching on other areas of the garden can help to control its spread. Additionally, if you notice that the self-seeding is becoming excessive, you can consider removing the spent flowers before they have a chance to produce seeds.
Phacelia is indeed a plant that self-seeds easily. It can be propagated by sowing the seeds directly on top of the soil after the last frost. While scratching the seed coat and soaking the seeds overnight can improve germination rates, phacelia’s natural self-seeding ability means that it will often propagate itself without any intervention. However, it’s important to be mindful of its potential to become weedy and take appropriate measures to control its spread if necessary.
