PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - California Bluebell - Phacelia campanularia - 2500 Seeds

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Planting: Plant transplants or dormant rhizomes in early spring as soon as the ground is workable. Place the rhizome one inch below the top of the soil. You can also sow seeds directly into the garden during the fall or six to eight weeks before the last frost in the spring. When should I buy bluebell bulbs? The anthocyanin pigment phacelianin was isolated from the flowers of this species and is involved in the formation of their blue color. It is also responsible for the blue of the flowers of Evolvulus pilosus. [10] Perennial plants regrow every spring, while annual plants live for only one growing season, then die off. Perennials generally have a shorter blooming period compared to annuals, so it’s common for gardeners to use a combination of both plants in their yard. We’re sharing a little bit about both types of plants below. How do you germinate creeping thyme seeds?

You’ve probably gauged the required climate from the ‘Desert’ in the name ‘Desert Bluebell’. Phaceliacampanulariais grown in warm, dry regions with a Mediterranean-type climate. Hot dry summers and wet winters are ideal conditions for these annuals.

When should I plant phacelia Campanularia?

Sow Outside: 1/4 inch (6 mm). Before the last frost. In warm areas can be sown in early autumn. Spacing 4 to 16 inches (10 to 40 cm). Germination time: two to four weeks in the dark. Temperature 55°F (13°C). These plants are ideal for sections of your garden where the soil quality is too poor for other annuals and perennials to grow. They make a stunning display when planted in massive groups and can cover a large area with ease. If you let them spread their seeds after flowering, you will have no problems with plants in that area for years to come. Climate and Temperature Warm to hot temperatures with very little moisture is ideal for growing these desert beauties.

Phaceliacampanulariashould be planted in a full sunposition with as much light as possible. These plants are found in desert conditions where sunlight is plentiful. In their natural habitats, they are exposed to full sun for almost the entire day and should be planted in the sunniest spot possible. But what makes Desert Bluebells one of the most special native wildflowers is their captivating color. Few flowers found in home gardens are truly blue, and many are either hybridized or genetically altered in some way to produce that blue color. Desert Bluebells are 100% naturally blue, a color only 10% of flowering plants have. Mori, M., et al. (2006). Structure of anthocyanin from the blue petals of Phacelia campanularia and its blue flower color development. Phytochemistry 67(6), 622-29.As pretty as they appear in these regions, they should not be removed from their natural habitats. Firstly, these plants are annuals and will not rebloom the following year if you plant them somewhere else. Secondly, removing plants from their native environments disturbs the local habitat and influences other plants and wildlife.

Desert Bluebells make great plants for pots. They don’t grow particularly wide and have a relatively shallow root system that makes them perfect for containers. Needing poor quality soils for optimal growth, Phaceliacampanularia do not require any fertilizing. In fact, fertilizing will likely do more harm to the plant than doing nothing at all. The roots are easily scorched by high levels of nutrients and the plant will perform far worse or potentially stop flowering if given excessive fertilizers.

Desert bluebells grow naturally in deserts in southern California. Sometimes they flower en masse after a wet winter, with thousands of them forming masses of sapphire blue. If you’d like to see that gorgeous blue color in your own garden, you may want to know how to grow a desert bluebell. The Desert Bluebells found in your local nursery and in home gardens will more than likely be Phaceliacampanulariassp.vasiformis.However, both these plants have very similar growth requirements, with very little to differentiate between the two. Pests and Diseases One of the best things about these blue beauties is that they are essentially free from diseases and pests.