Bluebell Seeds - California Bluebells
(Phacelia campanularia) Annual. 80 days to maturity.
Also known as Desert Bells and Desert Bluebells, California Bluebell is a truly underrated North American wildflower.
California Bluebell is a prolific annual flower with a vivid cobalt blue hue - perfect for adding an almost instant splash of colour in any border garden gaps. A relative of borage, California Bluebell likewise blooms all Summer and freely reseeds itself.
The inky blue, bell shaped flowers of the California Bluebell actually reflect ultraviolet light, which makes them highly attractive to a wide variety of foraging bee pollinators as well as birds and butterflies.
This easy to grow, drought tolerant wildflower is native to the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, but will thrive almost anywhere sunny and brings an authentic California desert vibe to your landscape.
**Please Note: Some folks can experience skin irritation from handling California Bluebells, use caution**
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Growth Habit: Forms masses up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with soft heart-shaped leaves, hairy stems, and clusters of 1” bell shaped flowers. Self-seeding.
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Average, well-drained soil
When to Plant: Direct seed every three weeks from last frost until June for continuous Summer blooms.
How to Plant: Sow seeds outdoors ¼” deep and cover with soil. Keep the seedbed moist until germination, which should happen in 14-28 days. Thin young plants to 6” apart.
When to Harvest: Harvest flowers when they open, through Summer and into Fall.
Uses: California Bluebell is beautiful in a mixed border, wildflower meadow, Xeriscaped garden, or in a large container planting. It also makes a lovely cut flower - providing striking contrast in a fresh bouquet. Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
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