Phacelia (Super Bee)

SKU: CSBL021 Keywords: , , , , ,

$7.88

Bulk Discount Pricing

2 - 9 lbs.
$7.09 / lb.
10 - 19 lbs.
$6.30 / lb.
20 - 29 lbs.
$5.51 / lb.
30 - 39 lbs.
$4.72 / lb.
40 - 49 lbs.
$3.94 / lb.
50+ lbs.
$3.15 / lb.
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Phacelia scavenges for N in the soil and provides C to build soil organic matter. It can be used for feed or hay in soil with low to medium nitrogen availability. Great root structure breaks up clay soil. Phacelia is a long day plant, flowering only when days are longer than 13 hours (May—Sept). It germinates at temperatures above 37F and winterkills at 18F. Great root structure breaks up clay soil. Great as a pollinator because it’s vibrant blue flowers attract bees and other insects. A quick growing plant which makes a fine, feathery but dense carpet that shades and holds the soil but allows moisture to trickle through. The extensive root systems creates biomass comparable to buckwheat. Fibrous root system can reach a depth of 30 inches. Phacelia is capable of producing 3-7 tons per acre of biomass in 14 weeks contributing 15-20 units of N per acre. Great for sugar beet nematode control. Can survive temperatures above 20 degree and can grow up to 4 feet tall. Its use as a fall/winter cover crop may be appropriate when it will be followed by a vigorous cash crop in early spring.   

Basic Info

Maturity
Late May- Early July
Seeds/lb
225,000
C/N Ratio
12:22
Growth Habit
Prostrate
Winter Hardiness
Zone 5A

Use

Nitrogen Fixing Potential
3/ 50-100
N Scavenge
5
Dry Matter
3,500-5,500
Lasting Residue
3
Erosion Control
7
Traffic Bearing
3
Grazing Potential
10
Forage Harvest
4
Root Type
Branching Taproot
Soil Builder
5
Cash Crop Interseeding
9

*Based on a 1-10 scale. 1 = Poor : 5 = Average : 10 = Excellent

Advantages

Although it does not produce nitrogen, it is a great cover crop to prevent leaching as the plant catches and stores nitrogen for future use. While not as captivating of N as radish, Phacelia is a great option for a low-residue, winter kill cover crop when the mix is already heavy on brassicas.

Subsoiler
3
Surface Compaction
8
Rendering P & K
5
Traffic Bearing
3
Nematode Control
4
Disease Control
5
Allelopathic Effect
3
Weed Control
6
Short Growth Time
8

*Based on a 1-10 scale. 1 = Poor : 5 = Average : 10 = Excellent

Disadvantages

Does not contribute very much nitrogen to the soil. Requires 13 hours of sunlight to begin flowering.

Weed Potential
7
Potential Insect/Nematode Risk
3
Crop Disease Risk
3
Effect Cash Crop
3
Ease of Establishment
9
Ease of Till-Kill
3
Ease of Chem-Kill
8
Ease of Mow-Kill
8

*Based on a 1-10 scale. 1 = Poor : 5 = Average : 10 = Excellent

Planting

Well adapted to most soils. Will begin to flower after 6-8 weeks.

Ideal Planting Time
Early SpringAugust - October
Ideal Planting Depth
1/5 - 1/4"
Min Germination Temp(F)
42
Drilled Seeding Rate (lb./A)
5-6
Broadcast Seeding Rate (lb./A)
6-8
Reseeding Potential
Very Possible

Tolerance

Will winterkill under 18F. Comparable to buckwheat but phacelia is more tolerant of cold and drought.

Heat
8
Drought
8
Shade
8
Wet Soil Tolerance
9
Low Fertility
4
pH
4.5 - 9.0

*Based on a 1-10 scale. 1 = Poor : 5 = Average : 10 = Excellent

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