Origin
Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p. is a plant species native to North America. It can be found in various western states of the United States such as California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado.
Common Names
This plant goes by several names such as intermediate phacelia, blue tansy, scorpionweed, and wild heliotrope. The name "blue tansy" comes from its resemblance to the blue-colored flowers of the tansy plant.
Uses
Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p. has various uses, including medicinal and agricultural purposes. In traditional medicine, the plant's roots and leaves are used to treat various ailments such as colds, headaches, and toothaches. The plant is also used as a natural insecticide, as it contains compounds that repel pests and insects. In agriculture, the plant is used as a cover crop for soil conservation as it helps to prevent erosion and adds nutrients to the soil.
General Appearance
Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p. is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 3 feet in height. Its stems are covered with tiny hairs and have blue-green leaves that are oblong in shape and about 1-3 inches long. The plant produces clusters of bright blue flowers that have a tubular shape and are arranged in a spiral pattern. The flowers have five petals and five stamens and bloom from April to June.
Light Requirements:
Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p. is a plant species that requires full sun to thrive. This plant species grows best when exposed to direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this species in an area where it can receive direct sunlight.
Soil Requirements:
The soil requirements for Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p. are well-drained soils with sufficient nutrients. This plant species can grow in various types of soils, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. However, the soil pH needs to be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. It is crucial to ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter such as compost, and it is always moist but not waterlogged.
Temperature Requirements:
The optimal temperature range for Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p. growth is between 16°C and 25°C. This plant species can tolerate slightly high temperatures, but it cannot withstand frost or extremely hot temperatures above 30°C. Therefore, planters should be aware of the local climate and plant this species accordingly to avoid cold or heat injury.
Cultivation Methods for Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p.
Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p. is an annual plant that belongs to the family Boraginaceae. It is hardy to USDA zones 8-11. To cultivate this plant, you need to follow the below-mentioned techniques:
- Choose a site with well-drained soil and full sunlight.
- Sow the seeds in early spring, about 1/4 inch deep, and 6-12 inches apart.
- Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 7-21 days.
- Thin the seedlings to 6 inches apart to allow enough space for them to grow.
- Transplant the seedlings to their permanent location after 3-4 weeks of germination.
Watering Needs
Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p. grows best in well-drained soil that is kept moist. You should avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. The general watering needs of this plant are:
- Water the plant deeply when the top 1 inch of soil is dry.
- Avoid getting water on the leaves as it can promote fungal growth.
- Water in the morning to allow the leaves to dry before night.
Fertilization
Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p. does not require heavy fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 works best for this plant.
- Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
- Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive foliage growth instead of flower development.
- Apply the fertilizer early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid burning the foliage.
Pruning
Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p. does not require extensive pruning. However, deadheading the plant can promote continuous blooming during the growing season. Follow the below-mentioned techniques:
- Remove the flowers as they fade away.
- Pinch back the tip of the stems after the first set of leaves to encourage bushier growth.
- Stop pruning the plant after mid-summer to allow it to go to seed and produce flowers for the next season.
Propagation of Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p.
Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p. is a plant species that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is a native plant of North America and is widely cultivated for its beautiful blue flowers. If you want to propagate this plant, here are some methods that you can follow:
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method to propagate Phacelia intermedia. You can collect the seeds from the mature plant when the seedpods are dry and open. Clean the seeds and sow them directly on well-drained soil in early spring. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist. The seeds will germinate in one to two weeks, and the plant will grow vigorously during the growing season.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another method that you can use to propagate Phacelia intermedia. However, it is not a commonly used method, and success rates are usually low. To propagate Phacelia intermedia from cuttings, select a healthy stem and cut a 3-4 inch section. Remove the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot filled with well-drained soil, and keep the soil moist. The cutting will take a few weeks to root, and you can transplant it to a larger pot or directly into the ground after it has established a strong root system.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division is a method that involves separating the plant into smaller sections and then replanting them. This method is suitable for mature plants that have multiple stems. To propagate Phacelia intermedia by division, carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp knife to separate the plant into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one stem and root system. Replant the sections in well-drained soil, ensuring that the top of the rootball is level with the soil surface. Keep the soil moist, and the plant should begin to grow within a few weeks.
Disease Management for Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p.
Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p. is susceptible to several diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant, causing a white powdery coating on the plant's surface. Leaf spot is another common disease that causes brown or black spots on the plant's leaves, leading to defoliation. Root rot, on the other hand, affects the roots, leading to the wilting and death of the plant.
To manage powdery mildew and leaf spot, ensure proper plant spacing, providing adequate air circulation and reducing humidity around the plants. Also, remove and destroy any diseased plant parts, and apply fungicides as recommended by a specialist. For root rot, avoid over-watering the plant, improve soil drainage, and apply fungicides as directed by a specialist.
Pest Management for Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p.
Phacelia intermedia Woot. p.p. is prone to attack by several pests, including aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can infest the plant, causing distorted leaves and stunted growth. Spider mites, on the other hand, are tiny pests that infest the plant, particularly during hot and dry weather, causing yellowing of leaves. Caterpillars also feed on the plant's leaves, causing defoliation.
To manage aphids and spider mites, regularly spray the plant with water to dislodge the pests or use insecticidal soap. Also, introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control the pests naturally. For caterpillars, handpick and destroy the pests, or use insecticides as directed by a specialist.
