Desert Bluebells are very drought tolerant and can handle plenty of neglect in watering. Only provide additional water if there is no rainfall for long stretches of time. Leave the soil to dry out completely before the next watering to prevent any chances of root rot. Soil While they are very adaptive to a wide range of conditions,desert bluebellsare quite particular about soil.

Sow in trays in fine grade seed compost with added grit / vermiculite for drainage and lightly cover with growing medium. If you are growing Desert Bluebells in conditions they are not accustomed to, the maintenance will be much higher. For example, if you live in a region with dry winters, you will need to water your plants frequently during this time to replicate the winter rainfall of its natural habitat.There are two subspecies of Phaceliacampanularia.The most common is known as Phacelia campanularia ssp. vasiformis, spread across a wider native range and sporting larger flowers. If you see any images of Desert Bluebells online, they are likely of this subspecies. Propagating California blue bells: By seed. In mild winter climates, seeds can be sown outdoors in the fall for earliest bloom. Elsewhere, sow as early in the spring as the ground can be worked. Thin them to the proper spacing shortly after they emerge. For earliest bloom, start plants indoors 6 to 8 weeks prior to planting outside as soon as the danger of frost has passed. Seeds germinate in 8 to 15 days at 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Growing them in peat pots will facilitate transplanting. The plant will produce seed pods once it has finished flowering. Inside these pods are small seeds that will be visible as the pods open. Once the seeds are ready and the pods have opened, you can remove the stalk and shake off the seeds.

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.So exactly what are desert bluebells? With the scientific name of Phacelia campanularia ssp. vasiformis, these plants are native annual herbs that like sun and dry soil. The plants themselves are stiff and erect. If you start growing desert bluebells, you’ll find that the oval leaves are rounded and covered with fine hairs. California bluebells, Heliotrope, and other Phacelia plants like to grow in sunny areas of the garden and likes a soil of pH 6.5 to 7. 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?