The utilization of the blue facelia... The seeds of the facelia

Facelia Blue represents a significant honey plant distinguished by its light blue flowers and minimal soil requirements. It exhibits resistance to both drought and frost and originates from South America. It can reach a height of up to approximately 80 cm and features rough, densely hairy, stiff stems and similarly furry, fern-like, bright green leaves. Its extensive root system with a stony structure allows it to extract nutrients from the deepest soil layers that are inaccessible to other crops. In this manner, these components return to the surface. There are seven varieties of Facelia Blue (Anabela, Angelia, Asta, Atara, Lisette, Natra, Stala) that vary in growth, flowering period, and maturation time.

The sowing of grapefruit seeds in the primary crop should take place between March and April. The seeding depth should not exceed 2 centimeters. Timely sowing is crucial, as a delay of 3-4 weeks leads to a significant reduction in seed yield. The readiness for harvest is indicated by the browning of 70-80% of the fruits on the plant, which typically occurs after approximately 110 days of vegetation. Harvesting is performed using a combine harvester. In cases of uneven ripening (common in years with adverse weather conditions), desiccation must be applied to dry the above-ground plant parts. Accurately determining the desiccation timing is vital, as it affects the quality and quantity of the obtained seeds. They should be dried to 15% moisture content.

Due to its nectar-producing qualities, Facelia is commonly cultivated near beehives, where its flowers serve as a plentiful source of nectar. A single flower head yields an average of 0.5 to 5 mg of nectar. On fertile soils, honey productivity can reach up to 300-400 kg per hectare. Additionally, seeds can be harvested, and the plant is sometimes grown purely for ornamental purposes. Facelia enhances soil fertility, allowing it to be used as an organic fertilizer, while also reducing the need for herbicides. For honey enthusiasts, blue Facelia honey is an excellent choice, distinguished by a subtle tangy flavor and a light, creamy hue. It boosts the immune system, combats inflammation, and aids in asthma treatment. The plant is easy to cultivate and maintain.