Uslada

Phacelia variety "Uslada" is a high-yield plant that reaches heights up to 90 cm and is characterized by juicy stems. The leaves are dark green, without a waxy coating, measuring from 7.6 to 9 cm in length and from 4.2 to 5.6 cm in width. The inflorescences are spike-like coils measuring from 6.2 to 11 cm in length, with bluish-lilac flowers.

The variety is distinguished by a long and intensive flowering period – from 40 to 48 days after germination until the start of flowering and until complete seed maturation over 90–98 days. This makes it especially valuable for beekeeping, as it ensures a stable influx of nectar and honey yield in the range of 180–300 kg per hectare (up to 500 kg under optimal conditions). Flowers live for about two days, releasing up to 5 mg of nectar per cycle.

The drought resistance of phacelia "Uslada", as well as resistance to lodging and diseases, allows it to be grown on various soils, including fertile and fertilized ones. The plant also serves as a green manure crop: after seed harvesting, its residues decompose in the soil, improving its structure, enriching it with nitrogen and potassium, and reducing the pest population.

For agronomic use, it is recommended to sow from 10 to 12 kg per hectare at a sowing depth of no more than 1.5–2 cm. Optimal row spacing is 45 cm, and the distance between plants is 15 cm. After flowering, the plant can be used as feed or to loosen the soil.

Phacelia "Uslada" is widely used in agronomic systems for attracting bees and improving biodiversity, as well as as green manure and for silage. The variety was developed by the North-Caucasus Federal Scientific Agricultural Center and included in the state register of breeding achievements.