Beneficial Bug Flower Mix Seeds

Bring more flowers into the garden for visiting insects. This blend includes flowers and herbs with different bloom times and growing habits.

Packet: 15+ seeds

Planting at a glance

• Season: Flower crop — see planting window
• Start: Sow a small trial tray or patch so you can identify the mixed seedlings
• Seed depth: Sow shallowly and press into a fine seedbed; cover only lightly
• Germination: The component species germinate at different times; do not expect one uniform emergence date
• Final spacing: Identify seedlings, then give small flowers about 6–12 inches and taller plants more room
• Light: Full sun
• Harvest planning: Annual and perennial components flower on different schedules; some need another season

When to plant

Use a mild planting window and protect tender seedlings from frost. The blend contains species with different temperature and dormancy needs.

How to plant

1. Prepare loose, well-drained soil or a clean seed-starting mix. Sow a small trial tray or patch so you can identify the mixed seedlings.
2. Sow shallowly and press into a fine seedbed; cover only lightly. Keep the seedbed evenly moist until seedlings emerge. Then water when the soil needs it, allowing excess water to drain.
3. Thin or transplant to the listed final spacing. Give seedlings sufficient light and check moisture as roots establish.

How to harvest

Leave some flowers open for visiting insects. Identify each species before considering any edible use.

Aunt E’s tip: Learn the seedlings before thinning; a useful flower seedling can look like a weed at first.

The blend may include Baby Blue-Eyes, Bergamot, Bishop’s Flower, Black-Eyed Susan, California Poppy, Candytuft, Cilantro, Dill, Dwarf Cosmos, Fennel, Gayfeather, Globe Gilia, Indian Blanket, Lance-Leaved Coreopsis, Purple Prairie Clover, Rockcress, Shasta Daisy, Siberian Wallflower and Sweet Alyssum. A small packet may not contain every species.