Insectary Mix

Family: Various Flower / Herb

A living tapestry of bloom—Insectary Mix bursts with a profusion of nectar-rich flowers that hum with beneficial insects from the first warm days to the season’s peak.

Expect a vibrant, long-lasting texture in the garden, with varied flower forms and heights that create an irresistibly busy habitat. Ideal for gardeners seeking to invite pollinators and natural pest helpers while building an ever-changing ornamental display.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Mounding

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Mounding
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely in an insectary mix, and how can I stop it fast?

A common issue is aphids (often on the most tender, flowering components), which can quickly reduce bloom and attract more pests. Spray a strong jet of water to dislodge them, then spot-treat only the affected clumps with insecticidal soap, repeating every 5–7 days for 2–3 rounds as needed. If you see powdery mildew on any component, improve airflow by thinning overcrowded patches and avoid overhead watering in the evening.

How often should I water an insectary mix during its main growing phase (around weeks 2–8)?

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy from germination through establishment—typically watering lightly 2–4 times per week depending on heat, until plants are well established. After the mix is actively growing (weeks 3–8), water deeply about once weekly (more often during hot spells) so moisture reaches several inches, letting the top inch dry slightly between waterings.

How do I tell when my insectary mix is ready to harvest or cut back (at ~60 days)?

You’ll typically “harvest” by cutting the mix for continued flushes or when you need to reduce growth: cut when a majority of the component flowers are open and actively attracting beneficial insects. For best regrowth around day 60, snip back to about one-third of plant height after peak bloom; if most buds are still closed, wait a bit longer so you don’t remove immature flower heads.

Insectary Mix

Planting Schedule

Crop Dates

Crop Details

Frequently Asked Questions