Seed started May 1

Flashback Mix

Size: 24-30 inches tall by the same wide, they really spread out in the right spot if they have the space

Location: full sun, though they did tolerate partial shade in my garden

Matures in: 30 - 60 days, they took a bit to settle in but once they established themselves they really took off

Native to: southwestern Asia, western Europe, Macaronesia, and the Mediterranean.

Why did I Choose it? An excellent companion plant, the flowers can also be dried and used in our soap or as a treat for the chickens. 

Uses? In the garden, kitchen, coop and apothecary.

Specifics: Tea made from the leaves and flowers is an old fashioned insecticide. 

When grown among cabbage you’ll have fewer problems with aphids, cabbage worms, and diamondback moths. 

They form partnerships with fungi in the soil making them soil cleaning machines. They suppress root knot nematodes. 

They also make an excellent living mulch to protect the soil. 

They are a trap crop for aphids, whiteflies and thrips. 

They attract bees and butterflies as well as lacewings, ladybugs and hoverflies. 

A fantastic multifunctional plant that enhances fruit tree guilds. 

Companion Plants: Pretty much anything in your vegetable garden will benefit. 

Avoid: ?

Personal Notes: I love these flowers!

They were a beautiful addition in the garden and I saw them in action as aphid traps. 

I was able to dry a good quantity of the flowers and the petals are a welcome addition to the apothecary. We’ve added them to our soaps as a decorative and beneficial botanical. I’d like to try making some oils, salves and cream using the petals. 

The bees were all over them as well as many other native pollinators. The bumblebees especially liked them. 

They were also great for bouquets right up until snowfall. 

Definitely planting more next year. 

Next up Melon