In Europe there appears to be a seed mix designed for honeybees and other pollinators. Its called Tubingen Bee forage seed mix. I was able to determine it is comprised of the following seeds. It is designed to offer nectar and pollen for as long as possible throughout the year.
40%Phacelia tanacetiphola
20% Buchwheta
7% white mustard
6% coriander
5% marigold
5% caraway
5% sunflower
3% radish
3% cornflower
3% mallow
2% anethium
1% borage
Many of these have been discussed on this site before. Many are very easy to grow, perhaps even invasive a wee bit.
Hmm. As an avid grower of borage, I truly do wonder why it is so low on the list. ONe of the beauties of borage is that it blooms constantly, for a long time. It self-seeds throughout the summer months, hence the flower is in continuous bloom until frost kill. Another beauty of borage is that the pretty blue flowers hang/droop, even if there is slight moisture in the air, the nectaries are available to the beneficial insects to drink from, they face downwards, no upwards. I would have to challenge that borage should be a low ratio in a seed mix. I would place it amongst the highest, but maybe they know something alot more than I know, I wouldn't doubt that for a minute, I am sure tons of research has been done here for this list they provide. IT IS a wonderful list.
I am not familiar with anthium. I need to do some research on that one to see if it grows well here.
I am very surprised to see Marigold on the list. In my area I don't see bees on any cultivars of my Marigolds and I plant many different ones. Strange.
I see Phacelia Tanacetifolia is top of the list, smiling, I do know that from my mountains of phacelia gardens around here, covered, beyond covered with bees.
Bees LOVE most of the vegetables that happen to flower, when us humans, bad us, don't get around to picking the vegetables when they are ready (I am really bad for this, letting things "go"), are EXTREMELY attractive to bees. Ever looked at the brassicas? In particular I am talking about broccoli. If you ever have any room and want EXTREMELY great food for the bees, plant broccoli and let it go to flower, the bees go nuts on it!!!
Bees on the broccoli flowers, one of the many broccoli patches I grow
I wonder why they don't put in Sea Holly on the list. Ooops, perhaps this list is for annual plants, not perennials, that is probably the reason. Great work Konasdad!!! Have a wonderful and most beautiful life, day, health, attract great health. Cindi