Because of their life cycle it is all but impossible to raise syrphids comercially. They lay their eggs singly on plant stalks where there are aphids. The maggot hatches out and begins hunting up and down plant stalks for aphids to eat. It them pupates and hatches into a fly. The adults feed on nectar and your best bet is to make sure they have plenty of the blossoms they prefer. Number one on their hit list is Queen Annes lace. They also like perennial (but not annual) marigolds such as tagetes lucida and Copper Canyon daisies. If some of your carrots flower don't pull them out. Those flowers are also favored. I've seen yarrow listed as a good forage plant but the ones in my garden don't seem to care for it. Fortunately the flowers preferred by syrphids are also favorites with the tiny parasitic wasps which hunt aphids and whitefly.

Posted with full knowledge of the risk of someone biting my head off for referring someone to text that has already been written :) Lara, I would suggest reading the this thread because it contains an enormity of information. It has both personal experiences and links to websites where you can buy the big cfls. In addition if you use the forum search feature and search for cfl you get the this list of threads. Most of them are really informative. Best, ~Jem

Hi Lara, The best place to buy them is through the local clubs. I believe there are three of them in the Montreal area. It's too bad you missed a show and sale a week or so ago. Here's the listing of clubs and contacts. As far as I know there are no on-line sources in Canada. There are some e-bay sellers who are located in Canada. Exotic violets is in BC and has some for sale now. Violet4you is in Ontario and will be posting some soon. Here is a link that might be useful: Violet societies in Canada

Laydee luv, I am in B.C. Canada. I have many Adeniums and have some to part with. You can send me a PM if you like. Rick