Crowns sprout 2-3 weeks after they have been potted in early spring and then grow rather fast. When stems are at least 18 inches tall, beetles can be introduced. Rearing structures need to be assembled before you obtain the beetles for rearing. Tomato cages inserted into each pot support the cages for small scale projects. Contact your Department of Agriculture or DNR for a site where you can hand collect the beetles to begin your rearing project.
Beetles begin to emerge about the same time crab apple trees and lilacs begin to bloom.
The potted loosestrife plants are enclosed in the screen cages, and 10 beetles are added to each cage. Larvae complete development after 2-3 weeks of feeding. Adults emerge 2-3 weeks after larvae have entered the soil to pupate. Each pot that began initially with 10 adults will produce between 1000 and 2000 beetles. As soon as the first new adults start emerging, they should promptly be released in the field.