Big Local Nectar Flows

[specialkayme]

Just wondering when the big nectar flows usually occur around here (guilford county area).

I'm just trying to get my spring/summer plan together. Thanks for the help.

[Jacobs]

There is a wealth of information to be mined from this board. Timing varies with weather conditions, but for examples, stay in this Beekeeping 101 category and go down to

Poplar Bloom on page 2
2008 Honey Flow on page 3
Tulip Poplar Flow on page 4

I am sure there are other entries but these are some. The more we post our experiences and observations, the more information for all of us to have and use.

[ski]

One way to tell when things are going to bloom is by past history but with weather variables it could be a wide window. A second way is with growing degree days. Only mother nature knows for sure.


History
http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthr ... 006&page=5


Growing degree days
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Growing-degree_day

[specialkayme]

Perhaps I should have been a little more specific.

After looking at alot of the bloom dates, I've noticed in the past few years that there are a number of different plants that have nectar flows ranging from Febuary 10th all the way till July 30th.

My question wasn't really when are the possible bloom times, but when you guys notice your largest bloom time to be.

For instance, while some plants have nectar flowing in the beginning of April, one person may notice the largest flow to be in early June.

Is that a little more helpful?

I know plants bloom all summer long around here. My question was more in the lines of what months should I pay special attention to the accumulation of nectar?

[Jacobs]

In this area I think your biggest, best and most reliable source of nectar is the tulip poplar and you probably want to gauge your activities to that. Other plants may produce some nectar and do better some years than they do other years. I want my treatments done early enough to catch the poplar flow and earlier if possible just to get what else might be around. Last year the strong spring showers washed away most tulip poplar nectar and the largest source of "nectar" was my Dixie Crystal sugar. Generally the tulip poplar flow is around mid April. Check the State Beekeepers site for "whats blooming" for the Piedmont region. It will give average dates and ranges of times, but you will have to take weather variables into account.


Spring flows tend to wrap up around mid June give or take a few weeks.

The State site says red maples bloom in the Piedmont around February 1st, but I'm not seeing much from the red maples given that our average temperatures this month have been so much lower than normal. They are supposed to be a good source of pollen and I hope they will be, but for now my bees are getting pollen patties.

I can't be any more specific that this, but if others have more information, join in the discussion.

[Wally]

Jacobs said it. The only "beekeeper's honey" in this area is tulip popular. If you don't get it, only the bees get honey, and not much for them.

[specialkayme]

Thanks Jacobs. That's what I was looking for!