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BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: FloridaGardener on January 04, 2021, 11:25:47 am

Title: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: FloridaGardener on January 04, 2021, 11:25:47 am
It is time. 

About half of the bees returning to the hive are bringing in pollen.  Most is hi-vis orange...maybe ornamental cabbage?
A little is white. It's not the Sasanqua Camellias which are still in bloom - their pollen is yellow.

Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Brian MCquilkin on January 04, 2021, 12:10:06 pm
Great to see that your bees are active. The bees in my neck of the woods will not have any flying das for another 8 weeks.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Beeboy01 on January 04, 2021, 05:27:55 pm
Got a white and orange colored pollen coming into my hives right now. The yellow probably is Spanish Needle but not sure about the white. Just noticed that some of the maples are starting to bud which is real early this year and could be the source of the white pollen. 
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Bob Wilson on January 04, 2021, 09:14:21 pm
It's crazy.
I always thought spring started in March/April around here, but after I started making bee notes last year, I realize maple trees will be blooming a week and a half from now. Being a beek has changed my whole seasonal outlook.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: rast on January 05, 2021, 08:49:07 pm
Southern Red Cedar is putting out yellow pollen here.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Bob Wilson on January 24, 2021, 10:15:16 pm
Strange that bees will pull pollen from one type of camelia, but leave other varieties alone.
My bees are pulling in a lot of pollen right now.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: The15thMember on January 24, 2021, 10:45:48 pm
Strange that bees will pull pollen from one type of camelia, but leave other varieties alone.
My bees are pulling in a lot of pollen right now.
Maybe those other varieties are pollenless.  Sometimes flowers bred for a specific color or petal type end up sterile. 

Also, Jim, shouldn't this thread be stickied?       
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: BeeMaster2 on January 24, 2021, 10:53:16 pm
Yes.
🙂
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Bob Wilson on January 26, 2021, 11:41:02 pm
15, True, about the hybrids. I have past work experience in the nursery business, but the whole bee aspect is something that never came up. We dealt with issues like sterility in a hybrid, not whether it provides nectar.
At HoneyPumps encouragement, I keep hive notes, and that includes everything I see blooming in our county. I am surprised at how many flowering plants are ignored by honey bees.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: CoolBees on January 27, 2021, 02:06:18 pm
An update from the west coast: eucalyptus, some almonds, and a few decorative Plums have begun flowering. Nectar has begun to flow. A little early though. I just harvested 45 lbs of honey, to make room in a couple hives.

We had very little rain till now - temps up into the low 70's. Now it's decided to storm good. Our forecast is for 30%(+/-) of the years rain in the next 7 days*. There's snow on the hills behind the house. That should wash our the nectar, and reset the bloom to mid February, putting it back on schedule.

*we get around 15 inches of rain per yr here, and there's 4-5 inches in the forecast. Around 2 inches fell last night.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: CoolBees on January 27, 2021, 02:08:19 pm
Also: the Redbuds are swelling in preparation for bloom. We should see them pop open in 3 weeks, I'm guessing. Should be in "full nectar flow" by then.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Ben Framed on January 27, 2021, 02:15:54 pm
Also: the Redbuds are swelling in preparation for bloom. We should see them poo open in 3 weeks, I'm guessing. Should be in "full nectar flow" by then.

Alan it is very nice to see that you are posting. Glad you are still active!! Welcome my friend!
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: The15thMember on January 27, 2021, 02:44:57 pm
ALAN!!!  YOU'RE ALIVE!!  :grin:  Seriously though, you had me worried there, man.  You haven't even logged on since like August!  I figured something happened to you!   
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Ben Framed on January 27, 2021, 02:56:47 pm
I agree Member! You two hold a special place for me here at beemaster since we three started posting here about the same time..  My classmates lol....
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: The15thMember on January 27, 2021, 03:20:42 pm
I agree Member! You two hold a special place for me here at beemaster since we three started posting here about the same time..  My classmates lol....
It's true!  The only problem with that metaphor is that one can never graduate from beekeeping!  :wink: :cheesy:  There's always more to learn.  :happy:
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Ben Framed on January 27, 2021, 03:24:43 pm
I agree Member! You two hold a special place for me here at beemaster since we three started posting here about the same time..  My classmates lol....
It's true!  The only problem with that metaphor is that one can never graduate from beekeeping!  :wink: :cheesy:  There's always more to learn.  :happy:

Totally agree and well said!!  Adding an Amen!
 :wink: :happy:
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: CoolBees on January 27, 2021, 06:58:22 pm
Thanks Ben & 15th.  :grin: :grin: :grin: :cool:
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: The15thMember on January 27, 2021, 07:01:01 pm
Sorry for totally interrupting Follow the Bloom with our "class reunion", everyone.  Carry on!   :grin:
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: cao on January 28, 2021, 11:32:31 am
My lawn is covered in these white cotton ball looking flowers.  I think they call it snow. :tongue: :cheesy:
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Ben Framed on January 30, 2021, 04:49:57 pm
Strange that bees will pull pollen from one type of camelia, but leave other varieties alone.
My bees are pulling in a lot of pollen right now.


* 20210123_114812~2_resize_44.jpg (193.17 kB, 380x506 - viewed 0 times.)

I have this same strand of camelia that you have pictured Bob and I have the same good results as you. My Bees love em!! I do not know if nectar is also an asset with this red strand?




                                                                                                                                                                               .
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: BurleyBee on January 31, 2021, 11:15:17 pm
Drove to check hives today (Mississippi).  From Jackson metro to Attala County, Red maples barely showing.  Some green pollen coming in today (not sure what that?s from).
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Bob Wilson on February 07, 2021, 02:10:00 pm
Purple blossoms of rosemary.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: The15thMember on February 13, 2021, 03:20:11 pm
Maples are starting here in WNC. 
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Bill Murray on February 19, 2021, 10:58:35 am
West of lake city the primrose-willow was huge when I was out there yesterday. I will assume the next two nights will end that though. Speaking of that the last frost damaged the first round of blooms my pear trees, the last week has them full of blooms, my assumption is the same for them.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: retsofmit on February 23, 2021, 11:02:43 am
in central TX and our dandelions were blooming and the elm trees too in the beginning of Feb.  Bees were bringing in tons of pollen and upon inspection of my one hive I started with last spring, tons of capped brood.

Then the iceman cometh and froze everything last week.  Thawed out on Sat and the bee were flying again and I was surprised to see they were bringing in pollen.  Didn't see anything blooming near me, but I am pretty sure it was dandelion again.  On Sunday the dandelionos were blooming in my yard too and the elms and cedars are in flower again. 

Here's too a good spring.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Bob Wilson on February 23, 2021, 11:41:18 pm
The picture is a Osaka cherry with honey bees. Dandelion is blooming now, and red pollen is coming in from henbit.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Old Goat on April 06, 2021, 09:04:02 am
Here in South Central Illinois we have had Henbit and Dead Nettle for a couple of weeks, they are almost done now. Maple has blossomed too. Now first week of April we have Bradford Pear and Dandelion. Red Bud is only a few days away.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Nock on May 02, 2021, 11:35:12 pm
Tulip poplar and black locust just starting. Crimson clover is full bloom in my food plots as well.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: BeeMaster2 on May 06, 2021, 07:16:34 am
Black Gum has been in full bloom for a week. Bees have been keeping the trees buzzing. Each tree seems to stay in bloom for about 4 days. They do not all come into bloom at the same time which is a good thing. Gallberry is just starting to bloom. Bees are ignoring it while the Black Gum is still blooming.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: AustinB on May 21, 2021, 11:35:03 am
Here in the Valley in VA we have locusts and cherry in bloom. Also lots of clover blooming fast
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: BeeMaster2 on May 22, 2021, 02:24:16 pm
Surprisingly, this week we had a few days with no nectar coming in. I brought home a cut out and the bees were all over the wax that I removed. Today the Chinese Tallow is in full bloom. I was expecting the palmetto to bee in bloom but I have not seen any blooming this year.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: FatherMichael on May 22, 2021, 04:39:51 pm
The Mesquite this spring are loaded with blooms.

The swarm I caught are going gangbusters.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: FloridaGardener on July 03, 2021, 12:07:19 am
After a stormy week that ended the tallow tree flow and Vitex, the Sabal palms are sending out inflorescences. Looks like the windmill palms are almost fully blooming.  Flight speed to and fro has picked up again. 

And ugh, those supers are heavy.   :cheesy:

Hasn't anyone figured out a way to put a 5 frame super on top of a 10 frame brood nest?
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: BeeMaster2 on July 03, 2021, 09:20:25 am
FG,
I have 4-10 frame boxes on top of 2-8 frame boxes. Just place a piece of plastic cardboard, that everybody uses for signs, cut it so that it coves the area not covered by 5 frame box. The bees will seal up any leaks.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Bill Murray on July 04, 2021, 10:11:02 pm
Thats a good idea Jim, ive been using old feeder lids. Cant wait till election year now.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: BeeMaster2 on July 05, 2021, 08:07:34 am
Bill,
I got a bunch of the signs when I bought out an apiary. They came from a major charity golf tournament. One side has companies names the other is blank.
How many do you need?
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Bill Murray on July 05, 2021, 12:56:19 pm
If you happen by my neck of the woods Id like to try 1 or 2.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: BeeMaster2 on July 05, 2021, 03:01:40 pm
I?ll putting 2 in my truck.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: FloridaGardener on July 31, 2021, 05:52:13 pm
Sabal palm had a long run this yeal. Maybe lots of rain sent out a second flush of fronds. 

Sumac has begun! And Liriope.  The bees are pottering aroung on mexican clover and spanish needle.  This morning one hive found an all-out flow, but this afternoon is too hot and they are resting inside.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: BAHBEEs on August 02, 2021, 11:18:18 am
I was out in the yard yesterday and was stunned to see goldenrod in full bloom already.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Ben Framed on August 02, 2021, 11:23:33 am
I was out in the yard yesterday and was stunned to see goldenrod in full bloom already.

Wow that is news! This has been a strange year weather wise. Perhaps this has something to do with it.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: paus on August 13, 2021, 05:42:13 pm
I have a picture of Golden of Golden Rod blooming in NE Texas on Aug 13 2021  Seems early to me
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Ben Framed on August 14, 2021, 12:08:20 am
Seems early to me also Paus. Are y'all getting a lot of rain?  So far I have not seen any blooming here...



I have a picture of Golden of Golden Rod blooming in NE Texas on Aug 13 2021  Seems early to me
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: paus on August 14, 2021, 04:41:12 pm
Just now getting a LITTLE dry.  This has been a cool summer, also Smart weed is blooming which is a source for fall nectar.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: The15thMember on August 14, 2021, 04:42:48 pm
I agree, the fall flowers seem to be starting off early this year.  The native sunflowers are budding already, and so are the smaller goldenrods. 
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: rast on October 17, 2021, 02:32:04 pm
Brazilian pepper has came to me. 4 years in this location and never had it before, all my hives are full of it. I was not expecting or prepared for this, I am now a little concerned about backfilled broodnests and swarming.  For those not familiar with it, they make yellow comb with it.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Ben Framed on October 17, 2021, 03:58:51 pm
Rast I had not heard of Brazilian pepper until explained by SteveO of Steve's Outdoor World, whom I understand is located in your general area. I suppose the stuff is spreading..
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: The15thMember on October 17, 2021, 04:23:43 pm
Brazilian pepper has came to me. 4 years in this location and never had it before, all my hives are full of it. I was not expecting or prepared for this, I am now a little concerned about backfilled broodnests and swarming.  For those not familiar with it, they make yellow comb with it.
Woah, that's crazy.  Is that from the color of the nectar? 

My flow is winding down.  There is a trickle of a flow from the late asters and goldenrod, but not significant enough to not have to feed weaker colonies. 
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: Ben Framed on October 17, 2021, 05:38:47 pm
Member I am experiencing much the same as you in my area. I am getting pollen from goldenrod but not very much nectar..
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: rast on October 17, 2021, 09:21:44 pm
Member, I have no idea where the pigment comes from, like you I assume the nectar. The honey is not yellow and has a different taste, some like, some don't like most everything. I just know for the first time, I have hives full of yellow comb.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: BeeMaster2 on October 18, 2021, 07:14:34 am
The yellow color in the wax comes from the yellow pollen.  It gets on every thing.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: jtcmedic on October 18, 2021, 02:17:36 pm
Brazilian pepper has came to me. 4 years in this location and never had it before, all my hives are full of it. I was not expecting or prepared for this, I am now a little concerned about backfilled broodnests and swarming.  For those not familiar with it, they make yellow comb with it.
rast how did your flow do up there
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: rast on October 18, 2021, 09:47:31 pm
A lot better than last year, I pulled the palmetto and left the cabbage for the bees.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: FloridaGardener on December 24, 2021, 09:04:56 pm
Bottle brush blooming! Bees def. flying to and from my thoughtful neighbor, who planted & let the bottle brush mature without shearing, so it blooms often & heavily.

Tea olive blooming too, but the bees don't seem to go for it.  Smells great tho.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2021
Post by: FloridaGardener on June 22, 2022, 11:00:55 pm
Sabal palm staring after slight dearth. Liriope is starting to send up flower spikes.