Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: BeeMaster2 on January 01, 2020, 08:05:36 pm

Title: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: BeeMaster2 on January 01, 2020, 08:05:36 pm
Record your bloom dates for 2020 here. Then in future years you can look back and have an idea of what is coming into bloom before it blooms and also compare differences.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Donovan J on January 03, 2020, 08:11:16 pm
Few dandelions poking up and a few mustard plants. Still very much winter.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Seeb on January 16, 2020, 09:01:34 am
27603 NC - 01/2020

Henbit, Chickweed, Rosemary, Jasmine, Sasanqua, Edgeworthia albiflora


Here is a cool link I found this morning, I didn't realize that Henbit is edible  https://www.ediblewildfood.com/henbit.aspx
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: FloridaGardener on January 17, 2020, 01:15:28 am
Blue skies, Red Maple.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: paus on January 27, 2020, 12:12:07 pm
Elms ,maple henbit in NE texas
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: BeeMaster2 on January 29, 2020, 12:38:06 am
Blue skies, Red Maple.

That maple is not blooming, those are seeds you are seeing. The tree will have a slightly pint tint to it when it is in bloom.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: LizzieBee on January 31, 2020, 02:07:00 am
Indian blanket flowers are blooming, even under the freezing temperatures at night. English lavender is blooming, too.

-Lizzie
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: FloridaGardener on January 31, 2020, 02:13:26 pm
@sawdustmaker Hmm, I'll have to go back there for a closeup look.

Carolina Laurel buds are starting to open... photo from Jan 30. Seems early.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: CoolBees on February 06, 2020, 04:04:29 pm
As of the 1st of February. ...

Purple Millettia vines are flowering.


Almonds also.


And this one - looks like a decorative cherry, or plum.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Bob Wilson on February 08, 2020, 11:04:19 pm
Okame flowering cherry trees are blooming in middle Georgia.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: FloridaGardener on February 09, 2020, 11:29:51 am
Pretty as a flower but not a flower:


White wax drone comb in new frames.
PS, The redbuds are blooming.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: CoolBees on February 12, 2020, 11:36:54 am
I drove the central valley of California yesterday (around 400 miles of it anyways). NONE of the commercial almonds are in bloom yet - but the beehives are in place.




(P.s. - the wild growing almonds where I live are about 50% in bloom - interesting difference, to me.)
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: BeeMaster2 on February 12, 2020, 01:40:30 pm
I drove the central valley of California yesterday (around 400 miles of it anyways). NONE of the commercial almonds are in bloom yet - but the beehives are in place.




(P.s. - the wild growing almonds where I live are about 50% in bloom - interesting difference, to me.)
Allen,
That is surprising that the bees are there before the almonds are blooming. I was told that they want to wait until the trees are blooming because the bees will go out and find other sources farther away and then continue to visit the other flowers after the bloom starts.
If there is nothing within 5 to 6 miles, it may not matter.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: CoolBees on February 13, 2020, 11:44:40 am
Good point Jim. I may have been premature. I drove that stretch again yesterday, and I did see some blooms starting to pop out on the almonds. Very few, but some. So the bloom is starting right now it appears.

Also, here's a pic of some hives still in the staging process.


So it looks like I caught them in the process of delivery and setup of the hives.

Another note: there really isn't anything else for the bees to target in these large commercial Ag areas right now - nothing else is blooming, that I saw.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Acebird on February 14, 2020, 09:00:01 am
https://photos.app.goo.gl/F7GqGPgPcKMkVSXg8
Anyone know what this tree/bush is in southern FL?  When it first bloomed about a month ago the bees were all over it.  Now not so much but you can see it is still blooming.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/uNkrxE5Jq617HkSu7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/PxNFukDFWpZojPpq6
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Seeb on February 15, 2020, 07:33:20 am
Kinda looks like a magnolia. Will be interested in knowing as well
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Bob Wilson on February 15, 2020, 08:28:20 am
Give us a closer look at least and bloom.
Carolina Jasmine blooming in Mid-Georgia.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: BeeMaster2 on February 15, 2020, 04:00:31 pm
Give us a closer look at least and bloom.
Carolina Jasmine blooming in Mid-Georgia.
Bob,
Your bees should not be touching the jasmine. It is poisonous to them.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: tycrnp on February 16, 2020, 01:59:29 pm
https://photos.app.goo.gl/F7GqGPgPcKMkVSXg8
Anyone know what this tree/bush is in southern FL?  When it first bloomed about a month ago the bees were all over it.  Now not so much but you can see it is still blooming.

Is it a Japanese Magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora)?
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Acebird on February 16, 2020, 07:00:48 pm
Added photos to post
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: FatherMichael on February 16, 2020, 07:06:48 pm
A few Dandelions here and Henbit budding.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Seeb on February 17, 2020, 10:15:25 am
Added photos to post

Ace - check out the Clerodendrum Quadriloculare  and let us know what you think
https://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/clerodendrum-quadriloculare.html
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Acebird on February 19, 2020, 05:48:51 pm
Hey thanks Seeb.  I think you have got it.  I did hear someone mention star burst down here.  I didn't know about the root runners. Thanks.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Nock on February 22, 2020, 03:49:28 pm
Red maples blooming here. Lots of dandelions and some other very small white flower. Bradford pears as well.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Bob Wilson on February 25, 2020, 03:31:38 pm
Wild flowering pear trees beginning to bloom in mid-Georgia.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Bob Wilson on February 28, 2020, 06:12:15 pm
Wild Carolina Cherry Laurel is blooming in mid-Georgia.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: ParksMtnApiary on March 01, 2020, 10:59:51 pm
Red Maples, Southwest MO
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: FloridaGardener on March 08, 2020, 09:18:29 pm
Carolina Laurel is all done here.  Redbud, dogwood & wild blackberry is all out in the thickets; henbit and white clover blooming on the roadsides.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Seeb on March 13, 2020, 09:40:39 am
My neighbor grows jasmine on the property fence and it is in it's glory, and my camellia's are starting up with gusto.

 
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: buzzbee on April 14, 2020, 04:19:45 pm
We have peaches and pears in bloom right now. Apple buds are swelling,but this cool spell may put the brakes on.
Lots of ornamental blooms now.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: BeeMaster2 on April 15, 2020, 10:35:56 am
Gallberry started blooming this past Sunday. Blackberries are in full bloom.
Problem is that it is raining every day.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Seeb on April 15, 2020, 12:27:28 pm
Jim - i like a little gallberry in my honey.  I've got crimson clover and hairy vetch blooming

looking out my living room window:

Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: paus on April 16, 2020, 06:25:39 pm
Ground sel is blooming like crazy hundreds of acres in 2 miles of most of my bees.  I have no experience with this plant as it has only been in our area about 5 years.  At first I only saw a few plants now pastures are full of this beautiful  yellow flower. the bees are working it , are they getting nectar or pollen or both, what kind of honey does it make?
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Seeb on April 16, 2020, 08:58:10 pm
Hello Paus - I've not been able to find anyone that comments on the taste of Groundsel honey, but here is what I have found

Botanical name Packera obovata
Common: Golden Groundsel, Roundleaf Groundsel, Roundleaf Ragwort, Squawweed
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Use Ornamental: A good herb-layer groundcover for limestone woodlands in eastern North America.
Creates a yellow glow in spring when planted en masse.
Use Wildlife: Flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Nectar Source: yes
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: paus on April 16, 2020, 09:10:41 pm
Thanks for the info.  A county agent (agricultural) told me this plant came into our area in cattle feed and I am sure because you only see it in pastures where cattle are fed.  I have bees less than a half mile from the nearest field and the vast majority of bees are leaving the hive about 12' high and are flying in that direction.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: amymcg on April 18, 2020, 07:58:21 am
I?m in North Central Massachusetts. I have nothing In bloom yet. Trees were starting to bud but today we have snow. 15 miles south of here had dandelions last week so I expect we will have an explosion of blooms here this week. Boston is in full bloom 40 miles East


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Seeb on April 18, 2020, 08:31:50 pm
Boston is in full bloom 40 miles East

I know that feeling of anticipation . . .

My little cover crop sure is pretty, I saw bees in it today.  Of course it is 10 ft from their hive, so that would be expected.

Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: buzzbee on April 20, 2020, 09:16:43 pm
Are any of our more southern friends seeing black locust blooms yet. I remember from my last trip to Buds about this time of year that Black locust were in bloom as far as southern VA maybe?
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Nock on April 20, 2020, 11:34:37 pm
My crimson food plots are opening up. Popular is close. Hopefully the killing freeze we had last week didn?t get them.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: cao on April 20, 2020, 11:38:38 pm
I noticed that freeze we got last week killed the new growth on my mulberry trees and my black locust.  I don't know how it will affect the flow this year.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: BeeMaster2 on April 21, 2020, 08:22:26 am
Saw Holly trees starting to bloom yesterday.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Nock on April 21, 2020, 10:33:44 am
Are any of our more southern friends seeing black locust blooms yet. I remember from my last trip to Buds about this time of year that Black locust were in bloom as far as southern VA maybe?
They are blooming here by my work.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: buzzbee on April 21, 2020, 07:42:51 pm
Are any of our more southern friends seeing black locust blooms yet. I remember from my last trip to Buds about this time of year that Black locust were in bloom as far as southern VA maybe?
They are blooming here by my work.

Those blooms cant get here soon enough. I love the smell. Call me crazy but I have four of these thorny buggers planted in my front yard.
We had poor blooms the last couple years ,but hoping for a good one this year.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Donovan J on April 24, 2020, 07:50:55 pm
Dandelion in full force and a few clovers starting to poke up and I think Apple will be starting soon
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Nock on April 26, 2020, 08:51:10 pm

Crimson clover getting started. That freeze did a number on our tulip poplar. I don?t think we will get that flow this time. Shame it?s a good one. 
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: amymcg on April 29, 2020, 10:11:35 am
Dandelions yesterday and cherries for about a week. North central Massachusetts


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: buzzbee on May 04, 2020, 08:21:00 pm
Ive got dandelion,some cherry blossoms,apple should bloom this week or next.
Still hoping on black locust here soon. Its always a gamble on rain when it blooms here.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: BeeMaster2 on May 05, 2020, 08:13:12 am
Our Black gum trees are buzzing with bees. Gallberry is still attracting bees.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Nock on May 05, 2020, 11:44:54 pm
White clover and blackberries.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: FloridaGardener on May 11, 2020, 03:56:37 pm
Jaanese privet is about all fizzled out. 
Bay magnolia is starting - and so are some of the saw palmetto! Looks like some of the palmetto isn't sending out fronds yet, perhaps that means there will be a phased, more sustained supply. 
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: BeeMaster2 on May 12, 2020, 09:47:38 am
Black gum is done, gallberry is still in bloom. Japanese Tallow is starting to bloom.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Bob Wilson on May 21, 2020, 04:19:43 pm
Well! Dandelions are everywhere. No honey bees, just bumblebees. The white lawn clover is being tended by hard working bumblebees, but no honey bees. The nandina (heavenly bamboo) is blooming, but only the bumblebees are there. Other than magnolia, i don't see anything blooming. Beats me what my hives are doing. Maybe practicing for a lazy 3 day weekend.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: BeeMaster2 on May 21, 2020, 11:53:19 pm
Bees are working the Japanese Tallow.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: JurassicApiary on May 23, 2020, 12:34:05 am
Kukui Nut tree


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: amymcg on July 28, 2020, 10:01:29 pm
Goldenrod in central Massachusetts. Seems early


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Nock on July 31, 2020, 11:46:45 am
Goldenrod in central Massachusetts. Seems early


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The early GR is starting in KY as well.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Ben Framed on August 17, 2020, 11:39:18 pm
Cotton, noticed it today.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Nock on September 03, 2020, 09:52:22 pm
The late GR has started. I could smell it around the hives today.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Ben Framed on September 03, 2020, 10:00:13 pm
Back on  Aug 23 I sent a PM to Burley Bee telling him the golden rod was just beginning to bloom. I thought it would be in full bloom by now. It is not. It is blooming in some places and in others it is still looking like it is ready to start. I suppose it will be in full bloom here soon.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Nock on September 04, 2020, 11:46:18 am
Back on  Aug 23 I sent a PM to Burley Bee telling him the golden rod was just beginning to bloom. I thought it would be in full bloom by now. It is not. It is blooming in some places and in others it is still looking like it is ready to start. I suppose it will be in full bloom here soon.
Should be a great flow this year here. We have had plenty of rain all summer.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: retsofmit on September 13, 2020, 07:00:44 pm
Central TX and mid september we have goldenrod and ragweed blooming now.  Also been blooming a few weeks or longer, but Bonesets and asters are on as well.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: Nock on September 22, 2020, 07:17:39 pm

The buckwheat I planted in summer went to seed. I bushhogged and worked ground for fall food plots. It came back voluntarily. It will be good till frost.   
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: BeeMaster2 on September 22, 2020, 08:41:34 pm
I have golden rod and Spanish Needle growing on my farm.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: charentejohn on October 01, 2020, 07:23:53 pm
Central France and most monoculture crops gone now, no real garden plants.  Started in May with lime trees, OSR then more recently sunflowers, ended a few weeks ago.   Ivy flowering so that should see them ok for a while.
What I don't get is where they forage.  At the moment I have Ivy nearby and not a bee on it but they are coming back fully loaded with dark gold pollen so they are finding it somewhere.  They mostly go in the same direction which is ouut accross a field and into woodland with a small stream through it, about 1km (1/2 mile) away.
I know they feed from trees but still can't guess where they find it all, but they do.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: charentejohn on November 09, 2020, 06:18:56 am
Found the little devils,  a neighbour ratted them out  :smile: 
They are on a Jasmine hedge which is flowering now in early November.
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: BeeMaster2 on November 09, 2020, 10:25:14 am
John,
What type of Jasmine is it? The Jasmine we have here is poisonous and the bees will not go near it.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Follow the bloom 2020
Post by: BeeMaster2 on November 09, 2020, 10:28:51 am
Here is a little bit of information on Jasmines.

Plants that bloom in the daytime may attract pollinators, including bees, but you may not want these insects near your home for fear of accidental stings. As a solution, night blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) provides your garden with intoxicating scents, but without attracting many bees.

Beside above, what does star jasmine attract? Also called Confederate jasmine, star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is a vine that produces highly fragrant, white blossoms that attract bees. Native to China and Japan, it does very well in California and the southern U.S., where it provides excellent ground cover and climbing decoration.