Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Carol on January 06, 2015, 04:58:19 PM

Title: nectar and pollen
Post by: Carol on January 06, 2015, 04:58:19 PM
If the bees are bringing in pollen does it mean there is also nectar available?
Title: Re: nectar and pollen
Post by: iddee on January 06, 2015, 05:56:51 PM
NO. They find dry pollen all winter. Nectar only comes from fresh blooms.
Title: Re: nectar and pollen
Post by: Carol on January 07, 2015, 11:21:05 AM
Thanks Iddee,  I have windows in the hives and the super so I can check on them.....I have seen Elderberry blooming in the area...not sure if it is close enough for my bees...also have a dozen big plants of African Basil that are still blooming. Not enough to feed 4 hives but better than nothing...Bottle Brush starting to show some blooms also.
Title: Re: nectar and pollen
Post by: iddee on January 07, 2015, 12:16:15 PM
I didn't mean there was no nectar coming in. I just meant the presence of pollen coming in was not a sure sign of nectar coming, too. You can have nectar anytime the blooms are producing in your area and other conditions are right. It's just that pollen is not an indicator. Look in your hive window for uncapped honey. That is nectar coming in.
Title: Re: nectar and pollen
Post by: sc-bee on January 07, 2015, 02:59:05 PM
And some plants offer better/more pollen but some nectar. And some the reverse.....
Title: Re: nectar and pollen
Post by: jayj200 on January 14, 2015, 03:47:05 PM
the girls woll also use certin tree sap too, durning a dirth