The nectar flow is when plants produce abundant nectar and bees work overtime to collect it. Understanding your local flows is key to maximizing honey production.
What is Nectar Flow?
A nectar flow (or honey flow) occurs when:
- Many plants bloom simultaneously
- Weather conditions favor nectar production
- Bees can collect more nectar than they consume
- Surplus honey accumulates in the hive
Factors Affecting Nectar Production
Weather
- Temperature: Most plants produce nectar best at 60-90°F
- Rain: Dilutes nectar or washes it away
- Humidity: Affects nectar concentration
- Drought: Plants may stop producing nectar
Soil & Plant Health
- Healthy plants produce more nectar
- Soil moisture affects production
- Same plant varies by location
Signs of a Flow
At the Hive
- White wax: Fresh comb being built
- Heavy traffic: Bees flying in rapidly
- Weight gain: Hive gets heavier
- Sweet smell: Fresh nectar aroma
- Calm bees: Too busy to be defensive
- Nectar in open cells: Uncapped, shiny liquid
At Flowers
- Many bees working flowers
- Bees visiting flowers briefly (nectar abundant)
- Full pollen baskets
⚖️ Use a Hive Scale
A hive scale reveals flow intensity. During strong flows, colonies can gain 5-15 lbs per day. Scales help you time super additions and predict harvest.
Major Nectar Sources by Region
Eastern US
- Spring: Fruit trees, tulip poplar, black locust
- Summer: Clover, basswood
- Fall: Goldenrod, aster
Midwest
- Spring: Dandelion, fruit trees
- Summer: Clover, soybeans (limited)
- Fall: Goldenrod, sunflowers
Western US
- Highly variable by elevation and precipitation
- Often earlier than eastern flows
- May have multiple distinct flows
Managing During a Flow
Before the Flow
- Build colony population
- Treat for mites (not during flow)
- Have supers ready
- Ensure queen is laying well
During the Flow
- Add supers BEFORE they're full
- Don't let bees feel crowded (prevents swarming)
- Check every 7-10 days
- Avoid unnecessary inspections (disrupts foraging)
After the Flow
- Harvest when frames are 80%+ capped
- Leave adequate stores for bees
- Monitor for mites (population peaked)
- Watch for robbing during dearth
The Dearth
Between flows, nectar becomes scarce:
- Bees become more defensive
- Robbing behavior increases
- Colony may need feeding
- Avoid inspections during midday
- Reduce entrances
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