Cabbage
The species of cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and kale; it flowers only in seed production, then giving bees plenty of nectar and pollen.
- Nectar
- Good
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 0.6-1.5 m
- Life cycle
- Biennial
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Brassica oleracea is the common species behind vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and kohlrabi. As these vegetables are harvested before flowering, they help bees only in seed fields that bolt in their second year and in plants forgotten in the garden. The pale yellow flowers give plenty of nectar and a moderate amount of pollen.
Flowering
Seed plants that overwinter in the field flower for 4-6 weeks from April to June. On the Black Sea coast, overwintered kale gardens that bolt in spring form a small but early source for bees.
Honey and pollen
It is not known as a separate honey; it gives a light-coloured, fast-crystallising contribution similar to crucifer honeys.
Note for the beekeeper
Seed production of cabbage and cauliflower depends on cross-pollination; seed companies rent hives per decare. Seed fields may be sprayed often, so spraying times should be specified in the contract.