Grapefruit
A citrus that gives abundant spring nectar in Mediterranean groves; its honey is not harvested separately but blends into orange-dominated citrus honey.
- Nectar
- Good
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 4-6 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Grapefruit is a citrus that arose in the Caribbean as a spontaneous hybrid of orange and pomelo; in Turkey it is grown mainly in Adana, Mersin and Hatay. Like other citrus its flowers are fragrant and rich in nectar; bees work the groves hard on mild, humid spring days.
Flowering
It flowers from late March into April, slightly before or together with orange; within a grove flowering lasts 2-4 weeks.
Honey and pollen
Grapefruit honey is not harvested separately; the honey from citrus groves is pale, floral citrus honey that crystallises fairly quickly. Some varieties produce little viable pollen, so the pollen contribution may be lower than that of orange.
Note for the beekeeper
When moving hives to citrus, grapefruit groves are considered together with orange groves. Insecticide treatment during flowering is the greatest danger; discuss the spraying plan with the grower before bringing hives into the grove, and check the hive entrances early in the morning.