Sweet cherry

Value for beekeeping

Cherry is one of the most valuable sources among the spring fruit trees: its white flowers give plenty of nectar and pollen. Small reddish glands at the top of the leaf stalk also secrete nectar outside the flowers. Wild cherry grows into a large tree in forests and offers a high mass of blossom.

Flowering

In April-May, lasting about 10-14 days in an orchard. Secretion is high on mild, calm days; below 12 °C bee flight drops markedly.

Honey and pollen

Cherry honey as such is usually not harvested; the nectar is used in the colony for build-up. The pollen is an important spring protein source. Gum oozing from wounds in the trunk can be collected in small amounts as resin.

Note for the beekeeper

• Most cherry varieties are self-sterile; without a suitable pollinator variety and bees, the crop falls. For orchard pollination, 2-3 strong colonies per hectare is a common recommendation.
• Bring the hives in when about 10% of the flowers are open; bees that arrive earlier get used to other sources.
• Agree with the grower in advance that no spraying is done during flowering.