Almond
The earliest fruit tree to bloom; in February-March its pollen and nectar start brood rearing, and most varieties depend on bee pollination.
- Nectar
- Medium
- Pollen
- Good
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 4-8 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Almond is the earliest-flowering fruit tree and gives bees one of the first major sources of pollen and nectar after winter. Most varieties are self-sterile, meaning they must be fertilised with pollen from another variety; orchard yields therefore depend largely on bee pollination.
Flowering
Depending on the region, it flowers for about 2-3 weeks between February and March. The weather is often cool at this time, which limits flight; below about 12 °C foragers do little work.
Honey and pollen
A separate almond honey is not common; the nectar is mostly used in the hive for build-up. Pollen is collected in abundance and contributes greatly to early brood.
Note for the beekeeper
For pollination, hives should be brought in when the orchard is about 5-10% in flower. Since cold, rainy weather is frequent early in the season, colonies must be strong and have enough stores. Agree with the orchard owner in advance that there will be no spraying during flowering.