Gooseberry
One of the earliest garden shrubs to flower, in late March–April; its ample nectar, secreted even on cool days, is a valuable boost for spring build-up.
- Nectar
- Good
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 0.5-1.5 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Gooseberry is a low, thorny shrub; it grows wild at forest edges in northern Anatolia and the Caucasus, and in home gardens in cool regions. Its small, bell-shaped, greenish-red flowers open together with the leaves and offer plenty of nectar before the fruit trees flower. For beekeeping it is the most valuable of the currants.
Flowering
It flowers between late March and April for about two to three weeks. Nectar secretion continues even in cool weather, which makes it one of the first regular nectar sources for colonies weakened after winter.
Honey and pollen
No separate honey is produced; almost all the nectar is used for brood feeding. Its pollen contribution is moderate.
Note for the beekeeper
A few gooseberry bushes planted around the apiary close the forage gap between willow and the fruit trees. Most varieties are self-fertile, but bee pollination increases fruit size. Varieties resistant to powdery mildew should be preferred.