Charlock

Value for beekeeping

Charlock is an annual crucifer common almost everywhere in Turkey in wheat, barley and fallow fields and along roadsides. Its yellow flowers are open in structure, and honey bees collect nectar and pollen together. In years when it covers the fields, it brings a marked spring flow into the hives.

Flowering

It starts in April in coastal regions and in May-June inland; because its seeds stay viable in the soil for years, it comes up again every year. In late-ploughed fields flowers can be seen until July.

Honey and pollen

It is not sold as a separate honey; together with oilseed rape and other crucifers it goes into spring multifloral honeys. These honeys are light-coloured and crystallise quickly. The pollen loads are yellow.

Note for the beekeeper

Herbicide sprays against charlock in cereal fields may coincide with flowering; most herbicides are low-risk for bees, but insecticides added to the tank mix are dangerous. Its seeds can cause digestive problems in livestock.