Highbush blueberry

Value for beekeeping

Highbush blueberry is a fruit shrub of North American origin grown on acidic soils; in Turkey its plantations have increased rapidly in recent years, especially in the eastern Black Sea region. Its drooping, white, bell-shaped flowers secrete plenty of nectar. Because the anthers release pollen only through vibration, honey bees collect little pollen from it; bumblebees are more effective in this respect.

Flowering

It flowers in April–May for three to four weeks depending on the variety. In cool, rainy weather honey bee flight declines and pollination is left to bumblebees.

Honey and pollen

In North America a monofloral blueberry honey is obtained from colonies brought in for pollination: a light amber honey with a fruity aroma that crystallises at a moderate rate.

Note for the beekeeper

In commercial plantations, placing a few colonies per hectare clearly increases fruit set and fruit size. A written agreement with the grower that no spraying will be done during flowering is recommended.