What is a “Nectar Flow”?

A nectar flow is a crucial time in beekeeping when flowering plants produce an abundance of nectar, which honey bees collect and convert into honey. This period, typically in spring and early summer, can vary depending on your location and climate. Here in Santa Cruz, California it typically starts in mid-March and lasts until mid-June, depending on the severity and intensity of the winter. In certain parts of the county we’ll get another little flow in the early fall.

Why is Nectar Flow Important for Beekeepers?

For bees (and beekeepers!), a nectar flow is the most productive time of the year. The bees work hard to fill their hives with nectar. This is also the time when colonies expand rapidly, with the queen laying more eggs (up to 2,000 each day) and the population growing rapidly to take full advantage of the abundant resources.

Experienced beekeepers prepare for nectar flows by ensuring their hives have plenty of space for bees to store honey. By adding extra supers, beekeepers can maximize honey production. It’s also an important time to monitor the hive for signs of overcrowding, which can lead to swarming. If your hive is really crowded you can split it to make a new colony and to reduce the likelihood of swarming - more on that in another blog post.

How to Know When a Nectar Flow is Happening

Nectar flows are often marked by increased activity from the hives. You’ll see lots of bees out and about. You may even notice newly hatched worker bees taking their orientation flights. When inspecting a hive, you’ll see fresh, white wax on the top bars and the bees will readily build new combs. You’ll also start to see the production of drones, the male bees, which means that spring is in full swing and swarming is about to begin.

Post-Nectar Flow: What Happens?

After the nectar flow, the bees will reduce their foraging activity as fewer flowers are blooming. The stored honey from the nectar flow sustains the colony during the off-season, especially during fall and winter. Beekeepers may harvest surplus honey after the nectar flow, but they must be sure to leave plenty for the bees to survive during the winter months. It’s important to remember that honey is both food and medicine for the bees. Leaving them with extra honey is a way to ensure their success for the following year. Don’t get greedy!