Crimson clover provides an abundant source of nectar during the early spring just as the hive is set to do some serious foraging.
If you want this to happen, however, you need to do some planting in September (as we said in an earlier post).
The blooms of crimson clover are red and showy and make a wonderful addition to the landscape. They last for two to three weeks, occasionally longer. They will give the bees a lot to do while they are waiting for the white clover to spring forth.
Here’s a video of some early spring foraging by some of our bees. It won’t be hard to spot the crimson clover.
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Bees in Action from Jim Stovall on Vimeo.
Key words: clover, crimson clover for bees, crimson clover planting in September, honeybees nutrition, light honey, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
Blount County Beekeepers Association 