PDA

View Full Version : Spring Sown Oil Seed Rape



Jon
18-06-2014, 02:27 PM
I was cycling up to my main apiary this morning when I noticed a 25 acre field of oil seed rape just coming into flower.
It is about 400 metres from the apiary.
This must be spring sown and I have read in various places that it does not yield as well as the autumn sown Rape.
Is that true or is it another old wives tale?
I went over to check and I could see lots of little black bees with pollen loads at the field edge so they have found it already.

gavin
18-06-2014, 03:07 PM
It certainly yields in the right conditions, and as there is 25 acres of the stuff it will be a useful boost and have the prospect of filling supers for a fortnight or so. Neonic-free too, though the neonic-laced winter OSR seemed productive this year.

Sent from my BlackBerry 8520 using Tapatalk

Jon
18-06-2014, 04:57 PM
I have 9 colonies and 10 nucs at that site as well as about 30 Apideas so hopefully it will do them some good.
Real heatwave here at the moment as well.

fatshark
18-06-2014, 06:59 PM
I think you'll be lucky to get much honey from those Apideas Jon ;)

gavin
18-06-2014, 08:25 PM
Sections are so passe. Apidea super frames have to be the way to go!

Sent from my BlackBerry 8520 using Tapatalk

Jon
18-06-2014, 10:09 PM
I think you'll be lucky to get much honey from those Apideas Jon ;)

Sought after like quails eggs and caviar.
Needs to be savoured with a really tiny spoon.

At least it means I wont have to worry about feeding them.