One of the most common beekeeper fables is that the new Japanese
varieties of buckwheat  (larger seed size) do not yield nectar.  Think
about it...if they do not yield nectar, how are the pollinators
attracted and the seeds formed?  No, they are not self-pollinators.

I went to Cornell, who has buckwheat specialists, with the question of
why some fields of buckwheat are ignored by honey bees.  It appears
that the answer is that the 'new' Japanese varieties are allowing
buckwheat to be grown in conditions and at times of year when the
heirloom varieties cannot be grown.  At these 'other' times of year,
the buckwheat blossoms cannot compete with other blooming plants.  For
example, right now here in upstate NY the loosestrife is in full
bloom, and is full of bees, and I know of adjacent fields of
buckwheat, also in full bloom, being ignored by bees!

In comparison with loosestrife, the buckwheat nectar cuts off at noon,
and there are far fewer blooms.  It is being ignored by honeybees, but
is full of solitary bees.  The heirloom varieties of buckwheat will
not grow on soil that will support loosestrife...it is too wet.

If you can find buckwheat being grown under conditions with cool
nights and moderately dry soil, with relatively little other bloom to
compete with, the bees will work it like mad.

--
Lloyd Spear
Owner Ross Rounds, Inc.
Manufacture of equipment for round comb honey sections,
Sundance Pollen Traps, and producer of Sundance custom labels.
Contact your dealer or www.RossRounds.com

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