Sainfoin

[Red Bee]

Hello all

Just wondering if anybody has had any experience with bees on Sainfoin? In Ted Hoopers book its noted as a good nectar producing plant. I know its not as commonly sown as it used to be but I might be able to plant up a field, If its any good.

Cheers

 

[Matthew]

im new to all this i hope i can help. this plant if im not mistaken grows wild where i am, i know from this that it grows nicely at a high altitude, so i don't know how it my do for nectar at about sea level. but if it flowers it is a realy good nectar source.

hope it helps.

 

[Red Bee]

Yep all good replies appreciated, thanks Matthew.

 

[RoofTops]

I've only seen sainfoin growing on Salisbury Plain - which is on chalk. There is an article here which states it needs a lime soil but if you have the right sort of ground it is supposed to be very good for bees.

http://www.beeculture.com/content/pollination_handbook/sain.html