Have a question about cotton.

[Yankee11]

I have a chance to put hives on large acreage of cotton. Farmer said it will start blooming around July4th. I have some strong hives that are ready to go.
The wild flower flow is almost over here and the things I read about cotton are all over the place.

Anyone have any experience with cotton. I can put hives where they are not sitting on or right next to the fields.

It will be irrigated.

[apisbees]

Can't speak about cotton but any irrigated crop that has a bloom that is attractive to bees and is allowed to flower and produce nectar or pollen is better than leaving the hives sit in a desert of drought.

[tecumseh]

I have one yard right up next to IRRIGATED cotton.  unlike years ago now they spray cotton very little so insecticide kills are very much reduced.  some cotton I am told now has the nectar gland removed (evidently done to reduce attraction by cotton pest).   as a side bar this site is my very best producing location year after year.
 

[Yankee11]

I guess I need to set a couple hives up and see what happens. I found a spot along a tree line that has a creek in it. They will have sun part of the day and shade part of the day. If they do well I can add more hives next year.

It will also be irrigated.

These cotton fields are also surrounded by irrigated soy beans.

Thanks for the info.

[brooksbeefarm]

Don't have cotton fields in my area, but have heard that cotton honey granulates fast, don't know what it taste like??. Jack

[lazy shooter]

I had small hives near a cotton field last summer.  They built up quite well.  There was a major flo for a couple of weeks, and then a lesser blooming for another 4 to 5 weeks.  I consider cotton as a huge benefit.

[rcannon]

I've heard that cotton makes a top notch honey but granulated quickly.