This variability makes it almost impossible to provide accurate recommendations for all crops and conditions. Exceptions to this general rule may be found in the following situations. High density plantings will also increase the need for honey bees. Higher colony numbers may needed for very high density plantings. Honey bee colonies are rarely required for pollination in peach or nectarine orchards.
Most cultivars bloom fairly early in the season when there is little competition from other plants.
Peach flowers produce nectar and pollen and are attractive to many pollinating insects. Pollen is also produced when the stigma is receptive and most varieties are self-compatible. Honey bee colony requirements will be dependent upon factors such as variety, the arrangement of pollenizers, and tree density. The placement of colonies in an orchard is important to maximizing pollination benefits. Colonies should be distributed throughout an orchard in small groups of four to eight hives.