Bees have three primary nutritional needs: honey, water, and pollen. Honey, rich in carbohydrates, fuels all their life functions, from flying to maintaining the hive temperature. Pollen, on the other hand, provides the protein and essential nutrients required for the development of larvae and pupae, making it a cornerstone of a thriving colony.

All of the bees’ nutritional elements, except water, are sourced from the flowers they visit. However, not all flowers are equal in what they offer—some produce more nectar, while others are richer in pollen. Among pollen-producing plants, the protein content can vary significantly, ranging from as low as 6% to as high as 45%, and the quality of those proteins can vary just as much.

It’s fascinating to dive into the research on local plants and discover which are the best sources of protein for bees in our area. For instance, Prickly Pear pollen has a low protein content, while Creosote Bush and Mesquite Trees, both staples in many desert landscapes, offer high-quality protein. This variety is crucial because bees need a diverse diet to meet all their micronutrient needs. A single plant species cannot provide all the necessary nutrients, making a varied landscape of flowering plants ideal for healthy bee populations.

Honeybees’ nutritional needs also change with the seasons. During the spring, when the colony is focused on brood rearing, they require pollen with a higher protein content to support the growing larvae. Worker bees process collected pollen by mixing it with enzymes and acids from their specialized glands, transforming it into what’s known as “Bee Bread.” This processed pollen is more digestible and storable, ensuring that the hive has a consistent food source for times when foraging conditions are less favorable.

During hive inspections, it’s crucial to monitor pollen stores, just as we do with honey. If stores are low, the bees will increase the number of pollen collectors until they have enough to meet their needs.

Native plants and medicinal herbs thrive in the conditions they evolved with. Arizona has numerous medicinal plants that require very little water or attention. Creosote, Brittlebush, Superstition Mallow, Canyon Bursage, and Desert Lavender are a few of those with immense healing powers for both us and bees. Just as we use herbs for healing, bees also use them. Even the propolis that they collect is medicinal partly because of the plants it is made from. We can thrive in whatever environment we are in when we respect and learn from what grows there.

To support my bees during these tough conditions, I feed them Ultra Bee Pollen substitute, which you can find locally in the Phoenix area or order from suppliers like Amazon or Mann Lake. Other alternatives include soy flour or whole grain flours if you’re unable to source a commercial pollen substitute.

Feeding pollen substitute is straightforward. There’s no need to make pollen patties since bees prefer to collect dry pollen, packing it onto their legs for transport. I usually drill 2.5 to 3-inch holes around the top of a bucket with a lid and hang it from a tree, allowing the bees easy access. Alternatively, you can place the substitute on a plate, but make sure to cover it if rain is expected (though that’s a rare concern in our area!)

To deepen your understanding of the role pollen plays in the life of honeybees, here are some excellent resources:

• Pollen Quality
• The Benefits of Pollen to Honeybees
• Pollen Report: Quantitative Review of Pollen Crude Protein Concentrations

Pollen may not get the spotlight like honey does, but it’s a vital component of bee nutrition and a key factor in the health and success of your hives. By understanding the importance of pollen and providing adequate resources, beekeepers can help their colonies thrive, even in the challenging conditions of the Arizona desert.

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