Seasonal Honey Calendar
A month-by-month guide to what's blooming, what's being harvested, and the best honey varieties to buy each season. Print in landscape orientation for best results.
Seasonal Honey Calendar
rawhoneyguide.comWhat's blooming, what's harvested, and what to buy -- month by month
Spring
Mar - MayClover, wildflower, orange blossom, apple blossom, cherry blossom, dandelion, tupelo
Orange blossom, tupelo, early wildflower
Best time to buy tupelo -- it blooms for only 2-3 weeks in April/May along Gulf Coast rivers.
Summer
Jun - AugLavender, buckwheat, sourwood, basswood/linden, clover, alfalfa, sunflower
Sourwood, lavender, buckwheat, linden
Peak harvest season. Most varieties are freshest and most abundant. Farmers markets overflow with options.
Fall
Sep - NovGoldenrod, aster, sage, eucalyptus (warm climates)
Goldenrod, sage, aster
Dark honeys like goldenrod and buckwheat are at their freshest. Higher antioxidant content than light varieties.
Winter
Dec - FebVery little in most US regions. Eucalyptus and avocado in California/Florida.
Manuka (imported), stored clover, creamed honey, comb honey
No US harvest, but properly stored honey keeps indefinitely. Stock up on fall varieties before they sell out.
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | What's Blooming | Varieties Available | Best to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -- | Stored varieties | Manuka, creamed honey |
| Feb | -- | Stored varieties | Last of fall harvest |
| Mar | Dandelion, cherry blossom | Early wildflower | Pre-order from local beekeepers |
| Apr | Orange blossom, tupelo, apple | Orange blossom, tupelo | Orange blossom, tupelo (limited) |
| May | Clover, wildflower, acacia | Clover, wildflower, acacia | Spring wildflower, acacia |
| Jun | Lavender, basswood, clover | Lavender, linden, clover | Lavender, fresh clover |
| Jul | Buckwheat, sourwood, sunflower | Sourwood, buckwheat | Sourwood (sells out fast) |
| Aug | Alfalfa, buckwheat, sunflower | Buckwheat, alfalfa, sunflower | Buckwheat, late summer wildflower |
| Sep | Goldenrod, aster | Goldenrod, aster | Fresh goldenrod, fall wildflower |
| Oct | Late aster, sage | Sage, late wildflower | Sage, fall harvest varieties |
| Nov | Minimal | Last fall harvest | Stock up for winter |
| Dec | -- | Stored varieties | Gift sets, comb honey, creamed |
Rare & Limited
- Tupelo -- Apr-May (2-3 weeks only)
- Sourwood -- Jul (Appalachian region only)
- Fireweed -- Jul-Aug (Pacific NW)
- Meadowfoam -- May-Jun (Oregon)
Year-Round Staples
- Clover -- Most popular US honey, always available
- Wildflower -- Multi-floral, varies by region & season
- Manuka -- Imported from NZ/AU, available year-round
- Acacia -- Mild & slow to crystallize, widely stocked
Buying Tips
- ▸Buy seasonal honey within 2-3 months of harvest for peak freshness
- ▸Farmers markets are best in Jun-Oct for variety and freshness
- ▸Pre-order rare varieties (tupelo, sourwood) before they sell out
- ▸Stock up on fall dark honeys -- highest antioxidant content
Download more printable guides at rawhoneyguide.com/printables
Tip: Select Landscape orientation in the print dialog for best results. Choose "Save as PDF" to save a digital copy.