Bumblebee Hive

SKU: A0089.North

Price includes hive and shipping (choose North or South Island) * Please read instructions before the Be...

Price includes hive and shipping (choose North or South Island)

* Please read instructions before the Bee’s arrive*

IMPORTANT: DO NOT DISMANTLE THE HIVE

The cardboard outer box and plastic inner hive/liner must remain assembled throughout use. Open the hive using the blue slider door only. Please read the opening instructions below before releasing the bees.

Good pollination can be the difference between a garden full of flowers and one filled with fruit. Designed for home gardeners and orchardists, the Zonda Home Garden Bumblebee Hive provides an established colony of bumblebees to support the pollination of fruit, vegetables and flowers grown outdoors or under cover.

Bumblebees are remarkably effective pollinators. Their large, furry bodies carry pollen efficiently, and they can continue working in cooler, duller and lightly unsettled conditions when other pollinators may be less active. They are particularly valuable for tomatoes, capsicums, courgettes, cucumbers, strawberries, blueberries, stone fruit and many other flowering crops.

Each self-contained hive is supplied with approximately 50 worker bumblebees, a founder Queen and developing brood, including eggs, larvae and pupae. A built-in bladder of sugar syrup helps sustain the colony throughout its working life, so no additional feeding or cleaning is required.

Beyond their contribution to the garden, bumblebees are fascinating to observe as they move methodically between flowers, gathering pollen and returning to the hive.

Please note: This is a live product. Correct delivery details, prompt attention on arrival and careful hive placement are essential for the wellbeing of the colony. Please read all delivery, guarantee and care information before ordering.

HOW LONG WILL THE HIVE REMAIN ACTIVE?

The colony will generally remain active for four to six weeks and may sometimes continue for considerably longer, depending on the health of the Queen and colony, the weather and the flowering food sources available.

The founder Queen and worker bees will eventually die as a natural part of the colony’s life cycle. Before this happens, the hive may produce new Queens, which leave to mate, hibernate and establish colonies of their own.

Zonda’s four-week live-hive guarantee begins on the date the hive is dispatched. If the colony appears to fail prematurely within those four weeks, please contact Kings Seeds immediately with your order details, photographs and information about the hive’s activity. We will liaise with Zonda and arrange assistance or a replacement where applicable.

The guarantee does not cover colony loss caused by pesticide or chemical exposure, incorrect placement, avoidable customer handling, or incorrect delivery information supplied with the order.

WHEN TO INTRODUCE YOUR HIVE

Home Garden Hives are best introduced during spring or summer when there are plenty of plants in flower. They may also be used during cooler months where a suitable protected glasshouse or growing environment is available.

For the greatest pollination benefit, position the hive when the plants you wish to pollinate are beginning to flower.

POSITIONING AND PROTECTING YOUR HIVE

Choose and prepare the location before opening the hive. Place it:

• Near the flowering crops requiring pollination.
• In a quiet, sheltered and well-ventilated position.
• Out of direct sunlight to prevent overheating.
• Under protection from heavy rain and strong wind.
• On a stable support raised above ground level.
• Where ants cannot easily reach the hive or sugar syrup.
• Away from busy paths and areas frequently used by children or pets.

The hive has a waxed outer surface that provides some protection from the weather, but it is not fully weatherproof. Place a piece of wood or another waterproof cover above the hive during wet conditions, ensuring the entrance and ventilation remain unobstructed. Do not wrap the hive in plastic.

When the hive arrives, place it somewhere quiet and cool in its prepared location. Allow the bees time to settle and reorient themselves before opening the entrance. Follow the supplied opening instructions carefully and do not stand directly in front of the hive.

You may see a bumblebee arriving at or leaving the hive approximately every five to ten minutes, although activity naturally varies with the weather, time of day, available flowers and stage of the colony’s life cycle. Bumblebees do not swarm out of the hive like honeybees, and low visible activity does not necessarily mean the colony is unhealthy.

HOW TO OPEN YOUR HIVE

Prepare the hive’s final position before opening it. Place the hive somewhere quiet, cool and sheltered, then allow the bees time to settle after their journey.

Keep the cardboard outer box and plastic inner hive/liner fully assembled.
Remove the top lid only.
Cut the piece of Sellotape beside the blue slider door. This tape keeps the hive securely closed during transport.
Replace the lid, making sure the entrance holes remain visible through the opening in the cardboard.
Stand to the side of the hive, not directly in front of the entrance.
Slide the blue door fully to the left until both entrance holes are open.

Do not remove the plastic inner hive/liner or the small black plastic flap.

PROTECTING THE COLONY FROM SPRAYS

Bumblebees and their developing brood can be seriously harmed by insecticides, systemic pesticides and other garden chemicals. Do not apply potentially harmful sprays to flowering plants while the hive is active.

Exposure to garden sprays or pesticides is not covered by the live-hive guarantee.

DELIVERY OF YOUR LIVE HIVE

Your hive will be dispatched directly by Zonda, our specialist New Zealand supplier. Kings Seeds hive orders will generally be dispatched on Wednesdays. Dispatch may be postponed around public holidays, extreme weather or known courier disruptions to protect the colony.

Please check that the recipient’s name, delivery address and contact details are completely accurate before placing your order. A hive that cannot be delivered because incorrect details were supplied is not eligible for replacement under the live-hive guarantee.

No signature is required and nobody needs to be home to receive the hive. It may be left at the delivery address, so please ensure there is a cool, sheltered place away from direct sunlight where the courier can safely leave it.

Rural deliveries may take two to three days. Zonda monitors tracking and will contact the courier if a significant delay or delivery issue occurs.

CHECKING THE HIVE ON ARRIVAL

Inspect the package promptly when it arrives. Check for:

• Significant damage to the packaging or hive.
• A wet or badly disrupted inner hive.
• Leaking sugar syrup.
• Signs that the internal components have been overturned or displaced.

A small amount of leaked sugar syrup does not necessarily mean the bees have been harmed. Before releasing the bees, wipe any syrup from the outside of the hive with hot, soapy water. Do not dismantle the cardboard box or remove the plastic inner hive/liner. If syrup appears to have leaked beneath the liner, keep the hive closed in a cool, sheltered place and contact Kings Seeds for guidance before handling it further.

If the hive appears badly damaged, wet or disrupted, place it somewhere cool and sheltered and contact Kings Seeds immediately. Please include your order details and clear photographs or video of the outer packaging, hive and any visible damage. Do not discard the packaging.

END-OF-LIFE CARE AND RECYCLING

Allow the hive to complete its natural life cycle so any remaining males or new Queens have time to leave. If one or two bees remain, carefully open the plastic inner hive and allow them to finish their life cycle naturally before dismantling it.

Once there is no remaining activity:

• Clean hard plastic components are number 5 plastic and may be accepted in kerbside recycling. Check your local council’s guidelines.
• Bee brood, insulating cotton, dead bees, wax pots and other organic material can be added to a home compost system.
• The bladder wick and rigid neck should be placed in general rubbish.
• Rinse the bladder bag, remove the rigid neck and take the remaining bag to an appropriate soft-plastic recycling point.
• Plain brown cardboard can be composted and printed cardboard can be placed in cardboard recycling.

Wear gloves when dismantling and cleaning the hive, and soak plastic components in hot, soapy water before removing wax, pollen and other material.

NZ $110.00

supports-pollination

new

live-bees

Size:

North Island

South Island

Bumblebee Hive

NZ $110.00

Annual

A plant that completes its entire life cycle (germinates, grows a plant, flowers, produces seed, dies) in one season. It may self-sow, thereby giving the impression of being perennial. Most annuals will flower 60 to 75 days from sowing.

Hardy Annual

An annual that does not need to be germinated indoors but can be sown direct into its growing position in the garden in spring and is tolerant of frost.

Tender Annual

An annual that is frost tender and can be germinated indoors. Sowing direct or planting outdoors must not occur until all danger of frost has passed (also known as a Half-Hardy Annual).

Biennial
A plant that completes its entire life cycle in two years - growing in the first, reproducing and dying in the second. Typically, but not always, producing flowers only in the second year.

Perennial

A plant that can live for more than two years, surviving the winter and flowering each year from the second season. Perennials may flower within 90 days of sowing in their first season but will more typically flower in their second season.

Hardy Perennial

A perennial that is frost tolerant.

Tender Perennial

A perennial that is frost tender.

Hardy

A plant that will survive frost.

Tender

A plant that will not survive frost.

Bolting

Going to seed. Premature formation of a seed stalk, may be due to plant stress.

Botanical Name

The formal scientific name conforming to the International Code of Nomenclature for plants. Identifies the genus and species to which the plant belongs useful in distinguishing plants uniquely.

Cotyledon

The seed leaves or first leaves that emerge from a germinated seed, different in form from the later true leaves.

True Leaves

The leaves that emerge after the cotyledons which are indicative of the true form
of the plant’s leaves.

Determinate

Growth stopped by development of terminal flower buds. A dwarf/bush variety which sets fruit in a concentrated period.

Indeterminate

Growth continuing indefinitely when leaf buds form at the tip of the growth. These varieties need to be staked and continue to set fruit until frost.

Heirloom

A variety that is older than two generations (50 years). Can also be referred to as “Heritage” and is always an open pollinated variety selected for garden performance (flavour, long harvest).

Hybrid

A plant resulting from a cross between two parent plants to give a genetically superior plant i.e. improved disease resistance, better vigour, more uniform harvest. Normally, seed saved from hybrids does not grow true to type.

F1 - The first generation of such a cross. Denoted in the name of the variety.

F2 - The second generation of such a cross etc.

Open Pollinated

Natural cross between plants of the same variety. Refers to non-hybrid seeds or plants.

Scarification

The practice of scratching, sanding, notching or nicking the seed coat to assist germination. Used for seed of species that have very hard seed coats.

Stratification

The process of chilling seeds to promote germination by breaking dormancy. Can be artificially carried out by placing seed in your fridge. Follow specific instructions online for the period of chilling time.

Surface Sow

Seed that requires light to germinate. Sow seed on the surface. Press down into the soil. Keep moist.

Germination

Seed germination is the process by which a seed sprouts and begins to grow into a plant. It involves rehydrating the seed, activation of metabolic processes and the emergence of a young seedling from the seed coat. This process is triggered by factors like temperature, water and in some cases light.

Viability

The ability of seeds to germinate.

Vigour

The speed and the strength of the plant to establish well.

Delivery

Courier delivery by NZ Post.

Delivery available only to valid New Zealand
addresses.

The appropriate delivery charge will be applied at checkout.

Delivery charges are subject to change without notice.

You can track the status of your shipment via the link provided in your order confirmation email or by logging into your account online.

Click n Collect

Seed can only be collected from our warehouse at 189 Wharawhara Rd, Katikati.

Select Click n Collect at the checkout.

Click n Collect does not apply for collection at any Kings Seeds stockists nationwide.

Returns

Seed or Products can only be returned with authorisation from Kings Seeds.

Any request for the return of Seed or Products must be made within 14 days of delivery to info@kingsseeds.co.nz

Returned Seed or Products will only be accepted if unopened and in the same condition as when supplied and a record of your purchase can be found.

The Customer shall pay all costs in relation to return of the Seed or Products unless it is deemed a warranty issue.

Please see our Terms & Conditions of Sale for further information on our Returns Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Home Garden Bumblebee Hive contain?

The hive contains approximately 50 worker bumblebees, a founder Queen and developing brood consisting of eggs, larvae and pupae. It also has a built-in bladder of sugar syrup to help sustain the colony throughout its working life.

Do I need to feed or clean the hive?

No. The hive is self-contained and does not require additional feeding or cleaning. However, it must be carefully positioned and protected from direct sun, overheating, heavy rain, strong wind, ants and harmful garden sprays.

How long will the Bumblebee Hive last?

The colony will generally remain active for four to six weeks and may sometimes continue for longer, depending on the health of the colony and the flowering food sources available. Its eventual decline is a natural part of the bumblebee life cycle.

What happens if the hive fails within four weeks?

Zonda’s four-week live-hive guarantee begins on the date the hive is dispatched. If the colony appears to fail prematurely during this period, contact Kings Seeds immediately with your order details, photographs and information about the hive’s activity. We will work with Zonda to assess the concern and arrange assistance or a replacement where applicable.

The live-hive guarantee does not cover colony loss caused by pesticide or chemical exposure, or delivery problems resulting from incorrect address information supplied with the order. Other concerns will be assessed by Kings Seeds and Zonda based on the circumstances and information provided.

What plants will benefit from a Bumblebee Hive?

Bumblebees can help pollinate tomatoes, capsicums, courgettes, cucumbers, strawberries, blueberries, fruit trees and many other flowering fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops.

When is the best time to introduce the hive?

Spring and summer are generally the best seasons because gardens contain plenty of flowers and conditions are warmer. Introduce the hive when the plants you want pollinated are beginning to flower. In cooler weather, the hive should be placed within a suitable protected environment.

What should I do when the hive arrives?

Inspect the package promptly for visible damage, significant leaking or displaced internal components. Place the unopened hive somewhere quiet, cool and sheltered in its prepared location and allow the colony time to settle before opening it according to the supplied instructions.

If sugar syrup has leaked, clean it away with hot, soapy water before releasing the bees, as the syrup can attract ants. If the hive appears badly damaged, wet or disrupted, contact Kings Seeds immediately with your order details and photographs.

How much bee activity should I expect?

As a general guide, you may see a bumblebee arriving or leaving every five to ten minutes. Activity will vary according to the time of day, weather, available flowers and the colony’s stage of development. Bumblebees can remain away from the hive for some time while gathering pollen.

How far will the bumblebees travel?

Bumblebees generally forage within approximately 500 metres of their hive when suitable flowers are available nearby. They can travel several kilometres when necessary to find food.

Are bumblebees dangerous?

Bumblebees are generally not aggressive, but female worker bees and Queens can sting if threatened. Male bumblebees cannot sting. Avoid disturbing or blocking the hive entrance and keep the hive away from busy areas.

Anyone with a known allergy to bee or insect stings should carefully consider whether a live hive is appropriate for their property.

Can I use garden sprays while the hive is active?

Some insecticides, systemic pesticides and other garden chemicals can seriously harm adult bumblebees and developing brood. Avoid applying potentially harmful sprays to flowering plants while the hive is active. Seek specialist guidance before spraying or moving the hive.

How can I protect the hive from ants?

Raise the hive above ground level and check it regularly. If ants become a problem, place the hive support inside a shallow tray of water to create a moat, ensuring the hive remains safely above the water. Alternatively, an odourless food-grade grease or ant-trapping glue may be applied to the legs of the hive support.

What happens when the colony reaches the end of its life?

Allow the hive to complete its natural life cycle so any remaining males or new Queens have time to leave. Once there is no remaining activity, the clean number 5 hard-plastic components may be recycled where accepted locally. Organic hive material can be composted, while the cleaned bladder bag may be taken to a soft-plastic recycling point after its rigid neck has been removed. Please follow the complete recycling instructions supplied with the hive.