Purvis Brothers Apiaries

Beekeeper in Blairsville, Georgia

(706) 781-3128546 Trackrock Camp Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512View on Yelp

About Purvis Brothers Apiaries

Purvis Brothers Apiaries operates out of Blairsville, Georgia, a mountain town in Union County situated in the heart of the Blue Ridge range near the North Carolina border. As an apiary operation, this is exactly the kind of family-based beekeeping business that forms the backbone of Georgia's regional honey industry. Blairsville sits at a higher elevation than most of the state, which means cooler summers, later frosts, and access to unique mountain flora that produces distinctly flavored honey. For beekeepers and honey buyers in the north Georgia mountains, a local apiary like this one is a primary resource.

Services & Process

As an apiary, Purvis Brothers Apiaries likely offers several core beekeeping services, including packaged bee sales or nucleus colonies for customers starting new hives. Queen rearing is common among established operations of this type, supplying locally adapted queens that are better suited to Georgia's mountain climate than those shipped from out of state. Honey extraction and sales are another cornerstone service, providing raw mountain honey harvested from hives working the diverse wildflowers of the Blue Ridge. Some apiary operations in this region also offer pollination placement services for orchards and specialty crop farms in Union County and neighboring areas.

Service Area

Purvis Brothers Apiaries serves customers in Blairsville and across Union County, Georgia. The operation is also accessible to residents of nearby communities like Hiawassee, Young Harris, and Blue Ridge. Given the mountainous terrain of the region, calling ahead before visiting is always a good idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Purvis Brothers Apiaries sell packaged bees or nucleus colonies?
Many family apiaries in north Georgia sell packaged bees or nucleus colonies, called nucs, in the spring when colonies are strong and splitting naturally. It's best to place an order or inquiry in late winter since spring bee sales often sell out quickly.
What makes north Georgia mountain honey different from other regional honeys?
The higher elevation and diverse tree canopy around Blairsville give bees access to nectar sources like sourwood, tulip poplar, and wild blackberry that aren't as prevalent in the Georgia lowlands. This results in honey with more complex flavor profiles and often a lighter, more delicate finish.
Can I buy locally raised queen bees from an apiary in Blairsville?
Yes, established apiaries in this area often raise and sell queens that are bred from locally adapted stock. These queens tend to perform better in mountain climates than queens shipped from warmer regions, since they're already acclimated to the shorter foraging seasons and cooler temperatures.
Do apiaries in Union County offer hive pollination services for farms?
Pollination services are common among commercial and semi-commercial apiary operations, where beekeepers temporarily place hives near orchards, berry fields, or vegetable crops during bloom periods. Contact the apiary directly to discuss your crop size, location, and bloom timing to see if they can accommodate your needs.
What are the biggest challenges for beekeepers in the north Georgia mountains?
Varroa mite management is the top concern for beekeepers across Georgia, including the mountain regions. The shorter nectar flows at higher elevations also mean colonies need to be managed carefully to build sufficient honey stores before cold weather sets in, which arrives earlier in Blairsville than in much of the state.
Is sourwood honey actually produced near Blairsville, GA?
Yes. Union County and the surrounding Blue Ridge counties are among the best sourwood honey-producing areas in the entire country. Sourwood trees bloom in mid to late summer, and the honey they produce is considered a regional specialty with a devoted following among honey enthusiasts.

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