How to Mix NectarBloom Hummingbird Nectar
NectarBloom is pure cane sugar. You mix it with clean water to make hummingbird nectar. This page gives the correct ratio and the steps to mix, fill, and store the nectar.
Written in Simplified Technical English (ASD-STE100) for clear, one-step-at-a-time instructions.
What You Need
- NectarBloom nectar
- Clean water (tap water or filtered water)
- A measuring cup or a kitchen scale
- A clean container with a lid
- A clean hummingbird feeder
The Correct Ratio
Use 1 part NectarBloom to 4 parts water. Measure both parts by volume.
Measure by Weight
The existing NectarBloom instructions specify a volume ratio. They do not specify gram quantities. A 1-to-4 ratio by weight is not the same as a 1-to-4 ratio by volume. Use the volume quantities below.
Measure by Volume
Use 1/4 cup of NectarBloom for each 1 cup of water.
Fill the measuring cup level.
Do not pack the sugar into the cup.
Note: NectarBloom is a fine grind. A packed cup holds more sugar than a level cup.
How to Mix the Nectar (5 Steps)
Wash your hands.
Clean the container.
Clean the measuring cup.
Put the water into the container.
Warm water dissolves the sugar faster.
Boiling is not necessary.
Add NectarBloom to the water.
Stir until the water is clear.
Make sure no sugar stays on the bottom.
Let the nectar cool to room temperature.
Fill the feeder.
What Not to Add
- Do not add red dye. Hummingbirds do not need it.
- Do not use honey. Honey can cause fungal growth that is dangerous to hummingbirds.
- Do not use brown sugar, raw sugar, or organic sugar. These sugars contain iron and other materials that hummingbirds cannot easily process.
- Do not use artificial sweeteners. They have no energy value for hummingbirds.
When to Change the Nectar
Heat makes nectar spoil faster. Change the nectar on this schedule, even if the feeder is not empty.
| High outdoor temperature | Change nectar every |
|---|---|
| 90°F (32°C) and higher | 1 day |
| 80–89°F (27–31°C) | 2 days |
| 70–79°F (21–26°C) | 3 days |
| 60–69°F (16–20°C) | 4 to 5 days |
| Below 60°F (16°C) | 6 days |
Discard the nectar immediately if it is cloudy, if it has black spots, or if you see mold or floating particles.
How to Clean the Feeder
- Empty the feeder each time you change the nectar.
Wash the feeder with hot water.
Use a small brush on the ports.
- Once a week, soak the feeder in 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water for 1 hour.
Rinse the feeder fully with clean water.
Make sure no soap or vinegar stays in the feeder.
How to Store Mixed Nectar
- Keep unused nectar in a closed container in the refrigerator.
- Use stored nectar within 1 week.
- Let cold nectar warm to room temperature before you fill the feeder.
- Keep dry NectarBloom in its closed pouch in a cool, dry place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to boil the water?
No. NectarBloom dissolves in warm water. Boiling is not necessary if you change the nectar on schedule.
Why is the ratio 1 to 4?
A 1-to-4 mix is close to the sugar level in many flowers that hummingbirds visit.
Can I make the nectar stronger in cold weather?
Keep the 1-to-4 ratio. A consistent ratio is the safest choice for the birds.
How much nectar should I make?
Make only enough for 1 or 2 feeder changes. Store the remainder in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.