In the production of olive oil, and especially extra virgin olive oil , one of the most important moments of the year is the flowering of the olive tree, which usually occurs in the month of May.
This process, although ephemeral, is vital to determine the quality and quantity of the olive harvest that will be obtained in the season. Thoroughly understanding the flowering of the olive tree and its technical aspects is not only fascinating, but essential for farmers and all people related to this sector. All this makes the month of May one of the most important for the olive grove.
The flowering of the olive tree
The flowering of the olive tree (Olea europaea) is a beautiful and complex natural event that depends on several factors, especially environmental. This process begins after a period of accumulation of cold hours during the winter, followed by a vegetative growth phase that culminates with the appearance of inflorescences in spring. During May, the flowers of the olive tree begin to open, marking the beginning of the plant's reproduction.
The flowers of the olive tree are grouped in inflorescences known as clusters, which can contain between 10 and 40 flowers each. There are two types of flowers on olive trees.
Hermaphroditic flowers : They have both reproductive organs, stamens and pistils, and are responsible for fruit production.
Male flowers : They only have stamens and cannot produce fruits.
The ratio between these two types of flowers can vary significantly between different varieties of olive trees and in response to environmental conditions. In general, a higher proportion of hermaphrodite flowers is desirable to maximize olive production.
Factors that influence flowering
1. Climatic Conditions.
Temperatures play a crucial role in the flowering of the olive tree. Olives require a winter with enough cold hours to induce flowering, followed by warm temperatures in spring to promote flower growth and development. A mild winter or cold spring can delay or reduce flowering.
2. Humidity and Irrigation.
Although olive trees are known for their resistance to drought, an adequate amount of water is essential for the health of the olive tree and to ensure production. Lack of water can lead to poor flowering and, consequently, lower fruit production. On the other hand, excess water can cause fungal problems and other diseases.
3. Soil Nutrients.
A well-balanced soil in nutrients is essential for optimal flowering. The most important nutrients for the olive tree are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen, in particular, is crucial for the development of new leaves and flowers. However, too much nitrogen can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering and fruiting.
Flower development
The development of olive flowers can be divided into several stages:
- Floral Induction : It occurs during winter, when vegetative buds transform into floral buds in response to low temperatures.
- Differentiation and Growth : During this phase, which lasts until early spring, the flower buds begin to differentiate and grow, forming inflorescences.
- Flowering : In mid-spring, the flowers begin to open. This is a short process, which can last between 10 and 15 days, depending on weather conditions.
- Pollination : Pollination of the olive tree is anemophilous, that is, it depends on the wind to transport pollen from male flowers to hermaphrodite flowers. Pollination efficiency can be affected by weather conditions, such as wind and humidity.
Fertilization concludes when the petals of the flower fall, indicating that a new seed has been formed, which will be surrounded by the fruit or olive. Although an olive tree produces a large number of flowers, only 1% to 2% of them are successfully fertilized.
As we have seen, the flowering of the olive tree in May is a critical process that determines the future harvest and the quality of the extra virgin olive oil .
Understanding the factors that influence flowering and how to properly manage them is essential for farmers.
From variety selection and management techniques to pest and disease control, every detail counts to ensure successful flowering and an abundant harvest of high-quality olives. With a technical approach and careful attention, farmers can optimize the flowering of their olive trees and ultimately produce the best extra virgin olive oil possible.
