The phases of the olive tree
The olive tree, the emblematic tree of the Mediterranean landscape, lives to the rhythm of the seasons, each period of the year giving it a specific activity essential to the production of its precious fruit. This article takes you on a journey through the olive tree’s annual cycle, from the torpor of winter to the frenzy of the autumn harvest.
December – February
From December to February, the olive tree is in a state of vegetative rest. During this period, the tree does not develop. No new shoots, no flowers … The olive tree is in a winter sleep.
February – March
The rise in temperature that accompanies spring causes the sap to rise in the branches. At 12°C, the tree springs to life and emerges from its vegetative stage. From February onwards, new branches grow.
April – June
Before becoming fruit, the flower buds blossom and open, this is the flowering season. Opening the flower buds allows the flowers to be pollinated. For the olive tree we talk about anemophilous pollination, i.e. pollination by the wind and not by insects as is the case for cherry trees.
June – October
From June onwards, the olive trees change colour: white flowers give way to small green olives. At the beginning of summer, the fruit begins to develop, growing from a few centimetres to several months of colour before becoming the fruit we use for oil or on the table.
October – December
From June onwards, the olive trees change colour: white flowers give way to small green olives. At the beginning of summer, the fruit begins to develop, growing from a few centimetres to several months of colour before becoming the fruit we use for oil or on the table.
