The olive tree in bloom: a blossoming of hope

A sacred tree in Greek mythology, millennia old for some, the olive tree is one of the longest-living trees. The blooming period of the olive tree is crucial in the olive production cycle. It is during this time that the pollination and fertilization of the olive tree’s flowers take place.

Let’s observe how olives are born from the blooming olive tree.

What do olive tree flowers look like?

Olive tree flowers are subtle and discreet. They gather in small clusters on the branches, nestled in the leaf axils. Their white robes illuminate the evergreen olive tree, ready to be fertilized.

When does the olive tree bloom?

It’s a bit like water boiling. When waiting for the first signs of boiling, it feels like it takes forever. But as soon as you look away, the pot overflows! Similarly, the olive tree's blooming period is hard to predict precisely. It usually takes place in May, once a year. For just about a week, the olive tree dons its delicate white coat. Indeed, it is in the spring, when the warmth rises and the daylight intensifies, that the olive tree is adorned with flowers.

From pollination to fruit development

Olive tree pollination doesn’t rely onbBees

Pollination is the process of depositing pollen onto the female organs of flowers. Yes, the olive tree is a fruit tree. The exchange of pollen between the male and female organs allows the fertilization of the olive tree's flowers.

Typically, for most fruit trees, it’s bees that pollinate the flowers. As they forage, they collect pollen, and by moving from flower to flower, they unintentionally leave behind some of their reserves. However, in the case of the olive tree, the process is different. Bees do not visit the flowers of this ancient tree. So, how does pollination happen? It’s the wind that facilitates the pollen exchange.

Weather conditions play a crucial role in olive tree pollination

Windy regions with mild and dry climates enhance the pollination process of olive trees. A concentration of olive trees planted near one another increases the chances of fertilization and, thus, olive production. However, only 5 to 10% of olive flowers will actually turn into olives.

Weather conditions are essential. For example, too much rain, humidity, cold, frost, violent winds, or lack of wind can hinder pollination. The hopes of an abundant harvest can easily be disrupted by Mother Nature.

Self-fertile olive trees or cross-pollination?

We speak of self-fertility to describe trees capable of self-pollinating.

Despite this, most olive trees are not self-fertile. On the contrary, they require other olive trees nearby to bear fruit. In practice, the wind carries pollen from male olive trees to the flowers of female olive trees.

Thus, the olives are born— the result of the fertilization process.

1,200 Olive varieties around the mediterranean basin

Now we understand why most olive oil production comes from trees around the Mediterranean basin. Indeed, favorable weather conditions and the density of olive tree plantations allow olive trees and olives to thrive.

1,200 olive varieties sounds impressive! 400 varieties are used to produce olive oil, while the remaining 800 are preferred for tasting their fruit. However, keep in mind that countries and regions don’t define the quality of olive oil. It’s the olive variety that contributes all the flavor, character, and uniqueness.
Nature is generous. Let’s give back by planting olive trees!

Alexis Muñoz, an elaïologist and producer of monovarietal olive oils, is a key player in the revival of the olive-growing sector in France. As an expert, he supports farms in the development of their olive groves and works with passionate investors who are committed to agriculture in France.