The Secret Life of an Olive!
Episode 2 – The Journey of Pollen

The Secret Life of an Olive – Episode 2: The Journey of Pollen

A pollen grain has just landed on a flower. From that moment on, an invisible journey begins.

In spring, olive trees burst into bloom. But for a flower to give rise to an olive, an essential step must take place: fertilisation.

An invisible journey inside the flower

When pollen lands on the stigma, the receptive part of the pistil, it can begin to germinate if conditions are favourable.

A tiny tube then forms and grows down through the pistil towards the ovule. An almost imperceptible journey, yet essential to the development of the future fruit.

The encounter that changes everything

If all the conditions are right, fertilisation takes place. The union of the reproductive cells then allows fruit development to begin.

The flower enters a new stage in its story: one that may, a few months later, lead to the birth of an olive.

The weather plays its part, too

Temperature, weather conditions, the timing of flowering and pollen compatibility all play an important role in this process.

An abundant flowering therefore does not necessarily guarantee an abundant harvest. For olives to develop, several conditions must come together at the right time.

Did you know?

An olive harvested in October is the result of a story that began several months earlier.

A flower, a pollen grain, a little wind and favourable weather… It all begins in spring, long before harvest.

And it is an invisible encounter that allows the fruit to develop.

A tiny journey for a story that will grow into something greater.

Next week…

How does a tiny flower become a little olive?