Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Olive
Oleaeuropa
Olives are uncomplaining, very drought-
tolerant screening trees that can be utilised in
almost any landscape. They can be clipped to a
hedge or topiary shape or left to develop into
large trees. But if you are after olives to pickle
or press, some pruning will be required.
stimulated. Renovating or rejuvenating an old
tree can be done in winter to promote the
rapid regrowth of vegetative shoots to
reclothe the branches.
Maintenance
Olives produce new strong growth from
dormant buds on old branches. This
characteristic can be useful for renovation
work, but the regrowth should be thinned to
prevent the canopy becoming dark and dense,
rub off unwanted growths as soon as you see
them (see Figure 3.4, page 31). They are also
prone to suckering at the base of the tree,
often as a result of mower damage (see
page 46).
Olives fruit best when their crown is open to
air and light so an open vase well-spaced
bush/standard or fan espalier are very
effective (see pages 126, 132 and 133). Select
three to four limbs that will form the scaffold
branches and prune off side growths to the
height of your proposed trunk. This can be as
little as 60 cm from the ground or taller if you
want an open standard shape. The latter
shape will require a balance between
aesthetics and fruit production. The denser
the 'ball' on top of the long trunk, the less
fruit there will be.
Keep the tree open to light and prune for
shape and ease of harvest by shortening
back longer branches and clearing weak
side growths.
Olives are partially self-fertile with the
production of more hermaphrodite/perfect
flowers influenced by the trees access to
nutrients and water. The dominance of
unfruitful male flowers is an indication that
your olive will need a little more care.
Whichever way you manage your tree the
presence of another will improve fruit set.
Renovation
Olive trees that have become unproductive
can be easily, if rather dramatically,
renovated. A choice has to be made between
its beauty as a large evergreen tree and
fruitfulness (see Figure 7.5).
If the choice is for fruit, be brave and have
faith. Olives regenerate remarkably well from
dormant buds on old wood.
Fruitingwood
Olives fruit from the leaf axils formed on last
season's growth so regular pruning will
ensure a plentiful supply of such wood.
The interior of the tree will be dark and the
only fruit production will be at the periphery
of the branches (see Figure 7.6).
Start by removing any branches from the
center of the tree (see Figure 7.7). Select
three or four major scaffold branches and
clear out the rest.
Pruningtime
Pruning is best carried out just after harvest
so not too much vegetative growth is
