Olive Picua

A highly productive Spanish olive variety. Known for its robust and peppery olive oil.

1. Choosing the Right Location

• Sunlight: Needs full sun for robust growth and high productivity.
• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly alkaline pH.
• Spacing: Leave 5 metres between trees for sufficient spacing.

2. Planting Time

• Best Time to Plant: Spring (September–November) or autumn (March–April).

3. Preparing the Planting Site

• Soil Preparation: Add compost and lime to improve fertility and pH balance.
• Digging the Hole: Create a hole wide enough for the root system.
• Watering Hole: Water thoroughly when planting.

4. Planting

• Plant Placement: Ensure the root collar is just above soil level.
• Support: Stake young trees if planted in windy areas.

5. Watering and Fertilising

• Watering: Water regularly during the first year, then less frequently once established.
• Fertilising: Apply balanced fertiliser in spring and after harvest.

6. Mulching and Maintenance

• Mulching: Use organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to maintain size and shape.

7. Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Monitor for aphids or scale insects and treat if necessary.
• Diseases: Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent fungal problems.

8. Winter Care

• Hardiness: Frost-tolerant but mulch heavily in colder areas.

9. Common Uses

• Known for its robust, peppery olive oil.
• Also used as a table olive in Mediterranean cuisine.