Olive Trees : Fruit-Bearing Varieties   /   Olea europea 1

Geographical origins: Mediterranean region, Near East. The cultivated olive tree was introduced to France by the Phocaeans during the founding of Marseille around 500 BC.
Adult dimensions: Height up to 8 meters, width up to 5 meters.
Foliage: Evergreen.
Soil type: Light, poor, stony, above all well-drained.
Climate: Hardy down to -15°C; however, do not hesitate to mulch the soil during severe winters.
Sun exposure: Full sun.


Properties and uses:
A timeless symbol of the Mediterranean basin, the fruiting olive tree captivates with its elegance, exceptional longevity, and ability to produce delicious olives year after year. Resilient in the face of climatic challenges, it also embodies the values of a more sustainable and forward-looking agriculture.
Olive tree varieties are divided into two genetic compatibility groups (G1 and G2) to guide tree pairing and ensure effective cross-pollination. Therefore, a variety from Group 1 should be paired with a variety from Group 2 to significantly increase yield and harvests.

• Generous production and decorative foliage: Once well established, the olive tree offers a bountiful harvest of olives, to be enjoyed preserved or processed into oil. Its evergreen silvery foliage and gnarled trunk also bring character to a garden, terrace, or patio all year round.
• Natural drought resistance and low maintenance: Thanks to its deep root system, the olive tree thrives on very little water once well rooted, adapting to poor or stony soils with few required treatments — a valuable asset for a more sustainable garden.
• Ideal in open ground as well as in pots: Its moderate growth and good tolerance to container growing make it an excellent choice for both small spaces and large gardens.

Planting an olive tree means investing in a more sustainable, resilient, and forward-looking agriculture — an economic, ecological, and heritage choice all at once.

Several varieties exist:
- Aglandau (G2): A hardy variety highly resistant to cold (-12°C to -15°C) and wind, producing an intense green, fruity oil (notes of artichoke and green almond) or black table olives.
- Négrette (G1): A Mediterranean variety suited to dry areas (hardiness -6°C to -8°C), offering consistent yields and a smooth, velvety oil with roasted hazelnut aromas.
- Picual (G2): A highly productive and consistent variety, renowned for its robust, antioxidant-rich oil (notes of tomato leaf) that has an excellent shelf life. Hardiness: -8°C to -10°C.
- Arbequina (G1): A compact variety that bears fruit very quickly (ideal for intensive orchards), producing abundant, mild, fruity oil (apple, banana). Hardiness: -7°C to -9°C.