Olive tree (Olea europaea) PICUAL

Picual is the main and most profitable olive variety in Spain. Cultivation takes place either in the traditional way or in the form of densely planted olive groves. Tolerates cold climatic conditions very well and adapts easily to different climates and soil types. Picual is used almost exclusively for oil pressing, only a small part is processed as table olives. The highest value of this variety lies in the exceptional oil quality. Picual oil is characterized by oxidation stability, it can be stored for several years while retaining its original properties. Usually picual oil is blended with less stable oils like arbequina. Picual oil contains significantly more oleocanthal (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect) than other oils.

Vigour: weak, the canopy is dense, the shoots grow upright. In adulthood it can exhibit either tree or shrub character, depending on the pruning method. The leaves are evergreen, narrow, silvery. Tree reacts well to regenerative pruning.
Blossom: Picual is self-fertile, but crops will be heavier with another variety nearby
Fruits: medium-sized, weighing 2 - 3 g, asymmetrical elliptical shape with a pointed end. When fully ripe, the fruit color is black with many lenticels on the surface. Ripe olives contain 23-28% oil. Picual produces extra virgin oil with high resistance to oxidation and excellent organoleptic properties.
Harvest season: the harvest takes place in October
Yield: highly productive variety with constant yields and early start of production from the 3rd year after planting. Each olive tree produces around 100 to 150 kg of olives or 4 to 5 tons per hectare.
Resistance to diseases and pests: resistance to Verticillium wilt. There is no known sensitivity to fungal diseases or pests under our conditions.
Frost resistance: up to -18°C
Cultivation in the first few years: we usually cultivate young olive trees in pots or containers. Old trees are far more resilient than young ones. If the root freezes, the tree dies. A plus of 10°C is ideal for wintering in a cold house. This requires light. With too little light, the olive tree loses its leaves. Water little, do not fertilize, do not let the bales dry out, ventilate the cold house sufficiently. Strong plants that are at least 2 to 3 years old are planted outdoors. Sunny location on the southern wall is an ideal place for planting. It is protected from north winds and increases the chances of olives for wintering. Younger plants tolerate frost down to -10°, older ones down to -18°C.