Olive tree (Olea europaea) ASCOLANA TENERA

Italian olive tree variety that comes from province of Ascoli Piceno in the southern part of the Marche region on the Adriatic coast. Produces highly prized light green olives beloved for their large size and tender, meaty, sweet flesh. The variety grows upright and is frost and drought resistant. The tree responds well to pruning and is easy to shape and maintain. Adapts to different climates and soil types. Although it prefers alkaline soils, it also thrives in a slightly acidic soil environment. Prefers a sunny location.

Vigour: strong, upright, densely leafy. In adulthood, it can have either the character of a tree or a shrub, depending on the pruning method. Older trees have diagonal branches and can reach a height of 5 - 6 m outdoors in a natural environment. The height of the plant can be maintained through regular pruning. The leaves are evergreen, narrow, dark green, silvery green in summer.
Blossom: the variety is partially self-fertile, for better fruit production it is recommended to grow Ascolana Tenera alongside other olive varieties
Fruits: large, oval. The weight of the olives is between 8 and 10 g. The fruits are light green in color at harvest and do not turn black when ripe, but can be susceptible to bruising. Therefore, this tree is not suitable for mechanical harvesting. Ripe olives have a tender, meaty and sweet flesh that is excellent for eating fresh after brining. Many professional tasters note its flavor expresses tropical fruit, apricots and peaches. They are also used to make an Italian snack called olive all’ascolana in which the olives are pitted, stuffed with a seasoned meat, and then battered and fried.
Harvest season: ripens in October. The hot summer climate produces the most abundant olive crops.
Yield: high productive variety with early start of production from the 2nd year after planting
Resistance to diseases and pests: in our conditions, there is no known sensitivity to fungal diseases or pests
Frost resistance: up to -13 °C, young plants must be protected from extreme winter conditions
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. Plus 10 degrees 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 to dry out, ventilate the cold house sufficiently. Clear out as early as possible. Don't put it in the sun straight away, get used to it slowly. At least 2 to 3 year old strong plants 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.