Setting is one of the most important phases in the life cycle of the olive tree and thus for oil production. It is repeated every year in the summer months, starting in June, when the flowers turn into small fruits. Fruiting follows the flowering that occurs in the period between April and May when small white flowers grouped in clusters, the mignules, appear on the branches.
The summer season
In June, with the arrival of the summer season, the corolla of the flower cluster withers and falls off. The flowers that remain on the trees turn into fruit. Only between 1% and 10% of the fertilised flowers actually become fruit. This phase is decisive for the development of the olives and the subsequent harvest.
The fruit set phase is followed by the fruit growth phase, which takes place in the second half of June. The first olives appear on the branches, which will develop throughout the summer. In July, fruit growth is stopped, bringing the stone to hardening, i.e. the lignification of the endocarp. Fruit growth will only resume when they reach the right level of lignification.
The role of climate
Thanks to the sun and water, the fruit continues to grow throughout the summer period. The climate, especially at this stage, plays a key role, which also determines the size of the olive and the concentration of oil that will be obtained.
Now our olive trees are ready to receive large, fragrant olives in their branches, hoping for a prosperous harvest in the future.
