The olive tree has accompanied humans since time immemorial, providing the olives from which olive oil is obtained, essential ingredients in the Mediterranean diet. However, since it is a species native to warm climates, a common question arises among farmers and gardening enthusiasts: Is the olive tree suitable for cold and frost?
To answer this question, it is crucial to analyze how the cold affects olive trees, which varieties are the most resistant, and what strategies can be used to protect these trees during the coldest months of the year.
How does the cold affect olive trees?
Although the olive tree is a very hardy tree, extreme cold can be a challenge to its development and production. It is generally able to tolerate temperatures down to -10°C or even -12°C if the trees are mature and well-acclimatized. However, temperatures below this threshold can cause severe damage.
The main effects of cold on olive trees are:
- Leaf damage: When temperatures drop dramatically, the leaves can change color, turning brown or even black. In more extreme cases, the tree loses its leaves, affecting its photosynthetic capacity.
- Freezing buds and flowers: If frost occurs in spring, when the olive tree is in its flowering or budding phase, it can drastically reduce olive production by affecting the flower buds.
- Cracks in the wood: The bark of the olive tree is particularly vulnerable to extremely cold temperatures, and can develop cracks that facilitate the entry of fungi and bacteria.
To avoid these problems, it is essential to know the diseases that can affect the olive tree and how to prevent them.
Olive varieties most resistant to cold
There are certain olive tree varieties that have proven to be more resistant to low temperatures. If you live in an area with harsh winters, it's advisable to choose these varieties:
- Alfafarenca: It stands out for its great resistance to cold and is ideal for areas with harsh winters.
- Picual: In addition to its high productivity, it tolerates temperatures close to -10°C well.
- Arbequina: Although it is not the hardiest, it withstands moderate frosts and adapts well to cold climates.
How to protect olive trees from cold and frost
Although olive trees can survive low temperatures, there are some key practices that can help reduce cold damage:
- Prune at the right time: Pruning should be avoided in autumn, as it can stimulate the growth of tender shoots that will not survive the winter.
- Protect the base of the trunk: Wrapping the trunk with jute or using thermal blankets can help prevent cracks and severe damage.
- Control irrigation: Overwatering can cause water stored in the roots to freeze, damaging the tree's structure.
- Provide adequate fertilizers: Applying fertilizers rich in potassium and copper helps strengthen the tree's resistance to low temperatures. For more details on fertilizers, see When and how to fertilize olive trees.
Influence of cold on olive production
Extreme cold not only affects the health of the olive tree, but also the production and quality of its fruit. When frost occurs in spring, it can weaken flowering and, as a result, significantly reduce the olive harvestTemperatures below 0°C at this stage can cause flower deformation, which affects pollination.
On the other hand, if the cold is moderate and occurs in winter, it can have positive effects, as it eliminates certain pests and fungi that affect olive grove production. However, it is essential that temperatures do not fall below the limits tolerated by the olive tree.
Although the olive tree is a hardy species, extreme cold can pose a significant challenge. Choosing the right varieties, along with protective techniques such as timely pruning and proper fertilization, can make a difference in the tree's health and productivity.
