Olive – Picual

Olea europaea ‘Picual’ | Classic Spanish Olive with Bold, Robust Oil

The Picual olive is Spain’s most widely planted and celebrated oil cultivar — prized for its exceptional oil stability, rich flavour, and impressive productivity. Originating from Andalusia, it’s a vigorous, adaptable tree that thrives in hot, dry climates and performs beautifully in South African conditions. Its medium-sized fruit yields a high percentage of deeply flavoured oil with a distinctive, slightly bitter, peppery profile — a hallmark of premium extra virgin olive oils.

🌿 Plant Care

Sun: Full sun — essential for healthy growth and optimal fruit and oil production.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, loamy to calcareous soils; tolerates poorer, alkaline conditions.
Water: Moderate — water deeply but allow soil to dry between irrigations; drought tolerant once established.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring; potassium and boron support fruiting and oil quality.
Pruning: Annual light pruning after harvest to maintain shape and airflow; remove old, unproductive wood.
Top tip: Picual is particularly resistant to pests and diseases — perfect for low-maintenance orchards.

🌳 Specifications

Botanical name: Olea europaea ‘Picual’
Common name: Picual Olive
Growth habit: Upright, vigorous tree with silvery-green foliage and open canopy
Size: ±3–6 m H × ±3–5 m W (can be kept smaller when pruned or container-grown)
Fruit: Medium-sized oval fruit turning from green to deep black at maturity
Oil: Very high yield (up to 27–30%) with robust, fruity flavour and peppery bite; excellent shelf life
Bearing: Early-bearing and extremely productive; reliable yields even under dry, hot conditions
Pollination: Self-fertile but may benefit from cross-pollination with Arbequina or Koroneiki
Uses: Premium extra virgin oil production; ideal for both large orchards and small-scale growers

⚡ Quick Facts

• Spain’s leading olive variety — world-renowned for top-quality oil
• Vigorous and hardy; excellent adaptability to South African climates
• Produces high, consistent yields with strong, peppery, aromatic oil