Olea europaea 'Galega' (Olive)

Common Name: Olive Tree

Scientific Name (Latin): Olea europaea 'Galega'

Plant Family: Oleaceae

Lifecycle: Long-lived Perennial (can live several centuries)

The Galega olive tree is a traditional Portuguese cultivar beloved for its high-quality oil, resilience to drought, and strong Mediterranean character. Well-suited to our climate and rocky, nutrient-poor soils, it thrives with minimal input and offers both ecological and culinary value to homesteaders and permaculturists alike.

For in-depth guides and curated tools, be sure to check out our Recommended Books & Resources below.

Plant Profile

Characteristic	Information
Climate Suitability	USDA Zones 8–10; Csa (Hot-Summer Mediterranean)
Sun / Shade Needs	Full sun (6+ hours daily)
Watering Needs	Low once established; drought-tolerant
Soil Preferences	Well-drained, rocky or loamy soil; tolerates poor fertility
Spacing & Height	5–7 m spacing; 4–6 m mature height
Propagation Method(s)	Cuttings, grafting
Planting Timeline	Late fall to early spring (dormant season)
Companion Plants	Lavender, thyme, rosemary, comfrey, grapevine
Edible / Medicinal / Ecological Uses	Oil production, edible fruits, pollinator-friendly flowers, erosion control
Pest / Disease Considerations	Susceptible to olive fruit fly; can withstand peacock spot and verticillium wilt in dry climates
Pruning / Harvest Notes	Prune in late winter; harvest from November–January when olives turn purple

Quick Plant Reference

• Care Level: Moderate

• Optimal Sunlight: Full sun

• Water Needs: Low

• Mature Size: 4–6 m (13–20 ft) height, 4–5 m (13–16 ft) spread

• Soil Type: Well-drained, calcareous, or rocky soils

• Humidity: Low to medium

• Toxicity: Non-toxic

• Beneficial Pollinators: Bees, hoverflies

• Health Benefits: Rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds

• Chilling Hours: 200–300 hours (0–7 °C / 32–45 °F)

• Pollination Requirements: Partially self-fertile; cross-pollination increases yield

  
  

Our Olea Europaea Application @ Tough Kraut

Our olive trees are one of the few trees on our land which we didn't plant. The trees were planted nearly a century ago by the parents of the previous landowner. These centenarian trees still can yield over 100 kg of fruit annually, if managed well. Each autumn, we hand-harvest the olives with family and friends using nets and long poles. The fruit is taken to a local village press, where it is cold-extracted into a year’s worth of golden-green oil, used in our kitchen, on our skin, and even in homemade soap. These trees stand as symbols of time, resilience, and the quiet abundance of this land.

Step-by-Step Growing Guide

1. Choose the Right Site

Select a well-drained slope or elevated area with full sun. Avoid frost pockets and dense shade.

2. Prepare the Soil

Dig deep holes and loosen the subsoil. Mix in sand or gravel if your site has heavy clay.

3. Plant the Tree

Plant during dormancy (late fall to early spring). Mulch well and avoid overwatering.

4. Water Consistently

Water young trees weekly in their first two years. After that, let nature handle it.

5. Ensure Proper Pollination

Galega is partially self-fertile, but adding a pollinator cultivar like 'Cobrançosa' or 'Arbequina' boosts yield.

6. Prune Annually

Lightly shape in winter. Focus on airflow, structure, and removing dead wood.

7. Manage Pests and Diseases

Use yellow sticky traps for olive fruit flies. Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal risk.

8. Harvest and Store

Pick when olives turn dark purple (typically late autumn). Brine or press quickly for best quality oil.

Kraut Crew Insight

The first year we moved here, we didn’t even realize the olives were ready until the neighbors asked, "Aren't you picking yet?" We scrambled to borrow nets and barely caught the last fruits. Since then, we mark the harvest window like a holiday—gathering under the big trees, laughing, and shaking fruit down like rain.

Photos

March 2022. Just us, these trees, and a whole lot of unknowns.

160 kilos. Two trees. One stubborn afternoon with nets and rakes.

These little bruisers gave us over 16 liters of liquid gold.

MuDan doesn’t wait for ladders. She goes where the olives are.

Herman’s Tough Kraut Field Notes: Solving Galega Olive Tree Cultivation Challenges

If you're troubleshooting slow growth, poor fruiting, or yellowing leaves on your Galega olive, you're not alone. Here's our down-to-earth FAQ-style guide based on real questions we've faced with these stoic trees.

Q: My tree isn’t growing much. What’s wrong?

A: Likely transplant shock or compacted soil. Deep water weekly for the first year and loosen soil if needed. Don’t fertilize heavily.

Q: Can it handle cold snaps?

A: Yes, up to -10 °C (14 °F), but protect saplings in their first winter with burlap or mulch mounds.

Q: Leaves look pale. Nutrient issue?

A: Probably iron or magnesium deficiency from high soil pH. Add chelated iron or liquid seaweed as a foliar spray.

Q: When will I get olives?

A: Usually in the 3rd or 5th year after planting. To reach full production, you might need to wait 8-12 years.

Q: Fruit falls off before ripening. Help?

A: Could be irregular watering or a lack of pollination. Try adding mulch and a second cultivar nearby.

Recommended Books & Resources

• For those curious about the rich history that intertwines with the olive tree, consider exploring "The Olive Tree: A Global History". This book delves into the fascinating journey of the olive tree across millennia, from its origins in the Mediterranean to its cultural and economic significance throughout history.

• To truly understand the art of shaping and maintaining healthy olive trees, "Pruning and Training Systems for Modern Olive Growing" by Riccardo Gucci and Claudio Cantini offers a practical and in-depth guide. This resource explains the essential techniques for pruning, crucial for ensuring your olive trees thrive and produce well.

• To help protect your olive trees from common challenges, "A Guide to Olive Pests & Diseases: Treating Olive Pests, Diseases and Disorders Worldwide" by Vera Dr Sergeeva provides essential knowledge. This comprehensive guide will assist in identifying and addressing various issues that can affect olive tree health, contributing to your tough tips and soil health sections.

• Tough Kraut Resources — Our evolving list of books, tools, and suppliers for off-grid homestead success.

Entry last updated: 2025-07-13

This post is part of the Tough Kraut Plant Library, documenting what really grows on our off-grid homestead in Central Portugal.