How to Grow Aglandau Olive
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Aglandau Olive
Olea europaea 'Aglandau'
treeAglandau is a premium French olive cultivar prized for both oil production and table olive use. This vigorous, productive tree produces small to medium-sized fruits with a high oil content and distinctive flavor profile. It is one of the most economically important olive varieties grown in Provence and other Mediterranean regions.
When should you plant Aglandau Olive in your zone?
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Example Aglandau Olive timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Aglandau Olive
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Aglandau Olive
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 8b-10; thrives in warm Mediterranean climates with mild winters
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Get my Aglandau Olive timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1-2)
2 yearsYoung tree focuses on root and canopy development; minimal fruiting expected
Water regularly during first two growing seasons; stake for support; prune to develop strong central leader; apply 2-3 inch mulch layer avoiding trunk contact
Juvenile Production (Year 3-5)
3 yearsTree begins setting fruit in increasing quantities; canopy fills in and strengthens
Thin emerging fruit to reduce alternation; prune to maintain open vase shape for air circulation; reduce supplemental watering
Flowering & Fruit Set (March-June in Northern Hemisphere)
3-4 monthsSmall white flowers appear on previous year's wood; Aglandau self-pollinates well but benefits from cross-pollination
Ensure adequate chilling hours (200-400 hours below 45°F); light hand-thinning if needed; monitor for pests during this critical period
Fruit Development & Maturation (June-November)
5-6 monthsFruits grow and mature; color shifts from green to dark purple-brown when fully ripe; oil content increases over time
Continue monitoring for pests and diseases; avoid major pruning; provide consistent water during mid-summer fruit enlargement phase if in arid regions
Harvest & Dormancy (October-February)
4-5 monthsFruits reach peak maturity; tree enters winter dormancy; minimal new growth
Harvest at desired ripeness for oil or table olives; prune for shape after harvest; minimal watering during dormancy
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Pheromone traps; spinosad or neem oil sprays; remove infested fruit; manage alternative hosts like fallen fruit
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Horticultural oil sprays in dormant season; insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
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Prune for air circulation; copper fungicide spray in fall/winter; remove infected leaves; avoid overhead watering
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Remove and destroy infected branches; sanitize tools; improve drainage; use resistant rootstocks if replanting
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid stress; remove affected branches; no chemical cure; select resistant varieties for replanting
Uses
Premium olive oil production
CulinaryAglandau produces high-quality extra virgin olive oil with fruity, complex flavor notes including almond and grass aromatics. It is a cornerstone cultivar in Provence AOC designations and is highly valued for its consistent quality and distinctive sensory profile. [source]
Table olives
CulinaryThough less common than oil use, Aglandau olives can be cured and eaten as table olives. Their small size and firm texture make them suitable for various brining methods. [source]
Sustainable landcover and erosion control
HouseholdOlive groves prevent soil erosion on hillsides and require minimal chemical inputs once established. Aglandau's deep root system helps stabilize slopes and improve soil structure. [source]
Food and habitat for birds and pollinators
WildlifeOlive flowers attract native bees and pollinators; mature fruits feed birds and wildlife. Aglandau groves support Mediterranean biodiversity when managed with low-chemical inputs. [source]
Olive leaf extract benefits
MedicinalOlive leaves (from Aglandau and other cultivars) contain polyphenols and oleuropein, traditionally used in herbal medicine for immune and cardiovascular support. Leaf extract can be prepared as tea or supplements. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest timing depends on desired use: green olives (ripeness stage 2-3, late October-early November) for brining; black/ripe olives (fully dark purple, late November-December) for oil with superior flavor. Hand-pick to avoid bruising, or use mechanical harvesters for oil production. Aglandau fruits are relatively small but yield excellent oil (18-22% oil content). Oil pressing should occur within 24-48 hours of harvest for best quality. For table olives, cure using lye or brine fermentation methods.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Aglandau olives were originally documented in the Drôme valley of southeastern France and remain the flagship olive variety of Provence, where it is protected under regional AOC regulations for oil production.
- 🌱 A mature Aglandau olive tree can live 300+ years; some ancient groves in the Mediterranean contain trees that are over 1,000 years old and still productive.
- 🌱 Aglandau is self-fertile but produces 15-20% higher yields when cross-pollinated by compatible varieties such as Salonenque, Grossane, or Picholine, making it ideal for mixed-cultivar groves.
Gardening Terms
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