Olive - Olea Barnea

Barnea is an Israeli oil olive developed for mechanised harvesting in large commercial plantings but equally well-suited to home garden use. It produces good yields of mild, fruity oil with lower bitterness and pungency than the Italian varieties - a more accessible, everyday oil character. The tree is vigorous, self-pollinating, and reliably productive in Perth's warm dry climate. It ripens slightly earlier than most Italian varieties, which extends the home pressing season. Full sun. Well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established. Feed with a low-phosphorus fertiliser in spring. Best pressed when fruit turns from green to purple-black for peak oil content.