When exactly should you start picking olives? And how can you prepare to get the best results — whether you’re after high-quality olive oil or delicious table olives?
Let’s go through it, step by step.
The Olive Harvest Season: It’s Not the Same for Everyone
In Malta, the olive harvest generally takes place between late September and November, but the exact timing depends on what you’re aiming for — more oil, better quality produce, or tasty olives for eating.
It’s a good idea to start observing your trees by late August: look at the colour and firmness of the olives, check the weather, and keep an eye out for signs of ripening.
Green or Black? The Colour Tells You a Lot
Green or “turning” olives (known as veraison, when they begin to change colour):
- Best harvested between late September and November
- Ideal for producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil — rich in flavour and full of polyphenols (great for health)
- Oil yield is a bit lower, but the quality is excellent
Fully ripe, black olives:
- Usually harvested from late October into November
- Contain more oil, so you get a higher yield
- The resulting oil tends to be milder and less bitter
Table olives:
- Timing depends on variety and preference
- Green table olives are picked earlier
- Black table olives are picked later, once fully ripe
After harvesting, olives must be cured (in water, brine, or even wood ash) to remove bitterness
Getting Ready for the Harvest (Starting Late August)
Even if the harvest is still a few weeks away, preparation is key if you want to avoid last-minute stress. Here’s what you can do now:
Check your trees – Are the olives still green? Are they softening or starting to darken? Are any falling on their own?
Clear the area beneath the trees – Remove tall grass, stones, or fallen branches. This makes it easier to lay down nets or tarps.
Prepare your tools – Make sure you have nets or sheets, crates, and hand rakes or olive combs ready. If you use ladders, check they’re safe.
Book the olive mill (if making oil) – Get in touch early, as mills can get very busy during peak season, and waiting too long could mean delays.
Think ahead to post-harvest – After the harvest, you might consider a light pruning but only if needed, and when conditions are right.
In Summary…
In Malta, the main olive harvest happens between late September and November, but the right time really depends on your goals.
Start preparing ahead, observe your trees, get your gear ready, and enjoy this beautiful season — a true reward for anyone who loves nature, the land, and its fruit.
Need help harvesting your olives?
If you’d like assistance from our landscaping team, feel free to send us an email — we’d be happy to support you through the process.
