A modern view of Olive cultivation in Bulgaria

A practical guide to propagating and growing olives under Bulgarian conditions

220 pages. Bulgarian language

Author: Kiril Donov, engineer-agronomist, master in tropical and subtropical agriculture

The climate is changing at an unprecedented speed, and the frosty winters of the last century seem like an increasingly distant memory. The Eastern Mediterranean, the Balkan Peninsula and Bulgaria are warming faster than the rest of Europe, and today's climate in southern Bulgaria is even warmer than the climate in northern Greece 20 years ago. In our country there are already many areas where the climate is ideal for growing olives. And if until recently only individual trees of the most cold-resistant varieties were found here and there, today almost every olive variety can grow in most places south of Balkan mountain without any winter damage.
The author Kiril Donov is an agronomist engineer with a master's degree in Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture since 1997. In the book, he shares valuable information and over 260 author's photos, based on 25 years of experience and experiments with olives in Bulgaria. Such a detailed monograph on the subject is published for the first time in our country. All aspects of olive production are covered in detail:
- physiology and soil-climatic requirements of olive plants;
- various types of reproduction and production of planting material;
- varieties of olives tested under the conditions of our country;
- planning and creation of olive plantations in Bulgaria;
- pruning, fertilizing, watering, fighting diseases and pests;
- harvesting and processing of olive fruits.
The book is intended for farmers, agronomists, students and teachers. It goes into great detail, but is written in accessible language to be useful to anyone who decides to engage in olive production under Bulgarian conditions.

Eriobotrya japonica, Loquat from Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

These are 4 years old seedligs from selected vaieties with excellent fruits. They start bearing fruits on 5 to 6 years of age. With proper care, the fruit quality is similar or the same as the parent variety.

More information can be found on our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=74

Olea europaea Kalamon (Kalamata)

olive variety from Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

The difference with the previous item is the age.

These are 3 years old.

This is the most popular Greek salad olive variety. The trees are beautiful and bear fruit abundantly, even in a pot. The fruits are dark, large and rounded, with characteristic shape.

Unfortunately, this wonderful olive variety can grow almost nowhere outdoors without protection in Bulgaria. It suffers damage from frost at temperatures below -5 degrees at temperatures below -12 degrees may freeze completely, even old trees.

More information about the olives is available in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewforum.php?f=13

Olea europaea Chalkidiki

olive variety from Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

The difference with the previous item is the age.

These are 3 years old.

More information about the olives is available in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewforum.php?f=13

Olea europaea Petroelia

olive variety from Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

 

The difference with the previous item is the age.

These are 3 years old.

This is a popular Greek variety olives. The trees are beautiful and bring forth abundant. The fruits are dark, large and rounded, with characteristic shape.

This variety can grow in the warmest parts of Bulgaria, and in Greece it has a reputation to be very frost-resistant. But from our experience with it for more than 15 years, we proved that it is too risky for most places in southern Bulgaria, even in places where there are already large and fruit-bearing trees (Asenovgrad). The first few winters after planting are crucial. When enough mild winters, the tree may be able to grow and significantly increase their resilience to cold.

More information about the olives is available in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewforum.php?f=13

Ficus carica Dauphine, Fig from Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

 

 

Self-pollinating strain, no male pollinator required!

It is characteristic of this variety that it produces two harvests, one in July and the second in autumn.

The fruits in the first harvest are reddish to brown in color and the inside is amber.,

Second harvest figs are dark brown, purple to black, and pink inside.

Extremely sweet with a hint of honey.

 

 

 

 

Rubus fruticosus, Large blackberry 'Mora Dirksen'

from Botanical garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

 

 

The plant has a bushy habit, with a height of 0.80-2.50 m.

A self-fertile variety, flowering is in May and fruiting is from July to October.

Dry-resistant look, no special care required.

Rubus fruticosus, Large blackberry Black Satin

from Botanical garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

 

This variety reaches a height of 1.50-2.00 m.

Growth is compact, with flowers appearing in May.

The variety is self-pollinating, fruiting from July to October.

This variety is suitable both for direct consumption and for the preparation of sweets and jams.

Persea americana, Grafted Avocado ' Hass' 

 

These plants are grafted and already bearing fruits.

Persea americana, Grafted Avocado 'Bacon'

 

These plants are grafted and already bearing fruits.

<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#008000;"><strong>Vaccinium myrtillus,</strong></span></h1>

<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#008000;"><strong>European blueberry Chandler</strong></span></h1>

<p>Bilberry has been used in traditional medicine in Europe for more than a millennium. In addition to direct consumption and preparation of desserts, the fruits are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea or diabetes. The fruits are used to make desserts, tea, liqueur, they can be frozen or eaten fresh.</p>

<p>The Chandler variety reaches a height of 1.50 m. For vigorous growth, more intensive cutting is recommended. Highly cold resistant. The branches turn wood quickly. Fruiting is between 10.06 to 10.07. The fruits are saturated&nbsp; blue, extremely large.</p>

<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#008000;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></h1>

Japanese Persimmon, Kaki Hira Tanenashi
Diospyros Kaki Hira Tanenashi

 

important! The plants are in a pot. Due to the size of the package, plants can be cut up to 100 cm high.

The fruits are four-segmented and oval in shape, the skin is deep yellow with rusty hues when ripe. The flesh is dark orange to brown, sweet. The tannin level decreases as the fruit ripens. It can be stored for a long time, first at room temperature for a week or two until the tannin levels drop, then in the refrigerator.

<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#008000;"><strong>Ficus carica Dalmatie-Мale, Fig variety Dalmatie from Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria</strong></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

Chinese Date var. Lang
Ziziphus jujuba cv. Lang

 

Lang is a large-fruited variety with pear-shaped fruits. The fruits have a crispy flesh with slightly tart taste at the beginning, which becomes sweet when fully ripe. Suitable for both fresh consumption and drying. The fruits ripen in October - November. The variety is self-pollinating and, as with all other varieties, the young plants have thorns. In adult plants, thorns are almost absent. Although the plants are drought-resistant, regular watering is necessary long enough for deep roots to develop. For a good harvest and larger fruits, regular watering in the summer is recommended.

!!! The offered plants are grafted and bare root.  Because of the limitation in the dimensions of the transport package, the plants can be cut at 100 cm in height.

More information is available in Bulgarian on our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=70

Vaccinium myrtillus,

European blueberry New Hanover

Bilberry has been used in traditional medicine in Europe for more than a millennium. In addition to direct consumption and preparation of desserts, the fruits are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea or diabetes. The fruits are used to make desserts, tea, liqueur, they can be frozen or eaten fresh.

The New Hanover variety reaches a height of 1.50 m. For vigorous growth, more intensive cutting is recommended. Highly cold resistant. The branches turn wood quickly. Fruiting is between 10.06 to 10.07. The fruits are saturated light blue, extremely large.

 

Fig variety Mavri Polyphori,
Ficus carica Mavri Polyphori

<h2 style="text-align: center;"><font color="#006400" face="georgia, serif"><span style="font-size: 22px;">Olea europaea-Bonsai</span></font></h2>

<p>This variety will impress you with its compactness and beauty. The bonsai olive would be a great accent in your yard or home. They require direct sunlight and moderate watering, without over-humidification.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

Srawberry Eve's Delihgt

 Pomegranate Acco 128,

Punica granatum Acco 128

 

 

Fig variety Turkish Gold
Ficus carica Turkish Gold

 

This is a variety with very juicy and delicious fruits. It is suitable only for the warmer regions of Bulgaria because the new branches do not harden off very well and are prone to frost.

Moisture during fruit ripening affects the crop. The "eye" opens easily, after which the fruit ferments. Therefore, watering should be avoided after the beginning of August.

It is not yet known whether this variety needs pollination.

 

More information is available in Bulgarian on our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewtopic.php?f=14

Bay laurel, Sweet bay
Laurus nobilis

 

The plant is shaped like a small tree whose crown can be maintained in a spherical shape. The height of the stem is about 30-40 cm. The way of shaping does not affect the application of the plant and the leaves can be used in the traditional way.

More information is available on our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewtopic.php?f=66&t=717

Fig variety Ronde de Bordeaux
Ficus carica Ronde de Bordeaux

Male Kiwi var. Tomuri
Actinidia deliciosa Tomuri

 

Kiwi fruits are delicious and are getting more and more popular. Its dietary qualities are famous, but the greater distribution around Bulgaria has yet to be seen.
For the first time in Bulgaria, we offer plants in 2 liter containers, of the best possible quality at unbeatable price.

This is the pollinator variety (male) Tomuri. One plants could pollinate up to 7 male plants.

 

Much information is available in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewforum.php?f=12

Pomegranate Maxima Rubra
Punica granatum Maxima Rubra

Hardy Kiwi Weik
Actinidia Arguta Weiki

Pomegranate Red Horse
Punica granatum Red Horse

 

Red Horse is a variety with a thin bark and a higher juice content. The color of the meat is deep red and has a sweet taste. 
It is preferable to grow in areas with milder climates.

More information can be found on our forum:
http://forum.palmi.bg/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=149

Fig variety Mavri Polyphori,
Ficus carica Mavri Polyphori

Table grape Attica
Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera cv. Attica

 

Velika is the Bulgarian desrete grape variety, which was created by Research Scientist Ivan Todorov Ph.D., at the Experimental field of IASS “Obraztsov Chiflik” – Rousse, via hybridization of cultivars Bulgar and Alphonse Lavale  in 1987.

In terms of grape size and grain size, this variety is superior to all other varieties of tenth grapes and is deservedly the most attractive among them.

The bunches are about 500/600 g, the grains are oblong, with a dense but not tough skin in a deep blue-black color, covered with a waxy coating. The seeds are soft and not felt when consumed. The fruit has a balanced taste. The variety has very good durability during transport and longer storage. It ripens in August.

The variety is susceptible to mildew, oidium and gray rot. Has medium resistance to low temperatures.

 

Note: The plants are available in a 2-3 liter container and are fully rooted and developed.

Table grape Attica
Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera cv. Attica

 

Attica is a Greek dessert grape variety. It develops a crown with rich foliage and is suitable for shading in landscaping and for production plantations.

The bunches are very large - 600/900 g, the grains are oval - oblong, with a dense but not tough skin in a deep blue-purple color. The seeds are so soft that they are not felt when consumed. The fruit has a balanced, slightly sour taste - like cherries, which is rich in vitamins that support the immune system. It ripens in July - August.

The variety is resistant to gray rot, but not to mildew and powdery mildew. Controlled crown lightening and timely spraying with appropriate preparations is recommended. Loves well-lit places.

Note: The plants are available in a 2-3 liter container and are fully rooted and developed.

Fig variety Michurinska 10
Ficus carica Michurinska 10

 

 

More information is available in Bulgarian on our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewtopic.php?f=14

Elettaria cardamomum, True Cardamom

Purple Chokeberry Nero
Aronia x prunifolia Nero

Plants of this variety have larger and darker fruits than others. High quality and yield. Blooms April-May. They require semi-shaded areas.

Pineapple guava Coolidge
Feijoa (Acca) sellowiana Coolidge

 

Feijoa is an evergreen subtropical shrub with good cold hardiness. It can grow in many areas of southern Bulgaria and on the Black Sea coast. The fruits have great exotic flavor and are well known for their valuable nutritional and dietary ingredients.

The plants are our own production. Feijoa for this price is available only here. For better pollination it is a good idea to plant two plants. Single plants often fail to bear any fruit.

 

Much information about Feijoa is available in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=160

Fig variety Ronde de Bordeaux
Ficus carica Ronde de Bordeaux

Olea europaea  Arbequina

olive variety from Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

 

More information about the olives is available in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewforum.php?f=13

Pineapple guava Mammoth

Feijoa (Acca) sellowiana Mammoth

 

Ever green tree-bush, which reaches up to 3m. height, with attractive pink blossoms with deep red stamens.

• Cold resistance to -10 ° C, but for optimum fruiting, it is recommended that temperatures do not fall below -5 ° C. It can be grown in a pot and to be kept in a greenhouse in the cold months.

• The fruits are large, oval, about 220g. Cross-pollination - with Triumph variety, is recommended for the formation of larger berries.

Good to know: Cross pollination between two (or more) different varieties will ensure good fruit set and fruit quality.

• Place at half day to full sun, completely protected from wind. Provide a well-drained soil, regular fertilization during the growing season.

• Blooming time - June.

• Ripening time - November.

 

Much information about Feijoa is available in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=160

Olive tree Lollipop

Olea Europaea Lollipop

 

More information about the olives is available in Bulgarian in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewforum.php?f=13

Vaccinium myrtillus, Bilberry, European blueberry Duke

Vaccinium myrtillus, Bilberry, European blueberry Alex blue

Vaccinium myrtillus, Bilberry, European blueberry Bluecrop

Mangifera indica cv. Keitt, Mango variety Keitt

from Botanical garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

 

It is widely acknowledged that the taste of Mango, ripened on the tree is incomparable with mediocre taste of the fruits in stores, that are harvested completely unripened.

We are selling well developed grafted plants produced in Italy. All of them already bloom and bear fruits.

 

Much more information on the cultivation of Mango is available in Bulgarian in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=196

Cornelian cherry
Cornus mas

Fertilizer concentrate for chlorosis treatment

 

Special blend, prevents the appearance of yellow new leaves, treats  long-lasting chlorosis, supports quality growth

Ingredients: Iron salts, magnesium salts, acidifying ions, additional minerals.

Application: Dissolve 1 tablespoon in 1 gallon of tap water and water the plants abundantly every 2  to 4 weeks. In case of severely damaged plants, apply the fertilizer every 2 weeks until green and  quality new growth is developped! Could be applied all year round to potted plants. Use with caution to avoid rust spots on any surrounding surfaces! Please note, that this fertilizer will affect mostly the new growth, not the old leaves that are already damaged. Do not overdose!

Storage: In a tightly closed package, in a dry and dark place. Durability: 2 years.

Net: 10.5 oz (300 gr)

Fertilizer concentrate for chlorosis treatment

 

Special blend, prevents the appearance of yellow new leaves, treats  long-lasting chlorosis, supports quality growth

Ingredients: Iron salts, magnesium salts, acidifying  ions, additional minerals.

Application: Dissolve 1 tablespoon in 1 gallon of tap water and water the plants abundantly every 2  to 4 weeks. In case of severely damaged plants, apply the fertilizer every 2 weeks until green and  quality new growth is developped! Could be applied all year round to potted plants. Use with caution to avoid rust spots on any surrounding surfaces! Please note, that this fertilizer will affect mostly the new growth, not the old leaves that are already damaged. Do not overdose!

Storage: In a tightly closed package, in a dry and dark place. Durability: 2 years.

Net: 7 oz (200 gr)

Mangifera indica cv. Sensation, Mango variety Sensation

from Botanical garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

 

Sensation has a little smaller fruits, but with unique taste and fragrance. In fact, it is widely acknowledged that the taste of Mango, ripened on the tree is incomparable with mediocre taste of the fruits in stores, that are harvested completely unripened.

We are selling well developed grafted plants produced in Italy. All of them already bloom and bear fruits.

 

Much more information on the cultivation of Mango is available in Bulgarian in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=196

Pink Strawberry tree
Arbutus unedo Rubra

Mangifera indica cv. Kent, Mango variety Kent

from Botanical garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

 

It is widely acknowledged that the taste of Mango, ripened on the tree is incomparable with mediocre taste of the fruits in stores, that are harvested completely unripened.

We are selling well developed grafted plants produced in Italy. All of them already bloom and bear fruits.

 

Much more information on the cultivation of Mango is available in Bulgarian in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=196

Olea europaea Koroneiki

olive variety from Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

 

This is the most popular Greek variety of olive for oil. It originates from the island of Zakynthos and is officially recognized for the variety that gives the best quality olive oil in the world. The trees are beautiful and bring forth abundantly, even in a pot. The fruits are dark, small and pointed.

Unfortunately, this wonderful olive variety can't grow almost anywhere outdoors without protection in Bulgaria. It suffers damage from frost at temperatures below -8 degrees at temperatures below -12 to -15 degrees may freeze completely, even old trees.

More information about the olives is available in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewforum.php?f=13

Olea europaea Petroelia

olive variety from Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

 

This is a popular Greek variety olives. The trees are beautiful and bring forth abundant. The fruits are dark, large and rounded, with characteristic shape.

This variety can grow in the warmest parts of Bulgaria, and in Greece it has a reputation to be very frost-resistant. But from our experience with it for more than 15 years, we proved that it is too risky for most places in southern Bulgaria, even in places where there are already large and fruit-bearing trees (Asenovgrad). The first few winters after planting are crucial. When enough mild winters, the tree may be able to grow and significantly increase their resilience to cold.

More information about the olives is available in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewforum.php?f=13

Olea europaea Chalkidiki

olive variety from Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

 

More information about the olives is available in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewforum.php?f=13

Punica granatum 'Dente di Cavallo', Pomegranate

 

This is a traditional Italian variety with delicious sweet fruits.

 

 

More information can be found on our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=149

Ficus carica Hardy Yellow, Fig variety Hardy Yellowfrom Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

This is a very interesting variety, that we found about 15 years ago in a private garden in the town of Assenovgrad, Bulgaria. It may be of Greek origin. Until we are able to determine its eventual official name, we will use the working name Hardy Yellow. This variety performed better or the same as Michurinska-10 during the freezing February 2012 when it overwintered with no damage in our experimental field.

The fruits are large, 100-120 gr, its flesh is amber, sweet and juicy. Thy are not very durable and it is recommended to consume them not far from the place of production. There are two abundant crops.

In summary, this is a great fig variety with delicious fruits.

Ficus carica Cerretto, Fig variety Cerretto from Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

 

The fruits are very large, 160-180 gr, the flesh is amber, sweet and juicy. The fruits are not very durable and are not suitable for long transportation and handling. There is a plentiful first crop, that ripens from mid-June to mid-July.

A great fig variety, but the fruit should be consumed within the production area.

Ficus carica Tauro, Fig Tauro from Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Tauro is a great fig variety !

Tauro fruits taste great. In our experimental field in Assenovgrad, Bulgaria it produces two abundant crops in a season - the first crop in late June and main crop - from July to October.

The fruits are of excellent quality and besides for fresh consumption are also suitable for drying when pollinated, of course. Their color is slightly purple. The color of the fruits of figs may vary depending on the cultivation conditions.

This variety came many years ago from Italy with the wrong name "Black Kadota", which for years was produced and sold in our nursery. The correct name of the variety is already clear and from now on it will only be called "Tauro".

More information is available on our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewtopic.php?f=14

Strawberry tree
Arbutus unedo

 

Ficus carica Brunswick, Fig variety Brunswick from Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

 

Brunswick is a popular variety worldwide and probably the second most popular variety in Bulgaria!

It produces two crops - first crop (June to July), and the main crop (August to October). As with all fig varieties pollinated fruits are of much higher quality. The fruit taste is delicious, juicy and with high sugar content. In some years the fruits tend to split, depending on weather conditions.

This fig variety has very good cold tolerance and that is why it is so popular in Bulgaria. It is especially often found around Varna and Stambolijski, where they grow in almost each yard.

More information is available on our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewtopic.php?f=14

Kiwi Hayward
Actinidia deliciosa Hayward

 

Kiwi fruits are delicious and are getting more and more popular. Its dietary qualities are famous, but the greater distribution around Bulgaria has yet to be seen.
For the first time in Bulgaria, we offer plants in 2 liter containers, of the best possible quality at unbeatable price.

The Hayward variety is probably the most famous Kiwi on the market, becasue the fruits are of excellent quality and the plants are easy to care for.

The pollinator is Tomuri

 

Much information is available in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewforum.php?f=12

Feijoa (Acca) sellowiana, Feijoa, Pineapple guava from  Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

 

Feijoa is an evergreen subtropical shrub with good cold hardiness. It can grow in many areas of southern Bulgaria and on the Black Sea coast. The fruits have great exotic flavor and are well known for their valuable nutritional and dietary ingredients.

The plants are our own production. Feijoa for this price is available only here. For better pollination it is a good idea to plant two plants. Single plants often fail to bear any fruit.

 

Much information about Feijoa is available in our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=160