The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Caring for Olive Trees
Why You Should Grow Olive Trees
Welcome to the world of growing olive trees! If you’re up for a challenge that is not only rewarding, but also offers a touch of Mediterranean elegance to your landscape, then olive trees are the perfect addition to your garden.
Before you dive in, make sure you are located in a region that can support these beauties. Olive trees thrive in warm summer temperatures and require about 200 hours of winter temperatures below 45°F. However, they are sensitive to extreme cold, so make sure temperatures don’t drop below 20°F.
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Once you have settled in a suitable location, you can start on your journey to growing these ancient trees that offer delightful fruit and flavorful oils. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know to successfully grow and care for Olea europaea, the beloved tree of the Greeks and Romans.
How to Grow Olive Trees
What You’ll See When You Survey Your Orchard
When growing olive trees, you’ll notice they are evergreen and can reach heights of 25 to 30 feet with a similar spread. Their unique oblong leaves are silverish and grow on gnarled, twisted trunks.
Experts recommend spacing olive trees about 16 to 20 feet apart to optimize fruit production. If space is limited, consider dwarf varieties that can be a great alternative.
Keep in mind that olive trees can also serve as beautiful specimen trees, enhancing your landscape with their aesthetic appeal.
Choosing the Right Type of Olive Tree
Selecting the right cultivar of olive tree depends on your preferences for fruit and oil. Different varieties produce olives with distinct flavors, so it’s essential to choose one that suits your taste.
Consider trying different oils at local farmers markets to find a variety that appeals to you. For home gardeners interested in pressing or curing their harvest, the ‘Mission’ variety is recommended.
‘Mission’ – Ideal for pressing or curing, these trees can be purchased at FastGrowingTrees.com in various sizes.
‘Arbosana’ – Suitable for smaller spaces, this Spanish native produces flavorful fruit rich in oil content. You can find young trees at Nature Hills Nursery.
Most olive tree cultivars are self-pollinating, but some may benefit from cross-pollination with specific varieties.
Planting and Care Tips
Ensure your olive trees receive full sun throughout the day and plant them in well-draining soil with good sunlight exposure. Avoid adding compost or soil additives at planting, as olive trees thrive in their native soil.
During the first summer, water young trees generously to help them establish strong root systems. Once mature, olive trees require minimal watering except during dry spells.
Keep the area around young trees free of weeds and provide light fertilization in the spring to promote healthy growth.
Regular pruning is essential to maintain tree shape and encourage fruiting. It’s worth noting that olives bear fruit on new growth, so annual pruning is necessary for optimal production.
Dealing with Pests and Disease
While olive trees are relatively pest-resistant, scale can occasionally become an issue. Treating infected trees with neem oil or pruning affected branches can help manage infestations.
California olive growers have faced challenges from the olive fruit fly, which can damage fruit. Implementing clean gardening practices and using fly traps can help mitigate this issue.
Olive trees are also susceptible to diseases like olive anthracnose, a fungal infection that can be treated with appropriate fungicides.
Harvesting and Processing Olives
Olive trees typically begin to bear fruit around five years old, with varying yields year to year. Harvest olives based on your desired use, whether for table consumption or oil production.
Raw olives must be cured to remove bitterness caused by oleuropein. Various curing methods, such as oil, water, brine, and lye, can be used to prepare olives for consumption.
To extract olive oil, clean, mash, and squeeze the fruit to obtain the precious liquid. Processing olives can be time-consuming but rewarding when you enjoy the final product.
Recipes and Cooking Ideas
With your homegrown olives and olive oil, explore a variety of culinary delights. From classic Greek salads to Mediterranean pasta dishes, the possibilities are endless.
Consider trying dishes like Sicilian pasta salad, lemon-olive chicken, or citrus olive oil cake to experience the diverse flavors of olives in your cooking.
Quick Reference Growing Guide
- Plant Type: Small, evergreen tree
- Native to: Mediterranean, Asia, and Africa
- Hardiness (USDA Zone): 8-11
- Season: Fruits ripen from August to November
- Exposure: Full sun
- Time to Maturity: 3-12 years
- Spacing: Minimum of 12 feet between trees
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Common Pests: Fruit flies, aphids
- Common Disease: Olive anthracnose
Conclusion
By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow and care for olive trees, enjoying the fruits of your labor in your culinary creations. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or new to cultivating trees, the timeless appeal of olive trees makes them a worthwhile addition to any garden.
Share your experiences with growing olive trees and any unique recipes or cooking ideas in the comments below. And if you’re considering adding other fruit trees to your garden, check out our guides on growing avocados, peaches, and cherries for more inspiration.
Happy planting!
