Also known as Texas Olive or Anacahuita, this plant is not related to the true olive, but it does produce a similar-looking fruit. Originating in Asia Minor, most particularly, Iran and Palestine, the storied history of olives reports they were growing in Crete over 3,000 years ago. Find the right position. Where not cold hardy, you can grow Arbequina olives trees in a pot to be brought indoors in the winter months. As a rule of thumb, prune each year to maintain desired shape and size. Mexican Olive. Fast growing trees give homeowners the opportunity to realize the benefits of a mature tree sooner. You may have to water daily, but be careful not to overwater. Today, I want to focus on ten of … Choose a site with very well drained soil; olive trees don’t tolerate heavy, clayey soils and it must drain easily. Under good growing conditions, you should expect to harvest some olives by the time the trees are 3-6 years old. They usually reach green-olive maturity in September. The olive tree is a dry-weather plant, but it doesn’t grow well in desert conditions. People who are more interested in the ornamental value of the olive tree may prefer to let the tree grow naturally, so that it will achieve the gna… Because olive trees will thrive even if they’re occasionally neglected, they’re the perfect indoor tree for busy … Olive trees are slow-growing, low-maintenance evergreen trees that can thrive as long as they have plenty of sunlight and a little bit of water. For the first six months, while the new landscape tree is getting established, it should be watered deeply two or three times a week. Olive trees in Florida will perform best in North or Central Florida but with proper care and protection, they can tolerate a variety of climates. Some trees produce olives after the age of 3, while others need anywhere between five and 12 years to fully mature. How Old are Persimmons Trees When They Begin to Set Fruit? Also, two or more trees mean much more fruit for you! If you’ve planted between August and March, hold off on fertilizer until its growing season in the spring. Setting up a drip irrigation will help the tree’s roots grow and will improve fruit production. Olive trees are subtropical evergreens that grow to between 10 and 40 feet tall. They are astonishingly... Longevity. Despite this, olive trees can grow in most mildly warm climates, as long as the winter temps don't drop below freezing. How Fast Do Olive Trees Grow? Mulch with gravel, not an organic product, to prevent a buildup of moisture. On off years, pruning non-flowering branches during the flowering period can help home gardeners tremendously for fruit production. Archeologists who have found olive pits and traces of olive oil in pottery shards estimate we’ve been cultivating them for 6,000 to 8,000 years. Your olive tree should start producing fruit after 3 years. Olive trees are evergreen and can grow to 25-30 feet tall, with a spread just as wide. They should be pruned in spring, removing shoots that bore fruit the previous year, but leaving new shoots that just developed the previous year. Use a well draining potting mix with some gravel or sharp sandy soil mixed it to make the free drainage even better. More than likely, your olive tree isn’t 6,000 years old, but that’s how long the olive has been known to exist. An eastern or western facing window would work best for full sunlight. Straighten out and/or trim any coiled roots before placing the root ball in the hole. Although evergreen, olives do shed leaves, mostly in late spring as older leaves make way for new growth. If you are looking for edible olives, be sure your tree is a European olive tree. Arbequina tends to bear heaviest in alternate years, and fruiting may be increased when another variety is nearby for cross pollination. Although it’s considered a slow to moderate grower – four to 12 inches a year – soil quality and pruning can greatly affect that. Allow for a central leader at the top of the tree with three “scaffold” side branches. Producing anywhere between 30 through 100 pounds of fruit per year, a well-tended mature olive tree will keep your martinis garnished for hundreds of years. After a couple of years, you will want to re-pot up to a larger container, replacing as much of the potting medium as practical. Learn how to grow your own olives and olive tree with this step by step guide. Its smooth, silvery leaves resemble those of a willow tree and measure 1 to 4 inches long by 1/2 to 1 inch wide. Prune in late spring to mid-summer, to remove dead, diseased or dying branches. Meaning, every other year you will have heavier fruiting than the year before. Planting Russian olive trees. Remove the tree and place it in the hole. A regular watering schedule is suggested to establish olive trees quicker. To make a hedge, space trunks around 3 feet (1 meter) apart. Arbequina Olive Tree Care Outdoors. During the first few years of its life, an olive tree will grow rather quickly, but growth slows thereafter. The trees need a pollinator of another variety of olive to bear fruit. If you plant your Russian olive trees during winter or during summer, avoid frost and freezing and heat waves, respectively. Individuals seem to especially focus on using fast growing shade trees and fast growing hedges in their landscape to reap the benefits of these value added landscape design practices sooner. Chemlali (Tunisia) – 125 chill units; Arbequina (Catalonia, Spain) – 340 chill units; Note on Arbequina – Research has shown that smaller, potted Arbequina olive trees grown in containers were able to produce fruit and flower even without going through frost and chilling. Olives need a warm, sheltered situation in full sun. Don’t add fertilizers, nutrients or even organic material to the hole. They are wind resistant and drought hardy, a winning combination that means Olive trees are truly easy to grow. Always follow label directions and do not let the fertilizer touch the trunk of the tree. The olive tree is an evergreen that flourishes in hot dry areas, and as such, will not do well in wet winter soil. This makes them a medium-size tree in the landscape. “Beldi” … Olive trees need at least three months a year of cold weather to flower and fruit. If your main interest in growing olives is to harvest the fruit, you can speed the growth somewhat by carefully pruning the tree during its first five years, to create a strong, straight central trunk. If you love olives or simply love the look of the green-gray foliage, you may dream of growing olive trees too. You know your olives are ripe if the juice flowing out of them is cloudy. Beldi Olive. And even though the fruit of the Mexican olive is not palatable, its foliage and fragrant flowers make this a show-off shrub for us! Determine the amount of nutrients in the soil by having your soil tested. Perfect Plants offers the Arbequina olive variety (Olea europaea) which is self-fertile and a semi evergreen tree. You only want a few inches of soil above the root system and you don’t want to disturb the roots too much. 21 September, 2017. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Growing at less than 12 inches per year, the olive tree is found most abundantly in Mediterranean climates and in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 through 11. Olive plants do best where the summers are long, hot and dry, and the winters are cool and not so dry. Once established, arbequina olive tree care requires little maintenance! To produce olives, the Arbequina olive tree requires at least 300 chill hours; that is, 300 hours below about 45°F in the wintertime, making it well adapted for in-ground cultivation in United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 7B-11 (find your USDA zone). All Rights Reserved • Disclaimer. Olive trees grow and crop well using water with a conductivity of up to 2,400 micro S/cm (This can be translated to Total Dissolved Ions by multiplying by 0.64. eg 2,400 mS/cm x 0.64 = 1,536 TDI). Growing olive trees in the backyard orchard or in a container is not only possible, but easy and very rewarding. Arbequinas cannot withstand below freezing temperatures below 25-30°F. Cordia boissieri. History. Many olive varieties have been tried in the state, with cold hardiness being the key selection factor. Since the Perfect Plants young trees are already 2-3 years old they are already producing green olives or will be within the next year! This will assist fruit ripening and less places for pests and diseases to go unnoticed. Mature olive trees are very drought tolerant, but if they get about an inch of water every week or ten days during the early spring and summer, they will produce more and larger olives. If saltier water is used, it should not be sprayed onto the leaves and the ground will need to be 'flushed' with good rain water from time to time. You may however run … The potting soil should dry out between waterings and have good drainage. Arbequinas can get up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, so plan ahead. Although best planted in fall, Russian olive trees cope perfectly with being planted all year round if they were purchased potted. For indoor container cultivation for climates that are too cold to keep outdoors year round, select a pot that is larger than the nursery pot it came in and has big drainage holes. Click for a hub of Extension resources related to the current COVID-19 situation. This means that olives can be grown with reasonable success in open gardens and farms in many parts of Australia, South Af… There are no “green olive” trees or “black olive” trees. Growing an olive tree from seed is great for ornamental purposes. Don’t expect to pluck an olive from your tree and pop it into your mouth. Although they can sometimes grow to a height of 50 feet in the open, they also are very happy grown indoors in containers. The taste is bitter until the olives are processed. Prune annually to produce heavy crops. Evergreen and salt tolerant, it prefers full to part sun and does best in Zone 10. Check out more information on growing olive tree indoor plants here: Growing Arbequina Olive Trees in Containers, Copyright © 2020 Perfect Plants. It is also pest and disease resistant, especially to fungal diseases. If you hold off on harvesting them for another few months, they’ll turn black, and you can harvest them in November and December. The Romans continued the olive expansion as they conquered most of southern Europe. Olive trees will need pruning after harvesting to keep their vigour and produce new wood for the fruit to grow on for the following season. Most reach a … Thin branches to allow more light into the centre. If it’s olives for your martini that you’re looking to harvest or oil for cooking, planting an olive tree (Olea europaea) isn’t the way to go, unless you have a lot of time to stand around watching the tree grow to maturity. They prefer dry air. Do not prune in the first year. Pruning olive trees. Return outdoors once the frost has passed. Prune crowded branches from the centre of the canopy to let light and air flow throughout the tree. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the pot and at about the same depth. In the United States, it’s abundant in California and Arizona. One drawback of olive trees, however, is that they grow to full maturity quite slowly. For indoor growth, all you need is a sunny window. (I am amazed at the answer below of “several feet a year” - my citrus plants is, at most, 2–4 inches of new growth a year). And don’t place the gravel too close to the trunk. Olive trees are ancient plants. However, they will usually only produce flowers when at least two months during the year have average temperatures below 10 degrees centigrade. After a few years, you can annual prune for a secondary scaffold system on the first three side olive branches. Learn about the top five olive trees from around the world and how their fruit can best be pickled and pressed into oil. Growing to roughly 30 feet and occasionally taller, the Russian olive is often as wide as it is tall and tends to lean as it matures. Olive trees are slow growing and do not need much pruning other than to keep to the desired size and shape. Growing olives indoors is a great option for those who live in areas with exceptionally cold winters with frost damaging weather. There are different varieties, but the color transformation is true for all olives. All olives are green and turn to black or copper as they mature. Comparatively speaking, citrus trees put on modest growth yearly. They need about 2 months in cold conditions to trigger the anthesis process. Seriously - … Professional and backyard gardeners are now growing about 300 acres of olive trees in the state. The European variety of the olive tree, Olea europaea, has been a fixture on the Mediterranean coastline for... Characteristics. If you planted from seed, you most likely won’t get any fruit. While they can be cultivated in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 and warmer, they are not happy if the temperature drops below 20 degrees F. (-7 C.). Arbequina’s can be made into table olives for eating, but more commonly are used in making olive oil due to their buttery and fruity flavor. As the tree grows, it’ll need staking to prevent it from falling over. For most, olive trees conjure up ideas of vast fields in the Mediterranean, coupled with a blistering sun to help ripen the fruit. Ripe olives have a bitter flavor until brined when you let them ripen on the tree. They’re hardy only in USDA zones 8 and warmer, and start to die when temperatures hit the mid-teens. The branches do have small spines that can prick your fingers, so wear gloves when handling. Here is a list of low chill unit olive varieties. In the ground, trees can eventually reach 50 feet tall so give them enough space to grow. In Ocala, Clear Creek Farm is growing olives on 25 acres, in addition to raising fullblood Wagyu cattle. Multiple trees should be spaced about 10-20 feet apart. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the pot and at about the same depth. Growing at less than 12 inches per year, the olive tree is found most abundantly in Mediterranean climates and in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 through 11. A career in television writing, as a magazine editor and celebrity interviewer, Jann adapts to her environment, having traveled the world, living overseas and packing and unpacking her treasures for a new location over 30 times. “Beldi,” a Moroccan olive, is dry-cured and then packed in oil, to intensify its flavor. What Part of the Plant Is an Olive? Learn about the Best Olives to Grow in Texas. Non-fruiting olive trees grow to an average of 25–30 feet x 25–30 feet. Do not add slow release fertilizer at this time. Not all of us can grow these trees for fruit or oil. Spread a layer of organic mulch about 4-6 inches deep over the root zone and a little beyond, but avoid piling it against the trunk. Olive trees bear fruit on the previous year’s growth, and they never bear on the same wood twice. Olive Trees commonly grow fruit after 3 – 5 years. Many varieties of olive trees require cross-pollination; that is, you need at least two different varieties to reliably get olive tree fruit. For olive tree care outdoors, plant your olive tree where it will get a minimum of 6-8 hours of sun per day, and preferably full sun all day with plenty of light. The solution would be to plant the tree where it will receive a decent amount of shade during a warm winter. Olive trees were growing in Southern California by the early 1800s, after they were introduced to the region by the Franciscan missionaries. They also need a 12 to 15 week period during which there are fluctuations between day and night temperatures. Do not bury the plant deeper than it was in the pot. 12 Days of Deals: 15% off All Oak Trees Today Only! Bring the container inside to the sunniest spot available when temperatures get below 25°F. Olive trees like to be planted in well drained soil in a sunny area of the landscape. Pruning olive trees is tricky so take your time! Just plop the tree in it, tamp down the surrounding earth, give it some water, and walk away until it’s time to water again. Olive trees, in the ground on in a container, should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer (for example: 10-10-10 with micronutrients included) every 2-4 weeks starting in its second spring. However, it's important to note that you can grow Arbequina Olive Trees outdoors as well.If you're located in zones 8 to 11, your location is well-suited to ground planting your Arbequina. How Fast Do Olive Trees Grow? Groves were discovered still standing in the ruins of the Franciscan Mission San Fernando in 1842, but the plantings were pushed farther north as development moved into the southern part of the state. Position the container in full to mostly full sun during the dry summer and water when the potting medium is dry to the touch. We cover climate, soil, watering, pruning and many other key aspects. The Phoenicians transported them throughout southern Europe, Africa and into the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. Because of their natural growth habit, tea olives don’t require pruning. Frost can be a major danger for young olive … Olives are generally green at first but then turn a blackish purple when fully ripe at the end of the growing season. Remove suckers and water sprouts whenever you see them. They like a sharply drained calcareous or limey soil, and can tolerate salty, coastal locations. Orders Over $149 Ship for Free & Up to 40% off Clearance! For a 10-10-10 formulation, apply about one cup for each year of age. This makes growing your Olive that much easier! The Arbequina olive is semi-deciduous, usually dropping some of its attractive gray-green leaves in the winter. Don’t lose hope if you don’t live in the correct olive tree growing zone for growing Arbequinas. But olive trees come from the Mediterranean region where the weather is toasty. The Olive is a slow growing and relatively compact evergreen tree and rarely grows more than 40 feet tall. If you plant near your house or patio, branches will eventually encroach. Fill the planting hole in with the native soil and water deeply. How to Grow Olive Trees This topic is broken into a series of articles that focus on the key components of planting and growing olive trees. Some experts believe that more space between trees – about 16-20 feet – will yield better fruit production. It is the possible 30 feet in width that homeowners should carefully consider. Use a slow-release fertilizer and water after fertilizing. In the second year, you should begin training the tree for its mature tree shape. Dig a hole just the size of the container. Once the trunk is thick enough to support the tree, you can remove the stake. They are native to Mediterranean climates. However, the flowers are sterile and the tree will not produce olive fruit. They prefer dry air. A versatile writer, Jann enjoys research as well as doing the actual writing. Use green landscaping tape, not string or wire. Planting Your Olive Trees Plant your trees in the spring. This black olive tree is a moderate grower that can reach 30 feet in height. Stop fertilizing in late summer so you don’t encourage new growth that could be damaged by frost. You may be wondering how fast do olive trees grow? It needs frequent watering and at least 6 hours of sunlight every day. Nectarine Trees Not Producing Full-Size Fruit, Olive Tree Growers: Frequently Asked Questions, University of Florida Extension: Gardening Solutions: Olives, Olive Tree Growers: The Care and Feeding of Olive Trees. Olive trees are known for their love of the sunshine (it’s their natural habitat … But remember, they need to be kept in as much sun as possible for the olive tree to start growing fruit. This includes getting started, care & maintenance, and other topics. Olives, generally speaking, alternate years for fruit bearing. Arbequinas can get up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, so plan ahead. You may be wondering how fast do olive trees grow? Depending on the species and cultivar, some types reach only six feet while others can tower up to 30 feet. Recent studies have shown that it is still possible for potted olive fruit production in areas with warmer climates like Southern Texas or Southern Florida or climates with cold weather. Learn how to plant an olive tree with this Olive Tree Planting Guide; it will lead you in the right direction for a healthy and thriving fruit tree! Some of the most popular trees around today are fast growing trees. However, we do recommend potting up your Olive Trees - you can keep your Olive Trees outside on your porch or patio while the weather's warm and bring them indoors if temperatures drop. Their oblong leaves are silverish and grow from branches emanating from a gnarled, twisted trunk. Potted trees do grow slower than ones planted in the ground but are equally as beautiful. In the spring, this tree produces insignificant yellowish-white, tubular blooms that grow in clusters at the end of the leaves. Lots of people ask us do olives grow on trees?Yes, you CAN grow olive tree plants! Multiple trees should be spaced about 10-20 feet apart. Mature olive trees often develop contorted, massive trunks, and are quite interesting in appearance. When grown in the proper climate and soil, olive trees grow about 3 feet in both height and width each year.