Olives (Olea europaea) ZX

Olives (Olea europaea)

A classic Mediterranean evergreen tree that has been grown since antiquity.

Tough long-lived (500+ years) picturesque trees, are drought tolerant, grow well in hot interior climates and perform adequately in coastal areas. Trees grow slowly to 30 feet, are hardy to 15 degrees and need some winter chill to set fruit buds. Trees can also be grown in containers. Quick to grow when young, they bear approximately 3 years after planting, Fruits which ripen in late fall to winter, are cured for table olives or pressed to extract the oil. Most varieties are partially self-fruitful but are more productive when they have another variety as a pollinator. Zones 8-10.