An extremely hardy and long lived evergreen tree that is generally kept small for ease of cultivation, but can be utilised as a shade tree, screen, hedge or even topiary.
Originally cultivated around 4000 BC in the Eastern Mediterranean with trade making it a staple food right across the Mediterranean by 2000 BC.
Large tired trees can be drastically cut back to promote rejuvenated growth, however care should be taken to reduce sun scald on exposed old wood.
Late spring with sprays of perfumed white flowers
Ripens in late Autumn
Free draining soil, avoiding the hot times of the year.
Partially self-fertile but cross pollination with another tree is advised.
Train to an open vase shape, removing over vigorous growth and keeping the centre open to sun shine. Fruiting on last season’s wood, regular clipping after harvest will promote new fruiting wood.
Olive scale, treat as per any other scale insect; white oil etc.
Highly drought tolerant but will perform better with supplementary water during flowering, fruit set and as fruit ripen.
High nitrogen NPK in autumn and spring.
Olives for oil are left until fully ripe and black. Table olives are picked a little earlier when still a little yellow/green.