Green Olive Tree (Live Seedling)

$7.00

A small seedling sprouting from a grow sponge in a small food safe plastic container and mailed to your address.

A small seedling sprouting from a grow sponge in a small food safe plastic container and mailed to your address.

Growing a green olive tree (Olea europaea) from a seedling is a long-term but rewarding endeavor. Olive trees are evergreen, drought-tolerant, and can live for hundreds of years under the right conditions. Here's a detailed guide for growing a green olive seedling successfully:

🫒 How to Grow a Green Olive Seedling

1. Understanding the Plant

  • Scientific Name: Olea europaea

  • Type: Evergreen fruit tree

  • Zones: USDA 8–11 (can tolerate down to ~15°F/-9°C when mature)

  • Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours/day)

  • Lifespan: 50–500+ years with care

2. Choosing the Right Location

  • Sunlight: Choose a spot with full sun all day.

  • Soil:

    • Well-draining (essential to prevent root rot)

    • Sandy or loamy soil is ideal

    • pH between 6.0 and 8.5 (tolerant of a wide range)

  • Spacing: At least 12–20 feet apart from other trees for airflow and root expansion

3. Planting the Seedling

  • Best Time: Late spring or early fall (in warm regions)

  • Steps:

    1. Dig a hole: Twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.

    2. Remove from container: Gently loosen the roots if circling the pot.

    3. Place in hole: Ensure the root crown is level with the soil surface.

    4. Backfill & water: Use native soil mixed with compost (optional), and water well.

4. Watering

  • First 1–2 years:

    • Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on temperature and soil.

    • Keep soil lightly moist, but not soggy.

  • After establishment:

    • Drought-tolerant—water only during extended dry spells.

5. Mulching

  • Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture and control weeds.

  • Keep mulch 2–3 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

6. Fertilizing

  • Young trees: Light feeding with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) once in spring and again in summer.

  • Established trees:

    • Fertilize annually in early spring with a low-nitrogen blend.

    • Do not overfertilize—it encourages leaf growth over fruit production.

7. Pruning

  • When: Late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

  • Purpose:

    • Shape the tree

    • Improve airflow and sunlight into the canopy

    • Remove suckers, dead, or crossing branches

  • Tip: A well-pruned tree should allow a bird to fly through its center.

8. Pollination

  • Self-fertile varieties: Many green olives (like ‘Arbequina’, ‘Koroneiki’) are self-pollinating.

  • Cross-pollination: Increases yield and fruit size—consider planting a second variety nearby if space allows.

9. Pest & Disease Management

  • Common Pests: Olive fruit fly, scale insects, aphids

  • Diseases: Verticillium wilt, sooty mold, peacock spot (fungal)

  • Prevention:

    • Keep area clean and weed-free

    • Avoid overhead watering

    • Use horticultural oils or insecticidal soap if pests appear

10. Flowering & Fruiting

  • Time to fruit: Usually 3–5 years after planting (sometimes longer)

  • Flowering: In spring; small, creamy-white flowers

  • Harvest: In late summer to fall, depending on desired ripeness

    • For green olives: Harvest before full ripening

    • Note: Olives must be cured before eating raw (they are extremely bitter)

✅ Quick Tips

  • Loves sun, heat, and good air circulation.

  • Do not overwater—olives prefer to dry out a bit between waterings.

  • Use light pruning for shape and air movement.

  • Grows well in pots in colder climates (bring indoors in winter).