1 named cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Olea europaea, commonly known as the olive tree, is a small evergreen tree known for its silver-green leaves and small, fragrant white flowers.
This species is valued for its edible fruit, the olive, which is processed for oil and as a table fruit.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
300 inches
Width
240 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Low to moderate
Lifespan
Centuries
Native To
Mediterranean Basin
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select well-draining soil and plant in full sun for optimal growth.
- Tuck roots into soil and water thoroughly after planting.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Prune lightly in late winter to shape the tree and remove dead branches.
- Fertilize twice a year with a balanced citrus fertilizer for best results.
- Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune in late winter to maintain shape
- Apply balanced fertilizer biannually
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Neglect pruning, leading to overgrowth
- Use heavy clay soil without amendment ❌
- Allow weeds to compete for nutrients ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Olive questions
What zones can Olive grow in?
Olive is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Olive deer resistant?
Yes — Olive is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Olive bloom?
Olive typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Olive need full sun?
Olive does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Olive drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Olive handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Olea to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Olive with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.