tree

Manzanillo Olive

Olea europaea 'Manzanillo'

$119.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Olea europaea is a broadleaf evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean Basin, characterized by a spreading, rounded canopy and a gnarled, twisted trunk that develops with age. The leathery, lanceolate leaves are dark green above with distinct silvery-grey undersides, and the small, creamy-white flowers bloom in short axillary panicles during spring.

'Manzanillo' is a highly productive cultivar primarily grown for its large, fleshy green fruit used in olive oil and table olive production. This selection maintains a manageable, bushy habit that responds well to structural pruning, making it suitable for home orchards and Mediterranean-style gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides a picturesque, architectural focal point with its gnarled trunk, twisted branches, and shimmering silvery-green foliage.
Practical UsesProduces large, high-quality drupes suitable for oil extraction and table curing once processed to remove bitterness.
Ecological BenefitsOffers nesting sites and protective cover for local birds, while the fruits provide a food source for visiting wildlife.
SpeciesOlea europaeaOlive

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360"

Width

300"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Mediterranean Basin

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

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F
M
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M
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J
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In flower about 4 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

In Stock$119.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a planting site that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
  2. Ensure the soil is loose, well-structured, and highly draining, avoiding heavy clay profiles.
  3. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
  4. Water deeply to establish the root system, then transition to minimal summer irrigation once the tree is established.

Pro Tip

Plant in exceptionally well-drained, loose soil and pair with a compatible pollinizer like 'Frantoio' or 'Mission' to dramatically increase fruit yields.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Thin out the center of the canopy annually to improve light penetration and airflow.
  • Clean up fallen overripe fruit in autumn to prevent pavement staining and slippery walking hazards.
  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost sparingly in early spring.

Don't

  • Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils prone to waterlogging, which invites Phytophthora root rot.
  • Do not prune aggressively into old, thick, leafless wood unless performing heavy rejuvenation pruning.
  • Avoid heavy nitrogen applications late in the season, which stimulate weak, frost-tender growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen plantingMediterranean gardensHome orchardsCoastal windbreaksPotted patio accents

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Manzanillo Olive questions

What zones can Manzanillo Olive grow in?

Manzanillo 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 Manzanillo Olive deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Manzanillo Olive, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Manzanillo Olive bloom?

Manzanillo Olive typically blooms in spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Manzanillo Olive need full sun?

Manzanillo Olive does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Manzanillo Olive drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Manzanillo Olive handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Manzanillo 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.