Olives typically do best in ‘Mediterranean’ climates- those with long, hot dry summers, low humidity and cool, wet winters. Many varieties also require sufficient chilling hours in winter to flower and set fruit. The good news? If you’re wanting to grow olives for fruit in the subtropics, there are several varieties that will perform well. The key to success lies in selecting the appropriate cultivar for your climate zone, choosing the right position and preparing your soil well.
What they need:
- Full sun – at least 6 hours a day
- Good drainage – Improve soil drainage by:
- adding good quantities of organic matter
- applying liquid gypsum
- mounding up the soil
- growing in pots.
- Alkaline soil – a soil pH of 7-8 is ideal.
- If your soil is acidic add dolomite or garden lime at planting.
Fertiliser– Feed with an all-purpose organic fertiliser three times per year (late winter, spring & summer)
Pruning: Once trees are mature and established, prune after harvest to maintain shape and size.
Fruiting: Olives are self-pollinating and will generally start to fruit at around 4 years of age. Some varieties are quicker or slower to fruit depending on your climate. Matching the right cultivar to your region is essential for a good harvest.
Popular Varieties:
- Classic: Kalamata, Manzanillo, Arbequina, Correggiola.
- Subtropical choices: Helena and Frantoio.
- Dwarf cultivars: Bamablina, Mini Olea, Little Ollie
Design appeal:
Olives arent just productive- they’re beautiful too. The grey green foliage is a highlight in any garden. Consider using Olive trees as:
- A showpiece specimen plant.
- A grove or orchid.
- A clipped hedge or screen.
- A potted feature plant.
- Sculptural topiary.
