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When to Plant Olive Tree in Austin, Texas (78747)

Location

Austin, Texas

ZIP Code

78747

USDA Zone

9a

Last Frost

Friday, February 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Friday, March 6, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, February 20, 2026 · Zone 9a

Pro tip: Sow Olive Tree directly outdoors 2 weeks after your last frost date — it needs warm soil.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Olea europaea
Days to Maturity 1825 days
Mature Height 120-300"
Spread 180"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Low (drought tolerant)

↔️

Spacing

240" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

6" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 30-60 days

Ready to Plant Olive Tree in Austin?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, March 6, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

LavenderRosemaryThyme
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Olive Tree

See which plants help Olive Tree thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🔴 Difficult
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Extract seed from fully ripe (black) olives in fall.

Processing

Remove flesh, scarify seed coat with sandpaper, soak 24 hours, then cold-stratify 2 months before planting.

Seed Viability

Up to 1 year when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Seed-grown olives take 10+ years to fruit and may not match parent. Semi-hardwood cuttings are a much better method.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 0 plants of Olive Tree. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Olive Tree in Austin, Texas? +

In Austin (Zone 9a), direct sow Olive Tree outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Austin, Texas? +

The average last spring frost date for Austin, Texas (ZIP 78747) is around Friday, February 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9a.

How long does Olive Tree take to grow? +

Olive Tree typically matures in about 1825 days from direct sowing. In Austin, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, March 6, 2026 plus 1825 days.

Should I start Olive Tree indoors or direct sow in Texas? +

Olive Tree does best when direct sown outdoors. In Austin, sow directly around Friday, March 6, 2026.

Other Plants for Austin

Growing Olive Tree in Zone 9a

Olive Tree (Olea europaea) is a popular garden vegetable. In Austin, Texas, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, you should direct sow seeds around Friday, March 6, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, February 20, 2026. Olive Tree grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.