How to Grow Olive Tree
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Plant nursery stock — skip years of growing from seed.
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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need
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🌿 Plant Overview
☀️ Growing Requirements
☀️
Sun
Full Sun (6-8 hours)
💧
Water
Low (drought tolerant)
↔️
Spacing
240" apart
🌱
Depth
6" deep
📏
Height
120-300"
🌱
Germination
30-60 days
Ready to Plant Olive Tree?
Buy nursery-quality plants and skip years of growing from seed.
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🌾 Seed Saving Guide
🔴 DifficultWhen 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.
Seed Storage Supplies
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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 →
Olive Tree Planting Calendar by Zone
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Olive Tree? +
Sow Olive Tree seeds directly in the garden 2 weeks after your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.
How long does Olive Tree take to grow? +
Olive Tree typically matures in about 1825 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Olive Tree indoors or direct sow? +
Olive Tree does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.
How much sun does Olive Tree need? +
Olive Tree requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Olive Tree? +
Space Olive Tree plants 240 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Olive Tree need? +
Olive Tree has low (drought tolerant) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Olive Tree? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Olive Tree is rated difficult. Extract seed from fully ripe (black) olives in fall. Remove flesh, scarify seed coat with sandpaper, soak 24 hours, then cold-stratify 2 months before planting.
How long do Olive Tree seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Olive Tree seeds remain viable for up to 1 year. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Olive Tree seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Olive Tree is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Olive Tree
Iconic Mediterranean evergreen tree grown for olives and oil. Extremely drought tolerant once established. Can live hundreds of years. Compact varieties suit containers.
Expect your Olive Tree to be ready for harvest in approximately 1825 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.