When to Plant Olive Tree in Virginia

Growing Olive Tree in Virginia: Complete Guide

Olive Tree (Olea europaea) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Virginia, the right time to direct sow is around Friday, April 24, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.

Because Virginia stretches across 6 USDA hardiness zones (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.

With 1825 days to maturity, Olive Tree fits comfortably within Virginia's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.

Olive Tree requires full sun (6-8 hours) and low (drought tolerant) moisture. Mid-Atlantic summers bring heat and humidity — ensure good air circulation and watch for fungal issues like powdery mildew.

For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Virginia.