Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Olive Tree — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Olea europaea |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 30–60 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–26.7 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 1095–1825 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 304.8–609.6 |
| Mature height (cm) | 304.8–762 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 304.8–609.6 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 8–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
The olive is a slow-growing Mediterranean evergreen with silvery foliage, gnarled character, and small fruit ripening from green to black. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and needs a stretch of winter chill to set fruit well. Plant in full sun in fast-draining, even rocky soil and water deeply but infrequently once established. In zones below 8, grow it in a large pot and move it to a cool, bright indoor space during hard freezes. Prune in late winter to open the canopy and cure the fruit before eating, as fresh olives are bitter.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0