Olive

Profile

Family

Oleaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

9 m

Spread

8 m

Growth

slow

Lifespan

2000 years

First yield

after 8 years

Hardiness

zone 8–11

Shade tolerance

full sun

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

very dry – very moist

pH

5.5 – 8

Synonyms

Olivenbaum

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Olives are commonly used in the Mediterranean region as a stimulant and flavoring agent in cuisine. The fruits are typically preserved in water, brine, oil, salt, or lye, or can be dried and consumed without curing, known as "fachouilles." Cured olives are enjoyed as a relish, stuffed with pimento or almonds, or incorporated into various dishes like bread, soups, and salads. "Olives schiacciate" are green olives that are crushed, preserved in oil, and used in salads. Each fruit contains 20-50 µg of vitamin D per 100 g and can reach up to 4 cm in length. The seed is rich in edible, non-drying oil used in salads and cooking as a condiment due to its strong flavor. Olive oil comes in different grades, with the highest quality known as "extra virgin," obtained by cold-pressing the seeds without heat or chemical solvents. Monounsaturated olive oil is believed to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease with regular consumption. The seed also contains protein, a unique characteristic among seeds. Additionally, an edible manna is derived from the olive tree.

Medicinal: The plant has diuretic properties. There is no evidence of a laxative effect, but it contains an alkaloid with mydriatic effects. The seeds, known for their pungent taste and highly toxic potency, are utilized in Tibetan medicine. They offer analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Regular consumption boosts physical vitality and aids in treating infectious diseases, toothaches, worm-induced intestinal pain, and impotence. A seed decoction is employed to address fever.

Other uses: The oil from the seeds serves various purposes like soap production, illumination, and lubrication. It is beneficial as a hair treatment and for dandruff. Dyes in chestnut-brown and purple hues come from fresh, ripe fruits, with blue and black dyes from the skins. Yellow-green dye is obtained from the leaves. These plants help secure arid, dusty inclines. The wood, hard and heavy with a lovely grain, is easily polished and faintly fragrant. It is favored in woodturning, joinery, and esteemed by wood craftsmen.

Growing

Olive trees thrive in clay soils and can adapt to infertile conditions, but they prefer deep, well-drained, and fertile soil. Once established, olives are drought-resistant and do well in dry environments, needing a sunny location and able to withstand salty air. These slow-growing plants have a long lifespan. Cultivated extensively in Mediterranean regions for their edible fruit, olives come in numerous named varieties. Trees can start bearing fruit at 6 years old and remain commercially productive for up to 50 years, with some still fruitful despite hollow trunks. While they struggle to bear fruit in Great Britain, especially in the milder areas, olives prefer warm temperate climates with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Reports suggest successful fruit-bearing in southwest England, and mature trees can endure temperatures around -10°C, needing protection from a south-facing wall in London. Certain olive varieties are self-fertile, with some prized for their fruit and others for oil production. For instance, 'Mission' is known for its edible fruit, being vigorous, productive, and cold-resistant, while 'Moraiolo' is valued for its oil and robust growth. Flower development hinges on specific temperature fluctuations over 12-15 weeks, with at least two months below 10°C on average. Pruning can stimulate non-fruiting water suckers, while bending or weighting branches can promote fruiting on one-year-old wood, requiring careful pruning techniques. Olive branches symbolize peace traditionally, and ancient Greeks used bay leaves to crown Olympic champions.

Propagation

Seeds should be sown in a shaded area of a greenhouse during late winter. It is recommended to cold-stratify homegrown seeds first. For optimal results, sow the seeds directly in a greenhouse during autumn if possible. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and keep them in the greenhouse for at least their initial winter, possibly up to 2-3 winters. In early summer, plant them in their permanent location and shield them from the cold during their first outdoor winter. In July/August, take cuttings from semi-mature shoots measuring 5-10 cm with a heel, in a cold frame. This method has a high success rate.

Notable

Special features: Drought-resistant, tolerates salty air; stabilizes dry slopes; Cultivation: Trees/ha: traditional 30-200, intensive 250-600, super-intensive 1500-3000; There are self-fertile fruit/oil varieties; 100kg~15L oil; Old trees produce >200kg olives, but only every 6th/7th season; Flowering requires 2 months below 10°C;

Origin & habitat

Southern Europe - Mediterranean.

In a completely unpredictable scenario, the behavior of animals remains uncertain.

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