tree The harvesting season for Olea europaea 'Sevillano' olives typically begins in October and runs through December.
olive
Olea europaea 'Sevillano'
The olive (Olea europaea 'Sevillano') is a medium-sized tree of the Oleaceae family. The Sevillano variety is an evergreen tree that can reach heights of 10-20 feet when mature. It has a smooth, gray-brown trunk and branches covered in small, spear-shaped leaves. Its small, white flowers are fragrant and bloom in the spring. The tree produces edible fruits known as olives in the fall. Both its wood and oil are widely used in cooking and its oil is used in several health and beauty applications. Sevillano olives are known for their robust flavor and are often used in recipes such as tapenades and bruschettas.
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
8 - 10
Flowers:
White Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Fruits:
Fruits Ready In Fall
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Care Level:
Moderate
watering
Olive trees (Olea europaea 'Sevillano') need a moderate amount of water to thrive. Depending on the season and your environment, they may need water every 1-3 weeks. During the summer months, water the tree every 2-3 weeks, and during the fall and winter months, water once every 4-6 weeks. Before watering, check the soil to make sure the top 4 inches of the soil is dry before beginning irrigation. Try to water deeply and slowly so that the water can really soak into the soil. Olive trees prefer warm water to cold, so water gradually and evenly over time for best results.
sunlight
Olive (Olea europaea 'Sevillano') plants need plenty of sunlight to produce high-quality fruit. Generally, in areas with mild, sunny climates, olives require 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Generally, the best time of day for olives to receive direct sunlight is the morning, since it is cooler and less intense. In areas with hotter climates, such as the Mediterranean, fewer hours of sunlight may be ideal to prevent sunburn and droopy leaves. Additionally, sunscreen or shade cloth can also be used to help protect the olives from the intense midday sun.
pruning
Olive trees (Olea europaea 'Sevillano') should be pruned twice per year - once in late February or early March before new growth emerges, and again in late August after the fruit has set. During the spring pruning the goal should be to reduce the overall size and shape of the tree, develop a strong leader, and also to create branches with a rounded shape. This should be done by removing small branches using hand pruners to take off the smallest shoots, and using larger cutters for the larger branches. During the late summer pruning, any dead or broken branches should be removed, as well as any water shoots or fruit that may have merged together. This cutback should be done to keep the tree's size manageable and to promote larger fruit production. If necessary, olive trees may also be pruned lightly throughout the growing season to keep them in shape.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Olea europaea 'Sevillano' typically starts flowering in April.
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Could olive plants grow indoors?
Yes, olive plants are quite capable of growing indoors. They require full sun, however, so it is important to make sure that they are placed in a location in the home that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of bright sunlight each day. Additionally, the soil should be kept lightly moist but not wet and should be well-draining. Finally, providing ample warmth and ventilation is also beneficial for the olive plant's growth in an indoor setting.
Are olive plants fast-growing?
No, olive plants are not fast-growing. Olives are slow-growing plants that can take from four to twenty years to produce fruit. Olive trees typically live for centuries and take decades to reach full size, making them one of the longest-living trees and one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. Cultivators consider any growth taking less than five years to be exceptionally fast for an olive tree.
Could olive plant leaves be used?
Yes, olive plant leaves can be used for a variety of purposes. They can be used as a source of nutrition for both humans and animals, as olive oil is derived from the leaves of the plant. In addition, the leaves can be used to create an herbal tea, as they contain antioxidants and vitamins that can be beneficial when consumed. Additionally, they can be used as a type of green fertilizer for plants in order to promote growth. Olive plant leaves also have antifungal properties and can be used as a natural remedy for certain types of skin ailments.
Can olive trees survive frost?
Olive trees are generally a hardy tree, however they are somewhat sensitive to heavy frosts. Young trees and young branches in particular can be stunted or killed by temperatures that dip below freezing. For most locations in the United States, providing the tree is a mature size and has been properly hardened off prior to the frost, it should survive temperatures down to just below freezing. Where winters can be especially cold, providing extra protection can help the tree survive even lower temperatures.
Is organic farming suitable for olives?
Organic farming can be suitable for olives but it is important to note that particular care must be taken in order to ensure a successful crop. The soil must be adequately managed to remain fertile, so crop rotation and organic fertilizers should be used. It is also important to practice pest and disease management by utilizing crop rotation, cover cropping, and mechanical or natural predators. Additionally, timely irrigation and harvesting are important for successful cultivation. With the right soil management and disease control techniques, organic farming of olives can be successful.
Could olives grow in sandy soil?
Yes, olives can grow in sandy soil since they are a type of Mediterranean tree that is drought-tolerant and thrives in dry, hot conditions. Olives require well-draining soils, so it's beneficial when sandy soil is incorporated which will improve the drainage and provide the necessary aeration. The key is to amend the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure. This will feed the tree and improve the structure of the sandy soil to a loam or clay loam soil, which is ideal for olive trees.
Should olive branches be trimmed?
Yes, olive branches should be trimmed. Pruning is an important part of growing olive trees because it increases air circulation which helps promote healthy growth and blooms. Additionally, pruning will help the olive tree retain its shape and make it easier to harvest fruit. Pruning should generally take place during late winter, removing any dead or diseased branches, or any that are competing for light or crowding the tree. Olive branches are best pruned lightly compared to other fruit trees, as it will encourage new growth while still maintaining the natural shape of the tree.
Are olive flowers edible?
No, olive flowers are not edible. The flowers typically appear before the olive fruits form and are past their prime when it's time to harvest olives. Additionally, olive flowers contain toxins that can be harmful to ingest and should not be eaten.
