Olive

Growing

Establishing an olive tree requires prioritizing excellent drainage, as these trees are highly sensitive to waterlogged soil. While they are remarkably drought-tolerant once established, they thrive in a wide range of soil conditions, provided the pH remains between 5.5 and 8.0. If you are planting in a container, ensure the pot has ample drainage holes to prevent root rot. Because these are wind-pollinated trees, they do not rely on insects to move pollen, though the blossoms will still attract various pollinators to your garden.

When managing your tree, keep in mind that different varieties offer distinct growth habits. For instance, the wilder *O. e. var. sylvestris* tends to stay much smaller and more shrub-like than the standard cultivated varieties, producing smaller fruit. Unlike many other stone fruits, olives do not continue to ripen once they are removed from the branch. You must harvest the fruit when it has reached your desired level of maturity.

After harvesting, wash the olives thoroughly before you begin any preservation process. Because of their natural bitterness, olives are rarely eaten straight from the tree; instead, they are typically prepared through fermentation or pickling. For long-term use, you can also preserve them by canning or drying.