Growing Olive Trees Many varieties of olive trees require cross-pollination; that is, you need at least two different varieties to reliably get olive tree fruit.
Do you need 2 olive trees for pollination?
Olive Tree Pollination
Most varieties of olive trees are self-fertile, meaning that you can get fruit by having just one tree. Pollen from the anthers (the male part of the plant) is transferred to the stigma (the female part of the plant) of the same tree.
How many olive trees do I need?
Q: What is the minimum number of olive tree varieties needed to make olive oil? A: For olive oil and olives on small acreage you need 4 to 6 trees because of pollination issues. Multiple trees creates a better effect for fruit growing.
How far apart should olive trees be planted?
about 20 ft apart
Normally olive trees are spaced about 20 ft apart, because that is the ultimate size of an olive tree. Even compact growing varieties ultimately will get this big unless continuously pruned to keep them smaller.
What is the best way to plant an olive tree?
You can always dig up you tree and re-locate it however, it is best to leave your Olive Tree where it is. When you plant your Olive, dig a very large hole, at least 50% larger than you need. Then refill with a couple of inches of gravel or grit to add drainage. Then refill around you tree with a loam based compost.
Do you need 2 olive trees to produce fruit?
Do you need two olive trees to get crops? Arbequina olive trees are self-pollinating, so you only need one to get fruit. However, planting another olive tree will increase your harvest.
How can you tell the difference between a male and female olive tree?
First of all the male trees are bigger, stronger, have more vegetation and are a darker shade of green; the females are slimmer and more silvery in color. (does this sound familiar?) The shape of their fruit is also revealing: the male olives are longer and pointy whereas the females are more rotund.
How long does it take for an olive tree to grow to full height?
How long does it take for an olive tree to reach this height? It’s possible for a mature olive tree to reach its maximum height after around 15 years, depending on the conditions it’s grown in. This isn’t always the case, though. Annual growth rates can vary from 2 to 12 inches once the tree matures.
How quickly do olive trees grow?
Growing at less than 12 inches per year, the olive tree is found most abundantly in Mediterranean climates and in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 through 11. In the United States, it’s abundant in California and Arizona.
How long does it take for an olive tree to produce fruit?
three years
You should begin to see fruit on your olive tree after three years. In terms of production, don’t be surprised if your tree seems to take every other year off. Olives are described as alternate-year-bearing species and typically have a year of heavy fruit production followed by a year of lighter production.
Where’s the best place to plant an olive tree?
Olives are Mediterranean plants so thrive in conditions closest to the hot, dry climate of their native habitat. Choose the sunniest and most sheltered spot available – a south-facing spot with a brick wall behind it will work well.
How tall is a 3 year old olive tree?
3-4 Year Old (Approx. 3-3.5 Ft) Arbequina Olive Tree.
Can you plant two olive trees together?
Olive trees do not need insects for pollination, only wind, and most varieties are self-pollinating. Cross-pollination, the practice of planting more than one olive tree to ensure pollination, is not necessary but it does produce more desirable fruit.
Do olive trees grow better in pots or ground?
Olives planted close to a warm wall where they can bask in the sunshine will be the happiest. The olive tree is slow-growing and is therefore ideal for pot-growing; it will thrive in a large pot in a bright spot on the patio or balcony, or in an unheated conservatory or greenhouse.
What kind of pots do olive trees like?
Terracotta or wood is a preferable choice when growing olive trees in pots or containers. This is because they are more ‘breathable’ options and will help with drainage and insulation. A good quality plastic pot however, has the benefit of being more lightweight and less prone to breakage.
Do olive trees need a lot of water?
Olive trees are very drought resistant; however, they still require water to survive. When establishing an olive tree, keep the soil moist, yet not saturated. Water an establishing olive tree once weekly for the first year or anytime the top 2” of soil becomes dry.
Why won’t my olive tree produce olives?
Some reasons for a poor crop include: Poor pollination (perhaps due to hot dry winds or heavy rain at flowering time). Insufficient water when flowers are setting. Insufficient winter chill to ‘set’ the fruit. Perhaps the variety may not be suitable for the location it is growing in.
Do the flowers on olive trees turn into olives?
The delicate white flowers grow in loose clusters of 10 to 30 in the axils of the leaves. And, the flowers come in two types – perfect, containing both male and female parts, capable of developing into the olive fruits.
Will olive trees fruit in pots?
Olives can be grown in large containers but pot-grown plants are not as productive as those grown and managed in the ground. Olives flower in early spring. Trees take three to five years of growth until they produce their first harvest and most only become fully productive after eight or nine years.
Which olive trees pollinate each other?
Self-pollinating olive trees include Arbequina, Koroneiki, Fantoio, Coratina, Picual; whereas olive trees that require pollinators include Manzallino, Mission, Sevillano.
Do bees like olive trees?
Cross-pollination occurs when wind or a bee transfers pollen from one flower to the stigma of another flower. As bees are not particularly fond of olive flowers, they do not typically play a large role in the olive orchard.