Climate; Arid, Cold, Humid Subtropical, Mediterranean
Common Name; Olive
Genus; Olea
Color; Gray, Green
Indoor/Outdoor; Indoor & Outdoor
Season of Interest; Fall, Spring, Summer
Growth Stage; Seedling
Type; Trees
Watering; Light
Foliage; Broadleaf
Sunlight; Full Sun
Features; Deer-Resistant, Draught Resistant, Evergreen, Heat Resistant, Perennial
Safety; Child Safe, Pet Safe

Description:

This sale is for one (1) Olea Europaea - 'Mission' olive tree. This is a live plant. This ancient tree has been cultivated for thousands of years, prized for its fruit and foliage. The Mission olive is a cultivar of an olive developed in California by Spanish missions along El Camino Real in the late 18th century. The Mission olive has been included in the Ark of Taste, an international catalog of endangered heritage foods maintained by the Slow Food movement. It is also the only American olive cultivar listed by the International Olive Council in its World Catalogue of Olive Varieties. Although developed in the United States, Mission olives are also used by South African olive oil producers.

Cultivation:

Mission trees can reach heights of 40 and 50 feet, but can be kept at a manageable height with pruning. They produce small fruit, typically of around 4.1 grams (0.14 oz). It has the lowest flesh-to-pit ratio (6.5:1) and greatest cold resistance of any commercial cultivar in California. Mission olives are harvested for table use from late October through November; for oil production, they are harvested between mid-December and February.

Plant in full sun and well draining soil. Drought and heat tolerant once established. More spreading habit. Height up to 50', width 12-14' and can be pruned to desired height and shape. Slow to moderate growth. Prolific bearer. Easy to grow, drought tolerant. Zone 8-11 outdoors and 4-11 on patios.

These 8+ inch plants come in 2.5" x 2.5" x 3.5" deep pots.