Olive Trees

Olive trees grow best in subtropical climates, however, they are very hardy plants and can grow well in most climates as long as they are kept watered and well-drained. Ideally, they should be kept in the sunniest spot possible. To be on the safe side look into the specific variety of olive tree you own as some varieties can withstand temperature extremes more than others.

During the first few years of its life, an olive tree will grow rather quickly but growth will slow afterwards. Olive trees will usually grow fruit after 3-5 years.

Olive trees are very hardy and mature olive trees can survive in very cold weather, having no ill effects in temperatures as low as -15°C. They can be kept either outdoors or grown inside as house plants.

Olive trees are incredibly robust, as their root system is capable of regenerating itself even when the rest of the tree is destroyed by disease or harsh weather conditions.

Yes, olive trees can be grown in the UK as long as you keep them watered and well drained. After 3-5 years of growth they can produce fruit in the summers.

Olive trees vary in cost depending on size, they can be purchased in small, medium, large and even extra large sizes. Olive trees can cost anywhere from £150 – £1,000 depending on the plant’s maturity, species, and rarity.

Olive trees tend to be slow maturing, during the first few years of its life, an olive tree will grow rather quickly but growth will slow afterwards.

This all depends on the maturity of the olive tree and the subspecies of olive tree you have purchased. As a general rule most olive trees start to bear fruit between 5 – 12 years. However this is not set in stone as some varieties such as Arbequina and Koroneiki have been known to start producing fruit at the 3 year mark.

The best olive tree varieties to grow in the UK are the ones most suitable for a temperate climate such as the The Arbequina Olive Tree and the Frantoio Olive Tree. Both of these varieties adjust well to cold weather and are considered very hardy plants.

Olive trees are very long lasting plants if treated with the right amount of care and attention. The oldest known olive tree is known as the olive tree of vouves and is estimated to be at least 2000 years old. On average most olive trees can reach the ripe old age of 500 years old.

Olive trees are evergreen meaning they can grow as wide as they are tall, so make sure you have plenty of room. On average olive trees grow to around 25 – 30 feet.

Yes, olive trees are edible straight off the branch, however they can be extremely bitter due to the chemicals oleuropein and phenolic. To avoid a nasty aftertaste it is important you cure your olives first by expunging the compounds mentioned above, there are a number of ways in which you can do this.

Curing olives is an ancient Mediterranean process that can be done through a
number of methods. Depending on the type of olive tree you own there are 4 main methods to choose from, water curing, brining, dry curing and lye curing. Each method leaves the olives with a completely different taste and texture.