How to Grow Olive

A warm-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

Olive is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Olive in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the olive page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Arbequina, Self-fertile, compact, productive (nurseries)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 500 cm (197 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 30 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 5 L per plant every 7 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Olive lace bug and Black scale. In humid regions, Anthracnose, Peacock spot and Verticillium wilt can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Olive is usually ready to harvest within roughly 24 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant olive where you garden.

See also: Olive in the plant library →

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