Growing olives from seed is a rewarding experience that can provide you with a beautiful and fruitful tree. While it can take several years for a tree grown from seed to bear fruit, the process is relatively easy and can be enjoyed by gardeners of all skill levels. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to grow olives from seed, including tips on planting, care, and harvesting.
The first step in growing olives from seed is to obtain fresh olive seeds. These can be purchased from a nursery or online, or you can collect them from a mature olive tree. If you are collecting seeds from a tree, choose ripe olives that are free of blemishes. Once you have your seeds, you can begin the planting process.
To plant olive seeds, you will need a pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Make a hole in the soil about 1/2 inch deep and place the seed in the hole. Cover the seed with soil and water it well. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Within a few weeks, the seed should germinate and begin to grow.
Preparing the Olive Seeds
Harvesting olives from established trees is the most common method of olive seed acquisition. However, fresh, ripe olives can also be purchased from a grocery store or farmers’ market for seed extraction. The following steps will guide you through the process of preparing the olive seeds:
### 1. Selecting the Right Olives
To ensure the seeds are viable, it is crucial to select healthy olives that are fully ripe and unblemished by pests or diseases. The ideal time to harvest is when the olives have turned a deep purple or black color and have softened slightly. Avoid olives with bruises, cuts, or any signs of decay.
Below is a table summarizing the key factors to consider when selecting olives for seed preparation:
| Characteristic | Optimal Criteria |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Fully ripe (deep purple or black color) |
| Texture | Slightly softened |
| Condition | Unblemished, free of pests and diseases, no bruises or cuts |
### 2. Removing the Flesh
Once you have selected the right olives, it is time to remove the flesh and expose the seed. This can be done by simply cutting the olive in half with a sharp knife and scooping out the soft flesh with a spoon or your fingers. Be careful not to damage the seed.
### 3. Cleaning the Seeds
After removing the flesh, the seeds need to be cleaned to remove any remaining olive oil or pulp. This can be done by gently rubbing the seeds with a soft brush or cloth under running water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents, as they could damage the seed.
Germinating the Seeds
Germinating olive seeds is a multi-step process that requires patience and attention to detail. Here is a detailed guide on how to germinate olive seeds:
Seed Preparation
Before planting, soak the olive seeds in warm water for 24 hours. This will help soften the seed coat and improve germination rates. After soaking, remove any excess moisture by patting the seeds dry with a paper towel.
Creating a Germination Medium
Fill a container with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Moisten the seed-starting mix thoroughly before planting the seeds.
Planting the Seeds
Sow the olive seeds 1/4 inch deep into the seed-starting mix. Space the seeds about 2 inches apart. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of the seed-starting mix.
Providing Warmth
Olives germinate best in warm temperatures. Place the container in a warm location, such as a greenhouse or on top of a refrigerator. Use a heating mat to maintain a soil temperature of around 75-80°F (24-27°C).
Maintaining Moisture
Keep the seed-starting mix moist but not soggy. Water the seeds regularly, especially during warm weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to damping off, a fungal disease that can kill seedlings.
Monitoring Germination
Olive seeds typically germinate within 4-8 weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, gradually reduce the watering frequency and provide them with plenty of sunlight. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots once they have developed a few sets of true leaves.
Troubleshooting Germination Problems
If the olive seeds do not germinate, there are a few possible reasons:
| Possible Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| Old or damaged seeds | Use fresh, high-quality seeds |
| Insufficient warmth | Increase the temperature using a heating mat |
| Overwatering | Reduce watering frequency and improve drainage |
| Damping off | Use a fungicide or transplant the seedlings to a new container with fresh seed-starting mix |
Selecting a Growing Site
Olives are relatively hardy trees, but they do have specific requirements for optimal growth. When selecting a growing site, consider the following factors:
Climate
Olives are native to the Mediterranean region and thrive in warm, temperate climates. They can tolerate some frost, but prolonged cold temperatures can damage the trees. The ideal temperature range for olive growth is between 60-85°F (16-29°C).
Sunlight
Olives require full sun to produce the best yields. They can tolerate some shade, but this will reduce fruit production. When planting an olive tree, choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil
Olives prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. The soil should be loose and friable, allowing for good root penetration. Avoid planting olives in heavy clay soils or soils that are prone to waterlogging.
| Soil Texture | pH Range |
|---|---|
| Sandy Loam | 6.5-7.5 |
| Loam | 6.0-8.0 |
| Clay Loam | 6.0-7.5 |
Before planting an olive tree, test the soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. If necessary, amend the soil to meet the tree’s requirements.
Planting the Seedlings
Once the olive seeds have germinated, they can be transplanted into individual pots or flats. It’s important to use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging. The seedlings should be planted at a depth of about 1/2 inch and spaced about 6 inches apart.
Keep the seedlings in a warm, sunny location and water them regularly. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. As the seedlings grow, they can be gradually moved to larger pots or containers.
The following table provides a detailed guide to the process of planting olive seedlings:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare a well-draining potting mix by combining equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and perlite. |
| 2 | Fill individual pots or flats with the potting mix. |
| 3 | Plant the olive seedlings at a depth of about 1/2 inch and space them about 6 inches apart. |
| 4 | Water the seedlings gently and place them in a warm, sunny location. |
4.1 Water the seedlings regularly, avoiding overwatering.
4.2 As the seedlings grow, gradually move them to larger pots or containers.
4.3 Fertilize the seedlings every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
With proper care, your olive seedlings will grow into healthy olive trees that can produce delicious olives for years to come.
Watering and Fertilizing the Trees
Olives are drought-tolerant trees, so they do not require frequent watering. However, they will produce more fruit if they are watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months. Water the trees deeply, allowing the water to penetrate to the roots. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilize the trees in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer. Do not over-fertilize, as this can damage the trees.
Watering Frequency
The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil conditions. In general, olives should be watered every 2-3 weeks during the summer months and once a month during the winter months. If the soil is sandy, it will need to be watered more frequently than if the soil is clay.
Fertilizer Application
Olives should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied at a rate of 1 pound per tree per year. The fertilizer should be applied in the spring and fall, and it should be watered in well.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Olives can develop nutrient deficiencies if they are not fertilized properly. Some of the most common nutrient deficiencies include:
| Nutrient Deficiency | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen | Yellowing of leaves, stunted growth |
| Phosphorus | Purpling of leaves, slow growth |
| Potassium | Burning of leaf tips, reduced fruit production |
Pruning and Shaping the Trees
1. Pruning Frequency and Timing:
* Prune young trees annually during dormancy (late winter or early spring) to establish a strong framework.
* For mature trees, prune every 2-3 years to maintain shape and promote fruiting.
2. Shaping the Young Tree:
* Remove any competing central leaders and choose one main trunk.
* Select 3-4 primary branches evenly spaced around the trunk and remove all others.
* Trim primary branches back by about a third to encourage branching.
3. Pruning Mature Trees:
* Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
* Avoid removing more than 25% of the tree’s canopy at a time.
* Prune to create an open, vase-shaped tree with good air circulation.
4. Renewal Pruning:
* As trees age, older branches become less productive.
* Remove selected old branches at the ground level to stimulate new growth.
* Do not over-prune or remove too many branches at once, as this can stress the tree.
5. Thinning the Canopy:
* Remove dense clusters of branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.
* Focus on thinning the interior of the tree rather than just the edges.
* Remove branches that obstruct sunlight from reaching productive branches.
6. Training Systems:
* To maximize fruit production and ease of harvesting, olives can be trained using various systems, such as:
| Training System | Description | Benefits |
|—|—|—|
| Open Center | Creates a central trunk with multiple primary branches that extend upward and outward | Good air circulation and sunlight penetration |
| Vase | Similar to open center, but branches are pruned to form a vase shape | Easier harvesting and maintenance |
| Trellis | Trees are grown on a trellis or other support system, creating a vertical canopy | High density planting, increased fruit quality |
Pest and Disease Control
Pests
Olives are susceptible to a few common pests, including:
- Olive fruit fly
- Black scale
- Olive moth
These pests can damage the leaves, fruit, and branches of olive trees, and in severe cases, they can kill the tree. Pest management is necessary to prevent damage to olive trees and to ensure a good harvest.
Diseases
Olives are also susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Olive knot
- Verticillium wilt
- Crown gall
These diseases can cause the tree to decline and die. Disease control is necessary to prevent disease outbreaks and to keep olive trees healthy.
Pest and Disease Control Methods
There are various methods to control pests and diseases in olive trees. These methods include:
- Cultural practices
- Chemical control
- Biological control
Cultural practices involve managing the environment to make it less favorable for pests and diseases. These practices include:
- Pruning to remove infected branches
- Sanitation to remove diseased fruit and leaves
- Irrigation management to prevent waterlogging
- Crop rotation to prevent disease buildup
Chemical control involves the use of pesticides to kill pests and diseases. Chemical control should be used only when necessary, and it should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Biological control involves the use of natural enemies to control pests and diseases. Biological control is a more environmentally friendly option than chemical control, but it is not always effective.
| Pest or Disease | Symptoms | Control Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Olive fruit fly | Holes in the fruit | Cultural practices, chemical control, biological control |
| Black scale | Black, encrusted scales on the branches and leaves | Cultural practices, chemical control, biological control |
| Olive moth | Tunnels in the fruit | Cultural practices, chemical control, biological control |
| Olive knot | Large, warty growths on the branches and trunk | Cultural practices, chemical control |
| Verticillium wilt | Wilting and yellowing of the leaves | Cultural practices, chemical control |
| Crown gall | Galls at the base of the trunk | Cultural practices, chemical control |
Harvesting the Olives
The optimum time for harvesting olives depends on the intended use: for oil production, a later harvest (late November-December) yields higher oil content; for table olives, an earlier harvest (October-November) produces a firmer, less oily fruit.
Harvesting methods vary depending on the scale of production. In small-scale operations, olives can be hand-picked or shaken from the trees onto nets spread on the ground. For larger-scale harvesting, mechanical harvesters can be employed, which shake or comb the trees to remove the olives.
Once harvested, olives can be stored in cool, dry conditions for up to several weeks. However, it’s important to avoid storing them in closed containers as moisture can lead to spoilage.
Processing Olives for Oil
- Clean the olives to remove any dirt or debris.
- Crush the olives into a paste using a mill or stone.
- Separate the olive oil from the paste using a centrifugal separator.
- Purify the olive oil by filtering and settling.
- Store the olive oil in dark, airtight containers to prevent oxidation.
Processing Olives for Table Consumption
- Cure the olives by treating them with salt or brine.
- Ferment the olives to develop their characteristic flavors.
- Ripen the olives by exposing them to air or sunlight.
- Package and store the olives in sealed containers.
| Harvesting Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-picking | Selective harvesting, less damage to trees | Labor-intensive, slow |
| Shaking trees | Faster, less labor-intensive | Can damage trees, bruising fruit |
| Mechanical harvesting | Highly efficient for large-scale operations | Can cause significant tree damage |
Processing and Storing the Olives
Once the olives have been harvested, they need to be processed to remove the bitterness. This can be done by:
Brining
This is the most common method and involves soaking the olives in a salt brine (usually a 4% to 12% solution) for several weeks to months depending on the required flavor. Olives are placed in a container with a lid, and the salt brine is poured over them. The olives should then be kept in a cool (40-50 degrees Fahrenheit) and dark place to prevent any fermentation from taking place.
Dry Curing
This method involves spreading the olives in a single layer on a rack made of wood or plastic and leaving them in the sun and wind for several weeks. The olives should be turned over regularly to ensure even drying. Once they have dried out sufficiently, the olives can be stored in a cool, dry place.
Lye Treatment
This method uses a solution of sodium hydroxide to remove the bitterness from the olives. The lye solution is made by dissolving one can of lye in five gallons of water. The olives are soaked in the lye solution for 24 hours, then rinsed thoroughly with water. The olives are then ready to be processed further.
Water Curing
This method involves soaking the olives in water until the bitterness has dissipated (usually several weeks). The water should be changed regularly to prevent spoilage. Once the olives have been water-cured, they can be stored in a cool, dry place.
Storing the Olives
Once the olives have been processed, they can be stored in a variety of ways. The most common methods are:
| Storage Method | Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Brining | Up to one year |
| Dry Curing | Up to two years |
| Lye Treatment | Up to one year |
| Water Curing | Up to six months |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Seedlings are not germinating
Possible Causes:
- Old or damaged seeds
- Insufficient moisture
- Incorrect temperature
Solutions:
- Use fresh, high-quality seeds.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Maintain the soil temperature around 70°F (21°C).
Problem: Seedlings are leggy and weak
Possible Causes:
- Insufficient light
- Too much water
Solutions:
- Provide ample sunlight or grow lights.
- Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
Problem: Seedlings are turning yellow
Possible Causes:
- Nutrient deficiency
- Overwatering
- Pests
Solutions:
- Fertilize the seedlings regularly.
- Adjust watering to prevent waterlogging.
- Inspect the seedlings for pests and treat accordingly.
Problem: Seedlings are dying off
Possible Causes:
- Damping-off disease
- Extreme temperatures
- Overwatering
Solutions:
- Maintain proper ventilation and avoid overcrowding.
- Protect seedlings from extreme heat or cold.
- Adjust watering to prevent oversaturation.
Problem: Seedlings are developing mold or fungus
Possible Causes:
- Overwatering
- Poor drainage
Solutions:
- Reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out.
- Repot the seedlings into a well-draining container.
Problem: Seedlings are not producing fruit
Possible Causes:
- Seedlings are too young
- Insufficient pollination
- Environmental conditions (e.g., cold winters, lack of sunlight)
Solutions:
- Patience: Olive trees may take several years to produce fruit.
- Hand-pollinate the flowers.
- Provide optimal growing conditions for the olive trees.
Problem: Leaves are curling or wilting
Possible Causes:
- Water stress (under- or overwatering)
- Nutrient deficiency
- Pests or diseases
Solutions:
- Adjust watering schedule as needed.
- Fertilize the olive trees regularly.
- Inspect for pests or diseases and treat accordingly.
Problem: Olives are small or bitter
Possible Causes:
- Overwatering
- Nutrient deficiency
- Harvesting too early
Solutions:
- Reduce watering frequency.
- Fertilize the olive trees adequately.
- Wait until olives reach full size and color before harvesting.
Problem: Olives are splitting or cracking
Possible Causes:
- Irregular watering
- High temperatures during fruit development
Solutions:
- Provide consistent watering throughout the growing season.
- Avoid extreme heat stress on olive trees.
How To Grow Olives From Seed
Growing olives from seed is a fun and rewarding experience. With a little patience and care, you can grow a beautiful and productive olive tree in your own backyard. Here are the steps on how to grow olives from seed:
- Choose a ripe olive. The first step is to choose a ripe olive from a healthy tree. Look for olives that are dark in color and have a slightly wrinkled skin. Avoid olives that are bruised or damaged.
- Remove the seed from the olive. Once you have chosen a ripe olive, you need to remove the seed from the flesh. To do this, cut the olive in half and use a knife to remove the seed.
- Prepare the seed for planting. Before you can plant the seed, you need to prepare it for planting. To do this, soak the seed in warm water for 24 hours. This will help to soften the seed coat and make it easier for the seed to germinate.
- Plant the seed. After the seed has been soaked, you can plant it in a pot or in the ground. If you are planting the seed in a pot, use a well-draining potting mix. If you are planting the seed in the ground, choose a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil.
- Water the seed. After you have planted the seed, water it well. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Fertilize the seedling. Once the seedling has emerged, you can fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer. Fertilize the seedling every few weeks according to the directions on the fertilizer label.
- Transplant the seedling. After the seedling has grown to be about 6 inches tall, you can transplant it to a larger pot or into the ground. When you transplant the seedling, be sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the seedling in the hole and backfill the hole with soil. Water the seedling well after transplanting.
- Care for the olive tree. Once the olive tree has been transplanted, it will need to be cared for regularly. Water the tree regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Fertilize the tree every few months according to the directions on the fertilizer label. Prune the tree as needed to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the tree.
People Also Ask
**
How long does it take to grow an olive tree from seed?**
It can take several years to grow an olive tree from seed. The tree will typically start to bear fruit after 5-7 years.
**
What is the best way to water an olive tree?**
Olive trees should be watered deeply and infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering the tree again.
**
How often should I fertilize an olive tree?**
Olive trees should be fertilized every few months according to the directions on the fertilizer label.
**
How do I prune an olive tree?**
Olive trees should be pruned in the spring or fall. Remove dead or diseased branches and shape the tree as desired.
