Olive (Olea europaea)

The Olive tree is an evergreen, native to the Mediterranean region, known for its long life (there is a tree in Greece that is 2000 years old), fragrant white flowers, and oval, stone-containing fruit that ripens to black.

These trees grow well in warm, dry climates with full sun and well-draining soil, and require deep watering but not constant wetness. 

Common varieties include 'Arbequina,' 'Manzanillo,' and 'Little Ollie,' and care involves pruning for shape, and especially for fruit production on one-year-old growth (bears fruit only on previous years growth).

I have no record of when I acquired this plant, or photos of what the seedling looked like when I received it. He was purchased via the Internet, but I have no idea of the species. When the plant arrived, he was roughly 4 inches tall & had only 2 leaves..as I recall, I paid less than $5.00 for this little tree.

This Olive is a slow-grower, seemingly dormant for a period of time & then shows a growth spurt. Re-potted in early summer ('25). 

   Feb 2, 2026

Time to refresh the potting mix for the Olive; some compaction & "pooling" when watered. Using same training tray, minor root pruning & fresh gravel on top..he should be good now until late summer.

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