The iconic olive tree has a rich history due to its valuable produce. In this blog, we’ll explore what is Olea Europaea, including its secrets in terms of cultivation, care, uses, and more. We hope this comprehensive guide will help you understand this ancient tree and grow it in your outdoor space successfully.

What is Olea Europaea?

Native to the Mediterranean Basin, Olea Europaea (commonly known as the olive tree) is a species of small tree in the family Oleaceae. It has been cultivated for thousands of years for its fruit, which is actually a staple in many diets. Plus, of course, it’s the source of the oil of the same name – olive oil.

The scientific name Olea Europaea translates to “European olive,” referring to its extensive cultivation across southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. But more than its history, what is Olea Europaea in terms of characteristics?

The olive tree is an evergreen tree with silvery-green leaves that are oblong and measure between 4-10 cm in length. It produces small, white flowers that will eventually give way to the olive fruit. They can be green, purple, or black when ripe, depending on the variety.

Fun fact, the Olea Europaea can live for several centuries! Some specimens are even believed to be over a thousand years old. The iconic gnarled trunk and robust branches of the tree often symbolise peace, wisdom, and endurance in various cultures. It also boasts different varieties and cultivars, each with unique traits tailored to specific climates and uses whether for ornamental purposes, fruit production, or oil extraction.

Growing Conditions and Requirements

So, what is Olea Europaea’s requirement for successful cultivation? Well, there are a few factors to consider, but the best way to summarise it is to duplicate the environment where they thrived originally.

Olive trees love warm, temperate climates. This means that they are particularly well-suited to regions with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Plus, they are highly adaptable to various soil types but prefer well-drained soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 8.5.

When it comes to sunlight, Olea Europaea requires full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Although olive trees are drought-tolerant once established, they will need regular watering during the first few years. Fortunately, mature trees can survive on minimal water and produce better yields with moderate irrigation.

In terms of temperature, olive trees can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C. But, prolonged exposure to severe frost can damage them. That’s why you should provide frost protection or choose a first-resistant variety if grown in cooler climates.

Planting and Propagation

Planning an Olea Europaea is a very straightforward process. First, find a sunny location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of the young tree. Position it in the hole, and ensure that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill the hole with a mix of excavated soil and compost. Remember to firm it gently to eliminate air pockets. Finally, water it thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

When it comes to propagation, what is Olea Europaea’s best chance of propagating? Like many plants, this can be achieved either through seeds or cuttings. However, the former is less common due to its lengthy and unpredictable nature. That’s why most growers prefer using cuttings, which are more reliable and quicker to establish.

To propagate from cuttings, select a healthy, semi-hardwood stem in late spring or early summer. Cut around a 10-15 cm section, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, keep it moist, and place it in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight.

Care and Maintenance

When exploring “what is Olea Europaea,” one of the things you’ll have to learn is its care and maintenance to keep the trees thriving.

Watering

Let’s start with watering. As mentioned previously, the Olea Europaea is drought-tolerant. But, young trees still need regular watering until they are established. Water deeply but infrequently, which means allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Mature trees, on the other hand, will require less frequent watering. But, they do benefit from occasional deep soaking, especially during the summer when there are prolonged dry periods.

Fertilising

Your olive tree will require the annual application of a balanced fertiliser in early spring. When you supplement them with additional nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, it will prompt healthy growth and improved fruit production. The best fertilisers are generally organic options such as compost or well-rotted manure.

Pruning

In late winter or early spring, make it a routine to prune your Olea Europaea. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to open up the canopy for better air circulation and sunlight penetration. Note that regular pruning encourages new growth and improves fruit yield. Plus, it will help maintain the shape of your olive tree.

Pest and Disease Management

Maintain the good health of your olive tree by being vigilant in terms of pests and diseases. Some of the common pests to look out for are olive fruit flies and scale insects. Deal with these pests via organic or chemical treatments. When it comes to diseases, olive knots and verticillium wilt are common to Olea Europaea and can be managed through proper sanitation and selecting resistant varieties.

Harvesting and Uses

Olea Europaea ‘Frantoio’ (Frantoio Olive Tree)

If you added the olive tree into your garden to benefit from its fruit, then you might be wondering what is Olea Europaea’s harvest season.

Typically, harvesting olives starts in late autumn to early winter. However, this depends on the variety and desired ripeness. For instance, green olives are harvested early, while black olives are left to ripen fully on the tree. To harvest olives, gently handpick the fruit or use a small rake to comb through the branches. The goal here is to collect the fruit without damaging the tree. 

Now that you have fresh olives in your hands, what’s next? Well, the olives themselves can be consumed directly. They can be cured or pickled to reduce their natural bitterness. Enjoy them as a snack, add them to salads, or use them as a flavourful ingredient in your dishes.

Then, of course, there’s the olive oil which can be extracted by pressing the olives. The oil can be used for cooking, salad dressings, and even for skincare due to its moisturising properties. There can be many uses to the olive fruit, especially its oil. Just make sure to do your research on how to use them properly to benefit from them without any issues.

Common Problems and Solutions

Planting a tree in your garden will come with its own challenges. And so it begs the question, what is Olea Europaea’s biggest challenge? We’ve listed some of the common problems below and how you can solve them.

  • Olive Fruit Fly – This refers to a pest that lays its eggs in the olive fruit and damages it. Control these pests by using pheromone traps and applying insecticidal sprays to protect the fruit.
  • Olive Knot – It is a bacterial disease that causes galls to form on branches and twigs. It is a frequent issue that can reduce the tree’s vitality and fruit production. Pruning is the best way to remove the affected areas. Remember to disinfect pruning tools to manage the spread. Plus, you can apply copper-based bactericides during wet weather to reduce infection rates.
  • Verticillium wilt – Known as a soil-borne fungus that causes wilting and dieback in olive trees. Manage this disease by making sure the soil has proper drainage. Also, avoid planting the tree in areas previously used to grow crops susceptible to the fungus. Removing and destroying the infected plant material is also helpful in preventing the spread of this disease.
  • Poor fruiting – This issue is caused by different reasons, including inadequate pollination, improper pruning, and nutrient deficiencies. You can improve your tree’s olives through good air circulation and sunlight penetration, all possible through proper pruning. Balanced fertilisation and even hand-pollinating flowers can even improve fruit sets.

Now that you know what is Olea Europaea, including very helpful information on how to plant and care for it, will you add it to your garden? The tree itself provides a pretty aesthetic to your landscape design. But what it can offer you is more than its visuals, but also its fruit and what you can benefit from it.


Whatever you decide on, remember that the olive tree will always be a great addition to any garden. You only need to properly cultivate it, follow recommended care and maintenance, and you’ll be rewarded with a thriving tree that will be part of your outdoor space for years to come!

For more gardening advice, explore more of Local Botanist’s blogs. Or, if you have questions, connect with our experts online or visit our nursery in the Gold Coast area.

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