Small Olive Trees

Though it is called a tree, the dwarf olive tree is the size of a shrub. On average, they grow to about 2 – 4 feet, though some can reach around 8 – 10 feet.

Is there a miniature olive tree?

Dwarf olive trees are simply regular olive fruit trees that are grafted onto smaller tree rootstock. This means you can get a dwarf olive tree for your landscapes that can't accommodate a full-size olive tree. Without a doubt, dwarf olive trees are ideal for small spaces.

What are dwarf olive trees called?

Montra. Also known as the “Little Ollie” or Dwarf Olive, this species is a fruitless, bush variety perfect for achieving a mediterranean look in a small yard or in pots. The Montra can grow up to eight feet tall, but most people keep them pruned lower to the ground to create hedges and natural borders.

What is the smallest fruitless olive tree?

Olive trees do best in deep rich soil but tolerate shallow, rocky, and alkaline soils. Plants prefer areas with long hot summers but may also tolerate areas along the coast. The variety 'Little Ollie' (the smallest) grows to 6-8 ft. tall and wide and can be ideal for a hedge or screen.

Can olive trees stay small?

Size. Although olive trees can reach up to ten feet in containers, unless your ceilings are particularly high you'll probably want to opt for a dwarf variety. Dwarf olive trees will grow as tall as six feet, although you can keep them shorter by pruning them.

What is the easiest olive tree to grow?

1. Arbequina Olive Trees (Olea Europaea “Arbequina”) Native to the Catalonia region of Spain, this variety is one of the best to grow inside because it only reaches a few feet high when confined to a pot. With the right temperatures and light conditions, it can flower and produce fruit its very first year.

How big do miniature olive trees grow?

Dwarf Olive Garden Harvest (Olea europeana) is a self pollinating variety that will only grow to about 2m high. This lovely dwarf can be kept pruned to about 1m if desired.

Where is the best place to plant an olive tree?

Olives are Mediterranean plants so thrive in conditions closest to the hot, dry climate of their native habitat. Choose the sunniest and most sheltered spot available – a south-facing spot with a brick wall behind it will work well.

Can you keep a fruitless olive tree small?

Pruning Fruitless Olive Trees If you'd like to try and prevent your fruitless olive tree from producing any olives at all, you can do some light pruning of the newer growth branches. Typically, these are the branches with flowers that will turn into olives.

Do you need 2 olive trees?

Many varieties of olive trees require cross-pollination; that is, you need at least two different varieties to reliably get olive tree fruit. Perfect Plants offers the Arbequina olive variety (Olea europaea) which is self-fertile and a semi evergreen tree.

Does an olive tree like sun or shade?

The best time to plant an indoor olive tree is during the early spring and summer months. Olive trees need full sun and six to eight hours of bright, direct sunlight to survive. Positioning the olive tree in front of an east- or south-facing window in a dry, spacious room, like the living room, is an ideal spot.

When should I plant an olive tree?

Olive trees may be planted at any time of year as long as the ground isn't frozen. Dig a hole twice the size of the root-ball, spreading the roots as you refill the hole to the base of the stem.

How messy is an olive tree?

Olive trees are not messy and are easy to care for. Their slow molting rate means that they will drop infrequent and occasional leaf debris. The fruiting varieties of olives will drop their crop and are easy to clean up after.

How big do little Ollie bushes get?

In shrub form, 'Little Ollie' is a compact plant with a round shape that grows at a moderate pace, eventually reaching 12ft. tall and wide when not pruned. Nurseries often sell 'Little Ollie' trained with many stems branching from the base. For tree forms, purchase plants trained to 1 -3 trunks.

Can you plant just one olive tree?

A single tree usually produces more than enough olives for a family to enjoy throughout the year. The self-pollinating 'Mission', the classic California courtyard olive, is a good choice if you're planting just one—and it can even make you self-sufficient in olive oil.

Are olive trees high maintenance?

Olive Trees are a low-maintenance tree when they get the care that they need, which typically boils down to plenty of direct sunshine and enough, but not too much, water. But any living plant can experience periods of stress or require occasional adjustments in care.

Do olive trees attract rodents?

Q: What happens if I don't spray? A: Your tree will create a mess! It will grow olives which will leave an oily stain on concrete and other landscaping. They will attract birds and rodents with an abundant food source.

How do I protect my small olive tree in the winter?

Use fleece protection Wrapping your plant in horticultural fleece from December through to February (or longer if cold weather persists) will shield it from freezing temperatures and winds. As the fleece traps an air layer underneath it, it is kept a degree higher than the outside temperature, keeping your plant warm.

How many years does it take for an olive tree to bear fruit?

It takes around three years to produce its first fruit. Once the first olives appear, the olive tree's productivity increases considerably. It produces fruit constantly, meaning that it is a very fertile variety.

Do olive trees need a lot of water?

Olive trees are very drought resistant; however, they still require water to survive. When establishing an olive tree, keep the soil moist, yet not saturated. Water an establishing olive tree once weekly for the first year or anytime the top 2” of soil becomes dry.