How To Grow An Olive Tree From Seed By Yourself?

The large olive trees are often reminiscent of the fields of the Mediterranean, where the sun is shining. However, they can be grown in temperate regions as long as there are no freezing winters. But is it difficult to plant an olive tree? It's easy if you know how to grow an olive tree from seed. Check out the following guide to bringing olive trees to your garden!

How to grow an olive tree from seed by yourself?

  1. Steps to prepare olive tree seeds for planting

     1.1 Determine the type of olive tree to plant

     1.2 Collect olive seeds

     1.3 Soak olive seeds

     1.4 Clean and cut the olive’s end

  2. How to grow an olive tree from seed

     2.1 Prepare soil

     2.2 Sow seeds

     2.3 Water and care for seeds

     2.4 Choose when and where to plant seedlings

     2.5 Plant seedlings outdoors

     2.6 Care seedlings

  3. How long does it take for an olive tree to grow?

  4. Where to buy olive seeds to grow?

  5. Is there another way to grow olive trees?

  6. Conclusion

1. Steps to prepare olive tree seeds for planting

You may have heard about growing an olive tree from cuttings and seedlings, but you can also grow it from seed. So how to harvest olive seeds for planting? Here are the steps you should take:

1.1 Determine the type of olive tree to plant

There are hundreds of olive tree varieties worldwide, with slight differences in color and flavor and distinct preferences for ripening time and growing conditions.

In California, for instance, Mission, Manzanillo, Sevillano, and Ascolano are the four main categories grown in different climates. Before planting, research which varieties thrive in your area to ensure success.

1.2 Collect olive seeds

You can harvest olive seeds picked directly from the tree when ripe and green, avoid those with insect-caused holes, or collect those from the ground. Alternatively, you can purchase olive tree seeds online and check their quality.

1.3 Soak olive seeds

To prepare olive pits for planting, remove the flesh by gently tapping the olives with a hammer or the flat side of a wide knife. Soak the pitted olives in warm water overnight, occasionally stirring to help loosen the fruit further. Discard any olives that float to the surface, as they may be rotten.

1.4 Clean and cut the olive’s end

Clean the seeds by scrubbing off excess skin using a scouring pad or sandpaper, then rinse them thoroughly with warm water. Carefully cut off the blunt end of each pit with a knife, creating a small hole without piercing through the shell entirely. Soak the prepared seeds in room-temperature water for 24 hours.

2. How to grow an olive tree from seed

After preparing the olive seeds, it's time to plant the seeds in the ground. Follow the steps below:

2.1 Prepare soil

Prepare 3-inch pots with a well-draining soil mixture of equal parts coarse sand and compost. Moisten the soil, but avoid making it muddy. Mix the soil thoroughly using a spoon, stick, or your hands.

2.2 Sow seeds

Plant one seed per pot, sowing them about 1-2 inches deep to prevent competition for nutrients. Since olive seeds have a low germination rate, ensure you plant enough seeds to increase your garden's chances of successful seedlings.

2.3 Water and care for seeds

To ensure healthy growth for your olive seedlings, maintain consistent moisture in the top two inches of soil. Water only when the top ¼ inch feels dry to prevent overwatering and potentially fungal or bacterial issues.

Enclose the pots in transparent polythene bags to create a greenhouse-like environment. Please place them in a warm, well-lit area away from direct sunlight. Germination typically occurs within a month.

2.4 Choose when and where to plant seedlings

Time: The ideal time to transplant olive seedlings outdoors is between August and September, allowing them to acclimate before winter temperatures arrive. However, if your area's temperatures are below 30°F, wait until spring. Seedlings should be around 18 inches tall before transplanting.

Place: Choose a sunny location for planting, as olive trees thrive in direct sunlight. The planting hole only needs to be a few inches deep, and you can use a small shovel or your hand to dig it.

Olive trees adapt well to various soil types, including rocky or sandy soil, as long as there is good drainage. To prevent root disease, avoid planting in poorly drained or muddy conditions.

2.5 Plant seedlings outdoors

To transplant olive seedlings, carefully remove them from their pots without disturbing the roots and ensure they are well-watered. Place the seeding in the hole, slightly above ground level, and cover it with soil. Space multiple plants at least 3 feet apart to prevent nutrient competition.

2.6 Care seedlings

Olive trees are generally low-maintenance and do not require special care or watering during colder months except in arid climates. Minimal pruning is necessary, but you can remove dead, diseased, or dying branches and trim branches for better light penetration.

3. How long does it take for an olive tree to grow?

It takes 3-5 years for an olive tree to mature and yield significant fruit after planting. Some varieties, like the popular Arbequina, produce fruit within 3-5 years, while others may take 5-7 years.

Olive trees grow most rapidly between ages 2 and 15, after which their growth rate slows down. So, it takes 5-7 years for an olive seed to develop from seeds into a fruit-bearing, harvestable olive tree.

4. Where to buy olive tree seeds to grow?

You can find olive seeds from various sources, such as farms, gardens, or online seed stores. However, the quality of the seeds is crucial for successful cultivation.

We recommend TheRike, a provider of various garden products, including olive seeds. Their seeds are carefully selected for high germination rates and can be conveniently delivered to your home after placing an online order.

5. Is there another way to grow olive trees?

Growing olive trees can be done from seeds or cuttings/seedlings, each with advantages and disadvantages.

Growing from seeds:

Pros:

• Allows you to select specific varieties and experience the entire growing process.

Cons:

• More vulnerable to viruses and pests.
• Some seeds may never germinate.
• Requires a protected area with ample sunlight.
• Takes 5-7 years to develop into a mature, fruit-bearing tree.

Growing from cuttings/seedlings:

Pros:

• It can be purchased and planted whenever you're ready.
• Inherits the characteristics of the parent plant.
• Offers a higher success rate and faster growth.
• Enables earlier harvests.

Cons:

• More difficult to find olive seedlings for planting.

6. Conclusion

It's great to have a big olive tree in your garden. But you need to know how to grow an olive tree from seed. You will enjoy the entire process, from seed preparation to planting and caring for seedlings to maturity. Although it takes more than 3 years for the olive tree to bear fruit, what you get is worth it. Buy an olive seed and start sowing it as soon as possible!