The Greek Olive tree is renowned for producing large crops of fruit, which are commercially pressed to make extra virgin olive oil. This tree makes a great addition to your landscape. It can grow up to 30 feet outdoors in hot climates. In a container on a patio or indoors it will remain compact, measuring 15 to 20 feet at full maturity, with regular pruning.
The tree produces small, aromatic, cream-colored flowers amid shiny evergreen leaves. Flowers are both male and female and are pollinated largely by wind. The green olives turn purple as they ripen and become ready to harvest in early October. Later crops will be ready to harvest in early January. The olives have a full flavor and are healthful as well as delicious. Earlier crops will have a slightly fruiter taste that later ones.
The Greek Olive enjoys warm and humid environments, full sunlight or partial shade. This is a drought-tolerant tree that will not demand frequent watering. A high-nitrogen fertilizer is advisable upon planting, to give the tree an initial boost. It is a low-maintenance tree that can be grown outdoors in the humid, southern climes but will also survive in a container on a northern patio or balcony if it can be brought indoors during the colder months.