Olea Europaea Manzanillo Olive

Excellent screening plant for modern Australian gardens because of the delightfully contrasting silver/green foliage. Extremely hardy and drought tolerant.  Prune to shape every year after fruiting to maintain a dense habit, and feed with complete garden fert.

Olive trees are widely cultivated for their edible fruit, which is commonly used to make olive oil. The fruit is also consumed in its raw form, either green or black, depending on the level of ripeness. In addition to its culinary uses, the olive tree has a long history of medicinal and cultural significance. The tree and its fruit have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, and the olive branch has been a symbol of peace and victory in many cultures throughout history.

Olive trees do not like to be over-watered, but they need regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Olive trees need a balanced fertilizer, especially when they are young. Fertilize once in the spring and once in the fall with a fertilizer high in nitrogen. In addition, Olive trees should be pruned regularly to promote good air circulation and sunlight penetration, which will help prevent diseases. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing any dead or diseased branches, as well as any crossing branches.

Harvest Olive trees fruit in Autumn. Harvest the olives when they are ripe, which can vary depending on the cultivar. Pick the olives by hand or use a mechanical harvester. Generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to fungal infections, scale insects, and olive fruit flies. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, treat them promptly.