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Product Details
Product Details
The Mission Olive Tree is the backyard all-star for home growers who want both beauty and bounty. Whether you're in it for rich, flavorful oil or classic table olives, this versatile tree delivers.
Originally cultivated in California, the Mission Olive Tree is known for its resilience, especially in cooler climates. Its small pit-to-flesh ratio means more olive per bite, and its naturally high oil content makes it a favorite for pressing.
In the landscape, it matures to a stately 20–30 feet tall, adding Mediterranean charm to any space. Prefer something more compact? Keep it pruned in a container for a patio-friendly or even indoor tree with rustic appeal.
Why You'll Love It
Why You'll Love It
- Excellent for both oil production and pickling
- Cold-hardy and adaptable to a variety of climates
- One of the smallest pits among olive varieties—more flesh, less waste
- Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established
- Container-friendly—grow it on patios or indoors with good light
- Attractive evergreen foliage for year-round interest
Mission Olive Tree
View More Planting Info
Mission Olive Trees are low-maintenance once settled in. They’re drought-tolerant, love full sun, and benefit from occasional pruning to shape and encourage airflow. Container plants may need more frequent watering than those in the ground.
Watering
Water daily for the first few weeks, especially in spring and summer. After establishment, water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry (check with your finger). For containers, ensure excess water drains freely.
Harvesting
Harvest time depends on how you plan to use them. For green table olives, pick them in early fall. If you’re going for black olives or pressing for oil, wait until late fall or early winter. Always cure olives before eating—fresh off the tree, they’re too bitter.
Pruning
Minimal pruning in early years; prune in the dry season only.Indoors: prune to control size and shape, and to encourage air flow and fruiting.
- Product Info
- Care and Maintenance
- Planting Care
- Growing Zone
Product Info
Mature Height: 20-30 ft.
Mature Width: 15-18 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun
Growth Rate: Moderate
Care and Maintenance
Watering: Water daily for the first few weeks, especially in spring and summer. After establishment, water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry (check with your finger). For containers, ensure excess water drains freely.
Fertilizing: Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Apply just before flowering begins each year.
Pruning: Minimal pruning in early years; prune in the dry season only.Indoors: prune to control size and shape, and to encourage air flow and fruiting.
Pollination: While self-fertile, pair with a second olive tree for better yields.
Harvesting: Green olives: Harvest in September. Black olives: Harvest in November.
Planting Care
Sunlight: Place it where it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Soil: Use well-draining soil
Location: Choose a spot with 6–8 hours of full sun and well-draining soil.
Harvesting: Harvest time depends on how you plan to use them. For green table olives, pick them in early fall. If you’re going for black olives or pressing for oil, wait until late fall or early winter. Always cure olives before eating—fresh off the tree, they’re too bitter.
Pollination: Mission Olive Trees are self-pollinating, so you’ll still get fruit with just one. However, planting another variety nearby can boost yield through cross-pollination.
Hardiness Zone: This variety is one of the toughest olives out there. It can tolerate brief dips into the low 20s (°F) once established, making it a smart pick for growers in cooler zones.
Fertilizer: Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Apply just before flowering begins each year.
Growing Zone
Growing Zone 8-11
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