Olives
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Landscaping
Olives are incredibly versatile, from stand-alone trees to hedging, topiary, and being used as a houseplant. Olives respond well to pruning but adjust the pruning to suit the reason for having an Olive tree.
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Culinary & Nutrition
The fruit of Olive is initially inedible. Olives may be processed either while unripe to produce "green olives" or, when ripe, to produce "black olives", as are used on pizza, Mexican food, and Mediterranean-style salads. Olive oil is rich in oleic acid and good for cardiovascular health. Contains monounsaturated fat, the 'good' cholesterol. It may help with inflammation in joints etc.
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Growing Conditions
Olives prefer a reasonably sheltered environment, although air movement is needed for pollination. In high rainfall areas, ensure the plant has good drainage. Can tolerate drought conditions and can be exceptionally long-lived. A general low-nitrogen fertiliser will keep the Olive happy.
Incredible Olive Varieties
Kalamata olive, originating in Greece, is a popular variety known for their rich flavor and distinctive almond shape. The large plump olives are a deep purple to black color and are often used in Mediterranean cuisine. Kalamata olives are typically grown in warm climates, making them well-suited for Australian conditions.
All Olives prefer a well draining soil proving adequate moisture during flowering and fruit set. Staking when the plant is young will be beneficial. Fertilise with a high nitrogen fertiliser in autumn and spring.
Kalamata olive can be harvested in late autumn to early winter, wait for the colour to change before picking. Harvesting by hand ensures minimal damage to fruit. When harvesting for oil, wait till the olive has a nice dark colour.
Great for use in salad dressings, pasta dishes and perfect for garnishes for pizzas and other Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Kalamata olive is suitable as a table olives and also used to make Olive oil.
They are a good source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, and are rich in anti-oxidants.
Check out our All about Olives expert advice page for so much more on how and where to grow Olives.
Olea europaea ‘kalamata’
Kalamata olive, originating in Greece, is a popular variety known for their rich flavor and distinctive almond shape. Olive Kalamata Jumbo has large crops of very large plump olives that turn from green to a deep purple-black colour and are often used in Mediterranean cuisine. The fruit is meaty and juicy with small pits excellent as a table olive, marinated or in brine. Kalamata Jumbo is a strong erect olive tree with weeping branches. olives are typically grown in warm climates, making them well-suited for Australian conditions.
All Olives prefer a well draining soil proving adequate moisture during flowering and fruit set. Staking when the plant is young will be beneficial. Fertilise with a high nitrogen fertiliser in autumn and spring.
Perfect choice to grow as a specimen, or train as espalier or grow as a hedge.
Kalamata Jumbo olive can be harvested in late autumn to early winter, wait for the colour to change before picking. Harvesting by hand ensures minimal damage to fruit. When harvesting for oil, wait till the olive has a nice dark colour.
Also great for use in salad dressings, pasta dishes and perfect for garnishes for pizzas and other Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Kalamata Jumbo olive is suitable as a table olives and also used to make Olive oil.
They are a good source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, and are rich in anti-oxidants. (reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.
Check out our All about Olives expert advice page for so much more on how and where to grow Olives.
Olea europaea ‘kalamata Jumbo’
Koroneiki is renowned for its rich flavor and high oil content, making it a popular choice for both olive oil production and table olives. Originating from Greece, this small, dark green to black fruit is well-suited to a variety of climates, particularly in Australia, where it thrives in warm, dry conditions. Although Olives are self-fertile, all will benefit from having multiple plants to maximise fruit production.
All Olives prefer a well draining soil proving adequate moisture during flowering and fruit set. Staking when the plant is young will be beneficial. Fertilise with a high nitrogen fertiliser in autumn and spring.
The olives are typically harvested in late autumn to early winter when they reach their optimal ripeness. Their small size necessitates careful harvesting to avoid damage. For oil production pick olives when a good dark colour, for pickling pick when changing from green to greenish-yellow colour.
High in anti-oxidants, olive oil reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.
Koroneiki olives are celebrated for their distinct taste and are commonly used to produce high-quality olive oil. They can also be enjoyed as table olives, offering a strong flavor profile that pairs well with various dishes.
Check our expert advice page All about Olives, on for so much more on the caring for your Olive.
Olea europaea ‘Koroneiki’
The Manzanillo olive is one of the most popular and versatile olive varieties grown around the world, particularly favoured for its excellent flavour and high oil content. It originates from Spain and is well-suited to Australian climates. Although Olives are self-fertile, all will benefit from having multiple plants to maximise fruit production
Manzanillo olive produces medium-sized fruit that is oval-shaped, with a bright green hue that matures to a beautiful dark purple when ripe. Known for its rich, slightly nutty flavour, the Manzanillo is commonly used for table olives and is also excellent for oil production.
This variety is a small to medium-sized tree, typically reaching heights of around 3 to 4 meters. It has a bushy habit and is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for various planting conditions.
All Olives prefer a well draining soil proving adequate moisture during flowering and fruit set. Staking when the plant is young will be beneficial. Fertilise with a high nitrogen fertiliser in autumn and spring.
Olives can be harvested in the late autumn to early winter months once they have reached their desired ripeness. They can be enjoyed fresh, or cured and brined to enhance flavor. The oil extracted from Manzanillo olives is of high quality, known for its smooth finish and green, fruity notes.
Manzanillo olives are versatile in culinary applications. They can be used in tapenades, salads, or as a flavourful garnish. Additionally, the oil produced from these olives is a staple in Mediterranean dishes and provides health benefits associated with olive oil consumption. High in anti-oxidants, olive oil reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. For oil production pick olives when a good dark colour, for pickling pick when changing from green to greenish-yellow colour.
Check our expert advice page All about Olives, on for so much more on the caring for your Olive.
Olea europaea ‘Manzanillo’
Tolley’s Upright, is a cultivar recognized for its compact, upright growth habit. This variety is ideal for gardeners seeking to cultivate olives in smaller spaces or containers, while still enjoying the benefits of homegrown olives.
The leaves of the Olive Tolley’s Upright are narrow and silvery-green, providing an attractive appearance throughout the year. This variety is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in well-drained soils, making it well-suited for Australian climates. Although Olives are self-fertile, all will benefit from having multiple plants to maximise fruit production. All Olives prefer a well draining soil proving adequate moisture during flowering and fruit set. Staking when the plant when young will be beneficial. Fertilise with a high nitrogen fertiliser in autumn and spring
Olive Tolley’s Upright produces small, dark purple to black olives that can be harvested for both table use and oil production with a moderate to high yield. Ideal planting conditions include full sun and protection from harsh winds, enhancing both growth and fruit quality.
As part of the incredible edibles® collection, this olive tree is a worthwhile addition for any home garden enthusiast focused on growing quality fruiting plants.
Olives can be harvested in the late autumn to early winter months once they have reached their desired ripeness. They can be enjoyed fresh, or cured and brined to enhance flavour. Olives are versatile in culinary applications. They can be used in tapenades, salads, or as a flavourful garnish. Additionally, the oil produced from these olives is a staple in Mediterranean dishes and provides health benefits associated with olive oil consumption.
High in anti-oxidants, olive oil reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. For oil production pick olives when a good dark colour, for pickling pick when changing from green to greenish-yellow colour.
Check our expert advice page All about Olives, on for so much more on the caring for your Olive.
Olea europaea ‘Tolley’s Upright’
Olive Verdale is a remarkable variety that thrives particularly well in Australian climates. Known for its exceptional adaptability, this cultivar produces high-quality olives that are both distinct in flavour and versatile in culinary applications. It has silky green leaves with an upright open form with a slightly weeping habit. Verdale has large oval fruit with a pleasant flavour.
Although Olives are self-fertile, all will benefit from having multiple plants to maximise fruit production. All Olives prefer a well draining soil proving adequate moisture during flowering and fruit set. Staking when the plant when young will be beneficial. Fertilise with a high nitrogen fertiliser in autumn and spring
The olives are medium-sized with a rich, savory taste, making them ideal for oil production and table olives.
Olives can be harvested in the late autumn to early winter months once they have reached their desired ripeness. They can be enjoyed fresh, or cured and brined to enhance flavour. Olives are versatile in culinary applications. They can be used in tapenades, salads, or as a flavourful garnish. Additionally, the oil produced from these olives is a staple in Mediterranean dishes and provides health benefits associated with olive oil consumption. Their versatile nature makes them a popular choice for both home chefs and professional kitchens.
High in anti-oxidants, olive oil reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. For oil production pick olives when a good dark colour, for pickling pick when changing from green to greenish-yellow colour.
Check our expert advice page All about Olives, on for so much more on the caring for your Olive.
Olea earopaea ‘Verdale’
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Olive Frantoio is an Italian cultivar. Heavy yield of medium oval-sized fruit is harvested early in the season. It is a large-sized tree.
All Olives prefer a well draining soil proving adequate moisture during flowering and fruit set. Staking when the plant is young will be beneficial. Fertilise with a high nitrogen fertiliser in autumn and spring. Although Olives are self-fertile, all will benefit from having multiple plants to maximise fruit production.
Olives can be harvested in the late autumn to early winter months once they have reached their desired ripeness. For oil production they should be harvested when black, but for pickling or when used in other culinary applications, pick them when they change from green to greenish-yellow. Frantoio is one of the world's greatest Olives and is suitable for table and oil production.
High in anti-oxidants, olive oil reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.
Check out our All about Olives expert advice page for so much more on how and where to grow Olives.
Olea europaea ‘Frantoio’