Mission Olive Trees Started

The Mission Olive tree (Olea europaea 'Mission') is a classic American olive cultivar, highly valued for its dual purpose: producing both delicious table olives and high-quality olive oil. It's renowned for its adaptability and relatively good cold hardiness.

Description:

• Size: Can reach 15-20 feet tall and wide in the ground, but can be maintained smaller with pruning or in containers.
• Foliage: Evergreen, with characteristic silvery-green, leathery leaves that give it a graceful appearance.
• Trunk: Develops a gnarled, sculptural, gray-barked trunk with age, adding significant ornamental value.
• Fruit: Produces medium-sized, oval olives that are green when immature and turn black when fully ripe. They are slightly sweet and buttery for oil, and can be brined for table use.
• Growth Rate: Moderate grower.
• Hardiness: One of the most cold-hardy olive varieties, tolerating temperatures down to 15−20∘F (−9 to −7∘C).

Growing Instructions (Short):

• Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) for best growth and fruit production.
• Temperature: Thrives in Mediterranean climates with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Protect young trees from hard frosts.
• Soil: Needs well-draining soil, tolerant of poor, rocky, and slightly alkaline conditions. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils which can lead to root rot.
• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established, but requires regular watering during its establishment phase (first 2-3 years) and during dry spells, especially when fruiting. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Fertilizing: Benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer, especially during the growing season (spring to late summer). Avoid fertilizing after August to discourage new growth susceptible to frost damage.
• Pruning: Prune annually in late winter or early spring before new buds appear. Aim for a "vase" shape to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. Remove dead, diseased, crossing, or vertically growing branches (suckers and water sprouts). Avoid heavy pruning on young trees (under 2-3 years old).
• Container Growing: Excellent for large containers in colder climates (USDA Zones 4-7) where they can be moved indoors during winter. Ensure good drainage.