Collection: Potted Olives (Pick up only)

Due to the olive tree’s hardiness and adaptability, most olive varieties can survive a wide range of climatic conditions. They can withstand drought and physical damage which would cause serious decline of many other fruit trees. In general, all olive varieties require winter rainfall or supplementary irrigation through the winter for reliable flowering and fruit set. 

Different olive varieties are specifically suited for either cool or warm climates, with varietal selection making a huge difference in fruit production. Some olive varieties are specifically bred to produce no or limited fruit, making them idea for patios and other low maintenance areas.  Also there are several miniature or dwarf varieties best suited for hedging or as feature plants in smaller gardens or pots. A number of olive trees are best suited for oil production whilst others are better suited as table eating olives. The olive trees offered here are best suited for our subtropical climate and cover all the different aspects covered above.

Watercress Olives and Limes is situated less than 2kms from our nursery and grows a range of warmer climate olives and well known for its annual Olive Festival in April each year and many other attractions throughout the year. They have a range of delicious olive products that can be purchased from their shop. See https://watercresscreekolivesandlimes.com.au

The Best Time to Plant Olives

Brisbane’s climate and soil types provide adequate conditions to grow healthy olive trees without spending a lot on soil additives.  The location if planted in the ground should be free draining to ensure adequate aeration in the root system and lots of sunlight as they flourish if exposed to at least six hours of full sunlight.  Autumn and Spring provide the best times of the year to plant out olive trees.  Regular watering during the first year is important to assist in the establishment of the plants.  

If planting in a pot, pot selection should be based on the growth characteristics of the plant. The smaller dwarf varieties flourish better in smaller pots because they are less likely to become water lodged.

We recommend feeding your young trees with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. When planting out either in the ground or a pot, please do not dump a heap of fertiliser below the roots. It is best to mix the fertiliser into the soil to avoid fertiliser burn.  

Pruning plays a vital role in maintaining the health and productivity of the olive tree. Prune off any lower branches to promote upper growth and encourage a strong single apex. 

Low Fruiting/Fruitless Varieties

Low-fruiting and nearly fruitless olive tree varieties provide a lower maintenance classic Mediterranean aesthetic, silvery-green foliage, and elegant branching structure without the seasonal mess caused by staining or dropped fruit. These varieties are highly favoured for hedged driveways, patios, pots and small gardens.

·      Bambalina: A dwarf, low fruiting selection prized as an ornamental for tidy hedges.

·      Mediterranean Midget: A compact, non-fruiting dwarf selection highly prized for tidy hedging, courtyards, and pots.

Miniature of Dwarf Varieties

·      Bambalina: Grows to 2m

·      Garden Harvest: Grows to 2.5m

·      Mediterranean Midget: Grows to 1.5m.

·      Miniolea: Grows to 2.5m

Oil Varieties

Arbequina, Coratina, Correggiola, Frantoio, Garden Harvest, Helena, Koroneiki, Miniolea and Picual are high-oil olive varieties commonly chosen for Australian groves focused on olive oil production.

Table Varieties

Garden Harvest, Hojiblanca, Kalamata, Miniolea, Manzanillo are all known for their excellent textures and flavours when processed as table olives.

Recipe for Fresh Pickled Olives

Olives need to be pickled before eating. Cover the olives in fresh water for 10 -14 days, changing the water daily Then make a pickling solution.  This can be elaborate or very basic - basic brine is 100gms of salt to 1 litre of cooled boiled water.  The olives then need to be fully submerged in clean sterile jars for at least 3 to 12 months in a cool cupboard. Suggested additives - lemons, oregano, red capsicum, basil, garlic, thyme, rosemary and/or white wine vinegar.