Mission Olive Tree
Mission Olive Tree
SKU:EDB-OLI-MIS-23-5C-FW
Mission Olive Tree: Grow Your Own Gourmet Olives
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 Mission Olives
- 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
The Mission Olive Tree brings a taste of the grove to your garden—no passport needed.
Product Details
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Product Category
Edibles
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Product Subcategory:
Olive Trees
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Botanical Name:
Olea europaea ‘Mission’
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Does Not Ship To:
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Mature Height:
20-30 ft.
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Mature Width:
15-18 ft.
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Growing Zone:
8-11 outdoors
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Indoor Growing:
Indoors or Patio (non-freezing)
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Sunlight:
Full Sun
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Growth Rate:
Moderate
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Harvest Time:
Fall
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Bloom Time:
Planting Directions
<h2>Mission Olive Tree Planting & Care Guide</h2> <h2>Planting</h2> <ul> <li>Choose a spot with <strong>6–8 hours of full sun</strong> and <strong>well-draining soil</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Pollination:</strong> While self-fertile, pair with a second olive tree for better yields.</li> <li>Dig a hole <strong>twice as wide</strong> as the root ball, same depth.</li> <li>Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, tamp down to remove air pockets.</li> <li>Water thoroughly to settle the roots.</li> </ul> <h2>Container Planting</h2> <ul> <li>Use a pot with <strong>drainage holes</strong>, at least 18–24 inches wide.</li> <li>Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally one formulated for citrus or cactus.</li> <li>Repot every 2–3 years as the tree grows.</li> </ul> <h2>Watering</h2> <ul> <li>Water <strong>daily</strong> for the first few weeks, especially in spring and summer.</li> <li>After establishment, water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry (check with your finger).</li> <li>For containers, ensure excess water drains freely.</li> </ul> <h2>Pruning</h2> <ul> <li>Minimal pruning in early years; prune in the <strong>dry season</strong> only.</li> <li>Indoors: prune to control size and shape, and to encourage air flow and fruiting.</li> </ul> <h2>Fertilizing</h2> <ul> <li>Use a <strong>nitrogen-rich fertilizer</strong> monthly during the growing season.</li> <li>Apply just before flowering begins each year.</li> </ul> <h2>Harvesting</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Green olives:</strong> Harvest in <strong>September</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Black olives:</strong> Harvest in <strong>November</strong>.</li> </ul>
FAQs
<h2>Mission Olive Tree FAQs</h2> <ul> <li> <strong>1. Can I grow a Mission Olive Tree in a container?</strong><br> Absolutely. The Mission Olive Tree is container-friendly, making it a great fit for patios, balconies, or even bright indoor spaces. Just keep it pruned to maintain a manageable size and place it where it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. </li> <li> <strong>2. Do I need more than one tree for it to produce olives?</strong><br> Nope! 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. </li> <li> <strong>3. When and how do I harvest Mission Olives?</strong><br> 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. </li> <li> <strong>4. How cold-hardy is the Mission Olive Tree?</strong><br> 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. </li> <li> <strong>5. What kind of care does it need?</strong><br> 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. </li> </ul>