Product details
Product Overview
Olea europaea Kalamata Olive is a highly regarded fruiting olive variety known for producing large, almond-shaped olives with rich flavour and excellent culinary quality. Famous for its use in Mediterranean-style eating, Kalamata olives are traditionally harvested when fully ripe and dark purple to black, making them ideal for pickling, curing and preserving.
This attractive evergreen tree features narrow, silvery-green foliage and a naturally graceful form, bringing both ornamental value and productive harvests to Australian gardens. Once established, Kalamata Olive is hardy, drought tolerant and well suited to warm, dry climates, making it a strong choice for home orchards, feature planting, large containers and edible gardens.
Growth:
Olea europaea Kalamata Olive grows into a medium-sized evergreen tree, typically reaching around 4 to 6 metres in home garden conditions, with a broader spread if left unpruned. It has a moderate growth rate and forms an attractive rounded canopy with silvery foliage. Regular pruning can keep the tree smaller and more manageable for harvesting.
Light Requirements:
Full sun is essential for strong growth, flowering and fruit production. Plant in a position that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Shadier locations may reduce flowering and result in fewer olives.
Soil Requirements:
Kalamata Olive prefers well-drained soil and will tolerate poorer, sandy or rocky soils once established. Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground, as olives dislike wet roots. In heavier soils, improve drainage with organic matter and consider planting on a slight mound or raised area.
Water Requirements:
Water regularly during establishment to encourage a strong root system. Once mature, Kalamata Olive is drought tolerant, though occasional deep watering during extended dry periods will support healthier growth and better fruit development.
Frost Tolerance:
Kalamata Olive has good frost tolerance once established and can handle light to moderate frosts. Young trees may need protection during severe cold, especially in their first few winters.
Drought Tolerance:
Once established, Kalamata Olive is highly drought tolerant and well suited to dry Australian conditions. Mulching around the root zone can help conserve soil moisture, but keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Flowering and Fruiting Information:
Small creamy-white flowers appear in spring, followed by developing fruit through the warmer months. Kalamata olives are usually harvested when fully coloured, from dark purple to black, and must be cured before eating, as fresh olives are naturally bitter.
Pollinators:
Self-fertile, the Kalamata Jumbo Olive does not require a pollination partner to set fruit. For best fruit set, plant with another compatible olive variety nearby to assist pollination.
Spacing Requirements:
Allow approximately 4 to 6 metres between trees if planting in the ground. For hedging or more compact orchard-style planting, spacing can be reduced with regular pruning. Kalamata Olive can also be grown in a large container, provided it has excellent drainage and full sun.
Fertiliser Requirements:
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth and fruiting. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers and fruit. A light application of compost around the root zone can also help maintain soil health.
Care and Maintenance:
Prune lightly after harvest or in late winter to shape the tree, improve airflow and remove dead or crossing branches. Keep the centre of the canopy open to allow sunlight penetration and easier picking. Monitor for common olive pests such as scale and olive lace bug, treating early if needed. With good drainage, full sun and occasional pruning, Kalamata Olive will provide both ornamental beauty and productive harvests for many years.
