Product details
Product Overview
Olea europaea Manzanillo Olive is a versatile and popular variety, renowned for its high-quality fruit suitable for both table consumption and oil production. Its attractive, silvery-green foliage and manageable size make it a favoured choice for gardens and landscapes.
Growth:
This evergreen tree typically reaches a mature height of up to 7 metres and a width of approximately 3 metres, forming a wide-spreading canopy. Its moderate size and appealing form make it suitable as a feature tree, for screening, or for container cultivation.
Light Requirements:
Thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure healthy growth and optimal fruit production.
Soil Requirements:
Prefers well-drained, fertile loamy soils but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. Tolerates both slightly acidic and alkaline conditions, provided the soil is free-draining.
Water Requirements:
Once established, the Manzanillo Olive is drought-tolerant. However, regular watering during the establishment phase and during flowering and fruit set can enhance growth and yield.
Frost Tolerance:
Tolerates light frost when mature, making it suitable for various climates. Young trees may require protection from severe frosts during their initial years.
Drought Tolerance:
Well-suited to dry conditions, this olive variety can withstand extended dry periods once established. Occasional deep watering during prolonged droughts can improve fruit quality and overall tree health.
Flowering and Fruiting Information:
Produces small, white to creamy-white flowers in late spring, followed by medium-sized, oval olives that ripen from green to purple-black. The fruit is excellent for pickling and oil extraction, offering a rich flavour profile.
Pollinators:
While the Manzanillo Olive is partially self-fertile, planting it alongside other olive varieties can improve pollination and increase fruit yields.
Spacing Requirements:
For optimal growth and air circulation, space trees approximately 5 metres apart. This spacing accommodates their mature size and promotes healthy development.
Fertiliser Requirements:
Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth and fruit production. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can promote vegetative growth at the expense of fruiting.
Care and Maintenance:
Prune after flowering to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and improve air circulation within the canopy. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Regularly monitor the tree for pests and diseases to ensure it remains healthy and productive.
