Product details
Product Overview
The Olea europaea UC13A6 California Queen Olive, is a bold and versatile olive variety that boasts exceptionally large, almost perfectly round fruit. Originally developed at the University of California, this remarkable cultivar is prized for its delicious table olives, which are equally delightful when enjoyed green or black.
Growth:
This evergreen tree grows with vigour, reaching a mature height of 4 to 8 metres and spreading 2 to 4 metres wide. Its dense, rounded canopy provides both shade and visual appeal, making it an ideal choice for feature planting, avenues, or neatly trimmed hedges.
Light Requirements:
The California Queen Olive thrives in full sun, soaking up at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Sunlight is key to its healthy growth and the development of abundant, flavourful fruit.
Soil Requirements:
Happy in well-drained soils, this olive variety adapts to a wide range of conditions, from sandy to clay soils. It tolerates both slightly acidic and alkaline pH levels, as long as the soil provides good drainage to keep its roots healthy.
Water Requirements:
Once established, this variety is impressively drought-tolerant. During its early years, however, regular watering is crucial to support strong growth. Occasional deep watering during the flowering and fruiting phases can also enhance the size and quality of its olives.
Frost Tolerance:
Mature trees handle light frosts with ease, making them a versatile choice for different climates. Younger trees benefit from frost protection in colder regions to ensure their healthy development.
Drought Tolerance:
Designed by nature to endure dry spells, the Californian Queen Olive is perfect for gardens with low water availability. Even so, occasional deep watering during long droughts helps keep the tree vibrant and its fruit plentiful.
Flowering and Fruiting Information:
In late spring, this tree bursts into life with clusters of creamy-white flowers, which are soon followed by its signature large, nearly spherical olives. These versatile fruits ripen from green to glossy black, perfect for pickling or adding a gourmet touch to your table.
Pollination:
The Californian Queen Olive is self-fertile, so it doesn’t need a pollination partner to produce fruit. However, planting it near other olive varieties can increase yields and create a thriving grove.
Spacing Requirements:
To give the trees room to grow and allow air to circulate freely, space them 2 to 4 metres apart. This spacing works well for individual plantings, hedges, or rows.
Fertiliser Requirements:
Feed the tree with a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage lush growth and fruit production. Avoid fertilisers high in nitrogen, as they may prioritise leaf growth over fruiting.
Care and Maintenance:
Shape and rejuvenate your tree with light pruning after flowering, removing any crowded or damaged branches. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it clear of the trunk. Regularly check for signs of stress or pests to keep the tree thriving year-round.
