Olive Plant Size:
Get the Right Size for You

Choosing the perfect olive plant for your home or garden can be a daunting task. With so many different sizes and varieties available, it’s important to consider the space you have and your personal preferences. In this article, we will explore the different sizes of olive plants and help you find the right one for you.

Small Olive Plants

Small olive plants are perfect for those with limited space or who prefer a more compact plant. These smaller varieties typically reach a height of around 2-3 feet, making them ideal for containers or small gardens. Despite their smaller size, they still produce an abundance of olives and can be a great addition to any landscape.

One popular small olive plant variety is the ‘Little Ollie’ dwarf olive tree. This variety only grows to around 3 feet tall and has a compact, rounded shape. The ‘Little Ollie’ is known for its dense foliage and attractive silver-green leaves. It produces small black fruit that is perfect for harvesting and using in your favorite recipes.

Another option for a small olive plant is the ‘Arbequina’ olive tree. This variety reaches a height of around 4-6 feet and has a narrow, columnar shape. The ‘Arbequina’ is known for its high oil content and is often used for olive oil production. It produces small, black olives that have a mild, buttery flavor.

Medium Olive Plants

Medium-sized olive plants are a popular choice for those who want a balance between size and productivity. These varieties typically reach a height of around 6-10 feet and have a more bushy, upright growth habit. Medium-sized olive plants can be planted in containers or directly in the ground and can add an elegant touch to any landscape.

One excellent medium-sized olive plant option is the ‘Koroneiki’ olive tree. This variety is known for its high oil content and small, flavorful olives. The ‘Koroneiki’ reaches a height of around 8-10 feet and has a dense, compact growth habit. It is a self-pollinating variety, making it a great choice for those with limited space.

Another popular medium olive plant is the ‘Frantoio’ olive tree. This variety is widely used for olive oil production due to its high oil content and intense flavor. The ‘Frantoio’ reaches a height of around 6-8 feet and has an open, spreading growth habit. It produces medium-sized fruit that is perfect for both olive oil production and table use.

Large Olive Plants

If you have ample space and want to make a statement with your olive plant, consider a large variety. These olive plants can reach heights of up to 20 feet or more, creating a majestic presence in your garden or landscape. Large olive plants require plenty of room to grow and thrive best when planted directly in the ground.

One impressive large olive plant variety is the ‘Manzanillo’ olive tree. This variety can reach a height of up to 20 feet and has a broad, spreading growth habit. The ‘Manzanillo’ produces large, plump olives that are perfect for curing and eating. It is a self-fertile variety and can also be used as a pollinator for other olive trees.

Another option for a large olive plant is the ‘Mission’ olive tree. This variety reaches a height of around 15-20 feet and has an upright, columnar shape. The ‘Mission’ produces medium-sized black olives that are perfect for both table use and oil production. It is known for its exceptional flavor and versatility.

Factors to Consider

When choosing the right size olive plant for your needs, there are several factors to consider:

1. Space: Determine how much space you have available for planting. If you have limited space, opt for a small or medium-sized variety that can be grown in containers or smaller gardens.

2. Purpose: Consider what you plan to do with the olives. If you are interested in olive oil production, choose a variety known for its high oil content. If you want olives for eating or curing, select a variety with flavorful fruit.

3. Maintenance: Keep in mind the maintenance requirements of different olive plant sizes. Larger plants may require more pruning and care, while smaller plants may be easier to manage.

4. Climate: Consider the climate of your region and choose a variety that is well-suited to your area. Some olive varieties are more cold-hardy, while others thrive in warmer climates.

Conclusion

Choosing the right size olive plant is essential to ensure its growth and overall success in your home or garden. Whether you opt for a small, medium, or large variety, there are plenty of options to suit your space and preferences. Consider factors such as space, purpose, maintenance, and climate when making your selection. With the right size olive plant, you can enjoy the beauty and delicious taste of fresh olives right at home.