Propagation
Cultivation
Easily grown in a loamy soil[19] and tolerating infertile soils[7], it prefers a well-drained deep fertile soil[7]. A drought resistant plant once established, it succeeds in dry soils[7]. Requires a sunny position[2]. Tolerates salty air[20]. Plants are slow-growing and very long-lived[21].
The olive is very commonly cultivated in Mediterranean climates for its edible seed, there are many named varieties[22][5]. Trees can produce a crop when they are 6 years old and continue producing a commercial yield for the next 50 years[7] - many trees continue to give good yields for hundreds of years, even when their trunk is hollow[3]. They succeed outdoors in the milder areas of Britain[23], though plants rarely produce fruit when grown in this country[3][24][7], preferring warm temperate regions with mild moist winters and hot dry summers[7]. Some reports say that trees often fruit in south-western England[23][20]. Generally, older trees are hardy to about -10°c[2][7]. They require the protection of a south facing wall when grown in the London area[23]. At least some cultivars are self-fertile[7]. Some cultivars have been selected mainly for their fruits whilst others have been selected for their oil[7]. 'Mission' is grown for its edible fruits. It is vigorous, prolific and very cold resistant[7]. 'Moraiolo' is grown for its oil, it is very hardy and strong-growing[7]. Flower production depends on a 12 - 15 week period of diurnally fluctuating temperatures with at least 2 months averaging below 10°c[7]. Pruning can encourage non-fruiting water-shoots[7]. Weighing down or arching the branches can encourage fruiting[7]. The plants fruit best on wood that is one year old so any pruning should take this into account[11]. An olive branch is a traditional symbol of peace[25], laurel leaves were used by the ancient Greeks to crown winners of the Olympic games[3].
Plants have male flowers and bisexual flowers[7].