Mission Olive Tree

Mission olive trees are a versatile and hardy variety, known for their ability to produce both high-quality table olives and olive oil making them well-suited for home gardens. Here’s how to plant and care for them:

Planting Mission Olive Trees

Choose the Right Location:

• Sunlight: Mission olive trees need full sun to thrive, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. A sunny, open location will promote healthy growth and better fruit production.
• Space: These trees can grow up to 25-40 feet tall and 15-30 feet wide, so choose a spot with plenty of space for them to reach their mature size.

Soil Preparation:

• Well-Draining Soil: Olive trees prefer well-draining soil. They can tolerate various soil types, including poor, rocky, or sandy soils, but they do not do well in heavy, waterlogged soil. If your soil has poor drainage, consider planting on a slight mound or using raised beds.
• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.5) is ideal. You can amend the soil with compost to improve texture and fertility if necessary.

Planting Process:

• Dig a Generous Hole: Make a hole that is about twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. This allows the roots to spread out easily.
• Position the Tree: Place the tree in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. This prevents the trunk from sitting in water, which can cause rot.
• Backfill and Water Thoroughly: Fill the hole with soil, gently pressing down to remove air pockets. Water deeply after planting to help the soil settle around the roots.

Caring for Mission Olive Trees

Watering:

• Regular Watering Initially: Newly planted trees need regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) until they are established, typically for the first year.
• Deep Watering During Dry Periods: Mature Mission olive trees are drought-tolerant but should still be watered deeply during prolonged dry periods, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water at the base of the tree, avoiding the foliage.

Fertilizing:

• Annual Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and fruit production. An olive-specific or citrus fertilizer can also be used. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
• Organic Matter: Adding compost around the base of the tree each spring can help improve soil fertility and support the tree’s growth.

Pruning:

• Shape and Maintenance: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Regular pruning helps maintain a manageable shape, encourages better air circulation, and improves sunlight penetration, which promotes healthy fruiting.
• Open Center Pruning: For better light and air circulation, prune to create an open center or vase shape. This technique allows sunlight to penetrate the interior of the tree, leading to better fruit production and reducing the risk of disease.

Mulching:

• Moisture Retention: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed competition.
• Avoid Mulch Contact with Trunk: Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup that could lead to rot.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Watch for Pests: While generally hardy, Mission olive trees can be affected by pests like olive fruit flies, scale, and aphids. Inspect regularly, and use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
• Prevent Diseases: Proper spacing, pruning, and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent common diseases like root rot, leaf spot, and sooty mold. Good air circulation around the tree is essential for maintaining its health.

Harvesting Mission Olives

• When to Harvest: Mission olives can be harvested for different purposes. Green olives are picked earlier (usually in late summer to early fall) when they are firm and green, while black olives are picked later (in late fall) when they have turned fully ripe and dark.
• Hand-Picking: Olives should be gently hand-picked or raked from the branches. Be careful not to damage the fruit if you plan to use them for oil production or curing.
• Processing: Freshly picked olives are very bitter and must be cured before eating. If you plan to make olive oil, the olives will need to be pressed soon after harvest for the best quality.

When planting Mission olive trees, proper spacing is crucial to ensure healthy growth, good air circulation, and optimal fruit production. Here’s a detailed spacing guide:

General Spacing Recommendations

Traditional Orchard Spacing:

• 15 to 20 feet apart: For a traditional orchard setting, space Mission olive trees about 15 to 20 feet apart. This allows each tree enough room to reach its mature size without overcrowding. Adequate spacing also ensures good air circulation, which helps prevent diseases and promotes healthy fruit production.

Spacing Near Structures:

• 10 to 15 feet from buildings or other trees: Plant Mission olive trees at least 10-15 feet away from buildings, fences, or other large plants. This prevents their root systems from interfering with structures and gives them enough room to grow and spread naturally.

Design Tips for Home Gardens

• Ornamental Grouping: If planting for ornamental purposes, such as in a garden or landscape, you can plant Mission olive trees closer together (around 10-12 feet apart) for a more compact, fuller look, especially when creating a natural-looking hedge or screen.
• Single Specimen Planting: When planting a single tree, make sure it has enough space (about 20 feet all around) so it can develop its natural, rounded shape without competing with other plants for light and nutrients.