Olive
Here';s the good oil. The ancient and venerable European Olive (Olea) tree has certainly put roots down in NZ and adapted extremely well to our Kiwi lifestyle. The Olive is not only a highly regarded feature tree in New Zealand landscape schemes, it is now becoming an important horticulture crop for both the fruits and high quality Virgin Olive oil.
Both Sir George Grey and Logan Campbell were responsible for planting large numbers of Olive trees in New Zealand from about 1860 onwards. Their legacy can still be seen in Cornwall Park, Auckland, where some of these original trees continue to grow and produce Olives. These days Olives for oil production are grown just about everywhere in New Zealand with Hawkes Bay, Martinborough and Marlborough being 3 of the key production areas.
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As a garden plant Olives do well where the winter is cool, and not too wet, and the summers are long and hot. I think I would thrive in those conditions as well! Olives will grow in poor soils but will do better in fertile open loam that is free draining yet does not dry out completely especially when the fruits are forming. Once established the Olive tree will become more drought tolerant. Olives have a shallow root system and therefore are better located away from very strong Southerly winds. Some wind is acceptable, even desirable as Olives are wind pollinated. Many varieties are self fertile but as you know we always recommend a partner for the best results. A side dressing of Gypsum from time to time will also help add alkalinity to the soil and mimic the trees horticultural origins. Warning- don';t overfeed with Nitrogen rich fertilizer.
Olives look their best when group planted and their beautiful shimmering blue grey foliage combines well with just about any other colour in the garden. Olives can also be used as dramatic container plants around pools and patios. No matter if you want to grow Olives as a culinary delight or a visual delight they have proved that they certainly do "oilright" right here in little old Godzone.
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6 LISTINGS
As indicated by the name this Olive hails from Greece. It has a nice compact form making a good choice for topiary work. Attractive grey green foliage and small white flowers followed by heavy crops of small fruit that have good oil content. Happiest in the sun with protection from harsh wind. Evergreen.
While Olives can tolerate poor soil they are happiest in nice fertile loam. If your soil is poor for best results give your Olive tree some well balanced fertilizer every now and then. Also do not let the tree dry out when the fruit is developing.
Suitable for warmer areas including Auckland/Northland
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 5m x 3.5m
Olea El Greco
Current Stock Height: 80/90 cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$26.99
As indicated by the name this Olive hails from Greece. It has a compact form and is a good choice for topiary work. Attractive grey green foliage and small white flowers followed by heavy crops of small fruit that have good oil content. Happiest in the sun with protection from harsh wind. Evergreen.
Suitable for warmer areas including Auckland/Northland
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: Std
Olea El Greco Std
Current Stock Height: STD 90/130cm ?
Container: 8l ?
$129.99
Frantoio produces quite small Olives that are very high in oil content. It is considered to be the premier oil variety in Tuscany where there is an Olive oil factory of the same name. Highly ornamental as well as productive. Plant in a sunny well drained spot. Evergreen.
Suitable for warmer areas including Auckland/Northland
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 3.1m x 3m
Olea Frantoio
Current Stock Height: 70/80cm ?
Container: 1.9l ?
$24.99
Olea Frantoio
Current Stock Height: 90/110 cm ?
Container: 1.9l ?
$29.99
A popular Olive that produces a strong spicy flavoured oil. Equally desirable as a highly ornamental evergreen tree with attractive grey-green foliage. This variety is hardy to cold and self-fertile. Plant in a sunny spot in well drained soil. Evergreen.
Olives are highly ornamental trees as well as good fruit producers. They are very tolerant but do best in a sheltered position. It is important that your Olive does not dry out when the fruit is developing and they enjoy an annual feed general slow release fertilizer.
Suitable for warmer areas including Auckland/Northland
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 3.1m x 3m
Olea Leccino
Current Stock Height: 80/90cm ?
Container: 1.9l ?
$24.99
This Olive has large fruit that ripen in early autumn and are perfect for pickling. Quickly forms a nice specimen tree with attractive grey-green foliage. Self-fertile. Happiest in the sun with protection from harsh wind. Evergreen.
Suitable for warmer areas including Auckland/Northland
Habit: Upright
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 3.1m x 3m
Olea Manzanillo
Current Stock Height: 100/120cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$26.99
Early producing olive that has medium vigour and is very hardy. High yields, high oil content and ripens mid to late season. Performs well from cold to subtropical climates. Self fertile but benefits from cross pollination. This is a favoured commercial variety in Jaen, Spain - the largest olive growing area in the world. Evergreen.
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 6m x 3m
Olea Picual
Current Stock Height: 70/90cm ?
Container: 1.9l ?
$24.99
Olea Picual
Current Stock Height: 70/90cm ?
Container: 2.4l ?
$24.99
Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: Open 7 days 8:30am-5pm