Olive plants (Olea europaea) require certain growing conditions, but they are capable of living for a very long time. In fact, The Science Times reports that olive trees around the world can live as long as 1,500 years, with an average life span of 500 years. In the United States, you’ll find that they grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. Though olive trees can survive some neglect, there are optimal growing conditions that will yield healthier trees and a better crop.

Olive Tree Climate and Life Span

Optimal conditions for olive trees start with well-drained, sandy soil. If you do not have this type of soil in your area, you can attempt to add drainage and sandy topsoil layers. This may or may not yield a viable olive tree. In addition, this may or may not produce much fruit depending on the overall health of the tree.

According to California Rare Fruit Growers, olive trees are native to certain parts of tropical and central Asia as well as various parts of Africa. Archaeological evidence reveals that certain olive species have been grown in places like Crete or Syria since 2500 B.C. It is believed that olives only made their way to California in the mid-to-late 1700s, possibly in 1769 when seeds were brought from Mexico or in 1785 when trees were imported for the manufacture of olive oil.

Olive Production Requirements

Once an olive tree is thriving, it may begin to produce fruit. However, olives aren’t typically produced until the tree is about five or six years old. As time goes on, more olives will grow on a tree that is properly cared for and receiving all required nutrients and external conditions. The maximum olive production for such a tree tends to occur around its 40th or 50th birthday.

Regular care that is necessary for olive growth includes irrigation of the area around the tree, particularly in the warmer months to prevent excessive dryness. Olive tree fruit should be harvested after fruit set has occurred, which is when the petals of the tree’s blooms fall away and reveal just the olives. Harvest is best conducted when the olive tree flowers have fallen, and the olives are at their maximum size but are still green. This generally occurs in the fall.

Caring for Olive Trees

Olive trees are technically classified as evergreens, and they may grow as tall as 50 feet, spreading as wide as 30 feet. Leave at least this much space between olive trees to encourage healthy growth and a long life span. You may prune olive trees to about 20 feet but refrain from making them any smaller than that.

Olive trees are extremely tough, having been known to grow back from near death or after being chopped completely to the ground. This comes as little surprise given their long life span. However, for optimal fruit production, it’s essential that olive trees be treated with care throughout their lives. Only with the right conditions and stored energy can the trees produce fruit.