- Mature height
- 5m to 10m (approx.)
- Mature width
- 2m to 3m
Olea europaea 'Garden Harvest' is a fruiting olive bred for the home garden rather than the grove, producing reliable crops of medium-sized olives on a frame narrow enough to sit against a courtyard wall. Silvery-green evergreen foliage carries the Mediterranean look year round.
'Garden Harvest' reaches around 5 metres if left entirely unpruned and is easily held at 2 to 3 metres with annual trimming, staying just 2 to 3 metres wide. Growth is steady at 30 to 60 centimetres per year, so it holds its shape between prunes and performs reliably in a large pot.
'Garden Harvest' is evergreen and drought tolerant once established, handling light to moderate frost. It wants full sun and free-draining soil, and needs very little water or feeding once its roots are down, which suits water-wise and low-maintenance planting.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Olea europaea 'Garden Harvest'
How big does Olea 'Garden Harvest' grow?
It reaches around 5 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide if left unpruned, and is commonly held at 2 to 3 metres with annual trimming, which also keeps fruit within reach.
Does 'Garden Harvest' produce edible olives?
Yes. It produces reliable crops of medium-sized fruit suitable for curing at home. Like all olives the fruit must be cured before eating.
Is 'Garden Harvest' self-fertile?
Yes, it will set fruit on its own, though crops improve noticeably with a second olive variety flowering nearby to assist pollination.
Can it be grown in a pot?
Yes. Its compact habit and steady growth make it well suited to large pots in full sun. Use a free-draining mix and let it dry out between waterings.
Is 'Garden Harvest' drought tolerant?
Yes. Once established it is highly drought tolerant and needs only occasional deep watering. Overwatering is a more common problem than underwatering.
When should I prune an olive tree?
Prune in late winter before new growth begins, opening the centre to light and removing crossing branches. Olives fruit on the previous season's wood, so avoid removing all of it.
Is 'Garden Harvest' frost tolerant?
It handles light to moderate frost once established. In colder inland districts protect young trees through their first winter.