Olive Production

Growing Olives

To insure successful production of fruits, nuts, grapes, and berries in home orchards it is essential that proper varieties be selected. The varieties listed on this site are well suited to our particular conditions. It is quite possible that some varieties not listed may perform well in certain locations.

Annual pruning is important to help regulate crop load and fruit size on most tree and vine varieties.

Cross pollination is required on several varieties and at least two different varieties are required in these circumstances. If no pollination comments are made, assume a single tree will be fruitful.

Olives,  Fruit & Nut Research, UC Davis

• Olive trees grow easily on a wide variety of soils. Won’t tolerate poorly drained soils. Trees tolerate drought once established, but irrigation increases fruit production and size.
• Recommended varieties when planting at elevations between 300 and 1500 feet:
  • Ascolana, Mission, Manzanillo, Sevillano, and Lucca.

Pest Managment

• IPM Pest Management Guidelines for Olives, University of California's official guidelines for pest monitoring techniques, pesticides, and nonpesticide alternatives for managing pests in agriculture. UC IPM

Other University of California Resources

• UCCE Sonoma County, Orchards, Fruits, & Hops 
• UC Davis Olive Center, UC faculty members, research specialists and farm advisors who address the research and education needs of California olive growers and processors. The center also collaborates with institutions worldwide.