Frantoio Olive Tree

The Frantoio Olive Tree is a classic Italian variety, widely used for olive-oil production. Grown all through the Tuscany region, it is an ideal choice for places with Mediterranean climates, like California, and is not perhaps as tolerant of very cold or very hot places as some other varieties. Olive trees can be grown outdoors from zone 9, with tolerance of a touch of frost, but of course they also make great indoor trees, keeping them outside during summer, to enjoy the unique look they give. The olives have a robust, fruity flavor, great for eating, and also perfect if you want to make your own olive oil. Forming a small tree, easily pruned to control its size if you want to, the handsome silvery-gray leaves sparkle in the sunlight, making every day a perfect day to be in the garden. As the tree matures the trunk thickens and twists, and the dark-gray bark becomes a real feature. You can grow this tree in a large tub for many years, and as a garden tree it is renowned for its drought tolerance and longevity.

• Beautiful small tree with silvery leaves and near-black bark
• Produces a heavy crop of olives, especially suited to oil production
• Ideal choice for Mediterranean climates as a garden tree
• Grows well, for years, in a large pot
• Keep indoors when temperatures fall below freezing

Grow the Frantoio Olive Tree in full sun for good results. Plant it in any well-drained soil – olive trees are renowned for their ability to grow in poor, sandy and rocky ground. Neutral to alkaline soil is best – if your soil is acidic, add garden lime when planting. Water new trees regularly and deeply, to encourage a deep, extensive root system that will tolerate drought with ease. Some watering while fruit is developing will give a better crop. Water a potted tree when the soil is dry at least half way down the pot, and don’t leave standing in a saucer of water. It isn’t eaten by deer and has no pests or diseases of great concern. Prune after harvesting as needed – hard pruning is well-tolerated. If you are growing for oil you will have a larger harvest if you also grow another, different variety in the same general area.