Olive Tree Seeds (Olea europaea)
Olive Tree Seeds (Olea europaea)
Ancient grace. Evergreen abundance.
Olea europaea, the Olive Tree, is a timeless symbol of peace, resilience, and prosperity. With silvery-green leaves, gnarled trunks, and oil-bearing fruit, this Mediterranean classic thrives where many plants struggle—hot summers, poor soils, and dry conditions. Long-lived and steeped in history, it is as practical as it is poetic.
- Native to the Mediterranean Basin
- Produces fragrant flowers and edible olives (with proper curing)
- Drought-tolerant, resilient, and capable of living for centuries
- Perfect for orchards, landscapes, or containers in cooler zones
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Olea europaea
- Stratification: Required (30–60 days cold stratification; scarification improves germination)
- USDA Zones: 8–11 (or container-grown and overwintered indoors in colder zones)
- Soil: Well-drained, alkaline to neutral soils
- Light: Full sun
- Height: 15–30 feet (smaller in containers)
- Spread: 15–25 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Why Grow Olive Trees?
- Heritage: Cultivated for over 6,000 years, sacred across civilizations
- Harvest: Fruits yield olives and high-quality oil when cured or processed
- Hardiness: Thrives in poor soils and dry climates with minimal care
- Longevity: Some trees live for centuries, with ancient groves still producing fruit today
FAQ
Do Olive Tree seeds grow true to type?
No, like most fruit trees, olives grown from seed may vary. For consistent fruit quality, grafting is recommended. Growing from seed is still rewarding for unique specimens and ornamental value.
Can olives from this tree be eaten fresh?
No. Olives must be cured or processed before they are edible.
Can Olive Trees grow in containers?
Yes. They adapt well to pots and can be overwintered indoors in colder climates.
Evergreen Seed Co. Promise
At Evergreen Seed Co., we provide high-quality, tested seeds with clear instructions for every grower. Our Olive Tree seeds are carefully packed to help you succeed, whether you’re planting a backyard orchard or cultivating a symbolic centerpiece.
Plant it for heritage, harvest, and hardiness—rooted in history, ready for your garden.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
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