Olea Europa - European Olive Tree - Buy 10 Seeds?

Family: Oleaceae
Latin name: Olea europaea
Dutch name: European olive
Origin: Eastern Mediterranean Sea

The European olive is mainly grown in the Mediterranean region, with 90% of the yield being processed into olive oil. The remaining 10% is mainly offered as table olive. Olive cultivation is estimated to have been going on for 5000-6000 years and started in Syria and Palestine. Olive trees can grow up to 15 metres tall, but usually stay smaller. We can also grow the olive tree in the Netherlands, although it is important to choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. For young plants, it is still advisable to keep them in a frost-free place during the winter. Olives can be harvested in a greenish-purple state.

Sowing description: First rub the seeds in 1 spot with sandpaper until a colour difference is achieved. Then soak for 48 hours in lukewarm water and sow in sowing soil. Keep soil constantly moist, cover with cling film or glass and place in the refrigerator for a few weeks. After this cold period allow to germinate at 20-25 °C.

Sowing time: Year-round
Difficulty: Average
Minimum temperature: -10 degrees