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Posted 1w ago by @Malagueña

Here is one of my olive trees. I’m not sure they will eve...

Here is one of my olive trees. I’m not sure they will ever produce olives in my lifetime as often they take many years. I planted olive trees, hoping, that, sometime, someone in the future may want them.  @AdonicKohleria2 @BabeVila @BuffCaperspurge @CutePolypremum @DanDenMan @DreamMachine @FamedGymealily @HFplantoasis @HolyLacealoe #OutdoorGrowing @HummingbirdMint @Jujube @ModestCoconut13 @Ms.Persnickety @Preciousplants1 @princesspitstop @QuickKalopanax @SillyPlantGirl @Ponytailmom @sunnymatcha @MamaLinne
@Malagueña I wasn’t sure that Olive trees would grow here in Florida, so I did a little search and here’s what I found: Yes, you can successfully grow olive trees (Olea europaea) in Central Florida. The region's climate aligns well with the tree's hardiness, though Florida's heavy spring rains and sandy soil mean you need to be strategic about where and how you plant them. To achieve the best results in Pinellas County and the surrounding Central Florida area, keep these specific growing requirements in mind:Soil and Drainage: Olive trees require fast-draining, sandy soil and will not survive if their roots sit in waterlogged soil. If your yard holds water or features a heavy clay layer, plant your trees in raised beds or on mounds. Sunlight: Trees need full sun to thrive and produce fruit, so choose an open location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Variety Selection: While olives can tolerate Central Florida's mild winters, fruit production requires cross-pollination. Choose self-fertile or complementary varieties like Arbequina or Mission, and ensure you plant two different cultivars to encourage fruiting. Potted Options: If you are dealing with poorly draining soil or lack a large yard, olives can be successfully grown in large, well-draining containers on a porch or patio. Fertilization and Pruning: Be careful not to over-fertilize. High-nitrogen fertilizers will push excessive leafy growth at the expense of developing flower buds. Additionally, avoid heavy pruning in late fall or winter, as you may accidentally cut off developing buds. Here’s a link from the University of Florida with more info: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/olives/ good luck
@Ms.Persnickety , thank you very much. I truly appreciate it. There is an olive Grove in my county believe or not. I live north of Pinellas County, but still considered central Florida.
@Malagueña I love this! “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is right now!” Or something to that effect. ☺️