How to Grow an Olive Tree From a Pit, According to Olive Growers

If you enjoy the savory taste of olives, then you should consider saving the pit so you can grow your very own tree. Native to the Mediterranean region, the evergreen olive tree is a beautiful addition to both outdoor gardens and indoor spaces. They thrive in subtropical climates and are best suited for USDA growing zones 8 to 11.

However, growing an olive tree from a pit requires patience. To help you navigate this involved process, we spoke to growing experts about the best way to do it. Read on to learn how you can start an olive tree from a pit—and even transplant it outdoors once it's ready.

What to Expect

When you grow an olive tree from a pit, the tree you cultivate will not be a replica of the original.

“Olive trees grown from pits are genetically different from the parent tree,” says Rey Robledo, CEO & owner of Olive Tree Farm Nursery. This means the fruit may not look or taste like the original olive. “Most olive orchards are grown from cuttings or grafted trees to ensure consistent fruit.”

However, cultivating an olive tree from the pit is a rewarding process, and with the right approach, it can produce a beautiful tree.

How to Choose a Pit

Selecting the right olive pit can set your cultivation process up for success. Robledo recommends using pits from ripe olives—preferably from organic and untreated trees.

“Avoid supermarket olives that have been canned or brined, since those seeds are often no longer viable,” he says. Fresh fruit straight from a local grower or farmers market works best.

How to Grow

Growing a healthy olive tree from the pit is a straightforward process. Here's how to do it the right way, according to Robledo.

1. Remove and clean the pit: After eating an olive, remove the pit and wash it with water. Ensure you rinse off any remaining fruit flesh, and allow it to dry to prevent rot or mold.
2. Crack the shell: Lightly nick the olive pit with a sharp tool such as finger nail clippers, a sharp knife, a nail file, or a razor blade. This will help the seed inside the hard outer shell germinate faster.
3. Soak the pit: Place the pit in a cup of water and let it soak for 24 to 48 hours.
4. Plant the pit: Fill a small pot with well-draining soil. Push the pit about 1 inch deep into the soil. Robledo recommends using a premium cactus soil mix.
5. Water lightly: Keep the soil slightly damp, but not soggy. Overwatering can cause rot.
6. Provide warmth and light: Place the pot in a warm spot such as a windowsill or greenhouse. Germination can take weeks to months, says Robledo—so patience is key.

How to Transplant Outdoors

Once the olive tree reaches a height of 8 to 12 inches and the risk of frost has passed, it's safe to transplant it outside, Robledo says. Here's how.

1. Harden off the seedling: Before planting your seedling outside, it's essential to gradually acclimate it to the outdoor environment. Start by placing the pot in a sheltered area outside for a few hours each day. Over the course of 1 to 2 weeks, slowly increase its exposure to sunlight, wind, and temperature variations.
2. Choose a location: Olive trees need 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day and well-draining soil to thrive.
3. Dig a hole: Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. Amend the soil with a cactus mix. This will improve drainage, as olive trees are susceptible to root rot.
4. Plant the seedling: Gently remove the seedling from its pot, being careful not to damage the roots. If you notice any roots that are circling the root ball, gently untwist them. Place the seedling in the hole so that the top of the root ball is slightly elevated above the surrounding ground level. Ensure that the root collar, which is where the roots meet the trunk, remains above the soil.
5. Backfill and water: Carefully backfill the hole with soil, then water it thoroughly. Water it well the first time, then decrease watering to prevent soggy roots.
6. Add mulch: Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to lock in moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch away from the trunk of the tree to prevent rot.

How to Transplant Into Containers

Transplanting a young olive tree into a container is an exciting step in its growth process.

"Olives are adaptable and thrive in containers; they can even be cultivated as bonsai trees," says Patrick Martin, owner and grower of Frantoio Grove. Here's his advice for ensuring an olive tree flourishes in a container.

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Choose a Container

Olives thrive in containers of various sizes, according to Martin. A 10 to 15 gallon pot is suitable for a small decorative olive tree that typically reaches 4 to 6 feet in height.

For a tree that will reach 6 to 8 feet in height, a 20 to 25 gallon container is recommended. A 30-gallon pot can accommodate larger olive trees that grow to 8 to 10 feet tall, while still being manageable for moving (with the help of a friend and a dolly).

Prepare the Container

Fill the container with a high-quality potting mix. Add 10 to 20 percent mature compost and any necessary amendments.

Martin recommends including finely ground lime to enhance calcium levels. Mix the amendments thoroughly into the potting mix, level the mixture in the container, and then water well to help settle the soil.

Transplant the Seedling

Prepare a hole in the new container that's slightly larger than the seedling's container. Gently squeeze the pot to loosen the soil from the sides, then carefully remove the entire root ball along with the soil from the pot. Place the tree in the hole, making sure it's upright and level with the surrounding surface.

Place the Container

Choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight. Keep the soil in your container moist, but not saturated, until the tree has established itself, and enjoy watching your olive tree grow.

When to Expect Fruit

It can take 5 to 12 years for an olive tree to bear fruit when grown from seed, as the variety will be unknown.

“However, once you see any blooms on your tree, there is a chance for fruiting," says Alanna Lambert, nursery manager at Durant. Every year after that, your tree's productivity should increase—especially if there is another olive tree nearby.