Olive trees bring Mediterranean charm to any landscape, combining beauty, longevity, and productivity. Whether you’re growing them for fruit, oil, or ornamental appeal, they can thrive in many parts of the U.S. with the right care. Before you plant, it’s important to understand three essential factors—chill hours, planting location, and choosing the right varieties with proper pollination.

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Chill Hours: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Climate

Chill hours are the number of hours a plant experiences between 32°F and 45°F during winter. These cool temperatures allow the tree to rest and prepare for new growth and flowering in spring.

Olive trees are subtropical evergreens and generally need 100–300 chill hours, depending on the variety. Here’s how this compares across regions:

• Southern states (Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Southern California) receive 100–400 hours—perfect for low-chill varieties like Arbequina and Mission.
• Mid-Atlantic regions (Tennessee, North Carolina, Oklahoma) average 400–700 hours, which can still support hardy olive cultivars.
• Northern states (New York, Oregon, Michigan) with 800+ chill hours may be too cold for year-round outdoor growth but can grow olives in containers moved indoors during winter.

Matching your tree’s chill requirement to your local climate ensures healthy blooms and consistent fruit production.

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Planting Location: Soil, Sun, and Tree Care

Olives love full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours daily to produce fruit and maintain their silvery-green foliage. They prefer well-drained, sandy or loamy soil, and while drought-tolerant once mature, young trees benefit from consistent moisture.

To give your olive trees the best start:

• Add Nutra Pro First-Year Fertilizer Packs for balanced, slow-release nutrients that encourage root development.
• Use a transplant mix containing water-holding polymers to reduce watering frequency and transplant stress.
• Install tree shelters to protect from deer, rabbits, and sunscald while supporting upright growth during early establishment.

Good airflow and drainage are crucial—avoid planting in low spots where cold air or water can collect.

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Varieties and Pollination

When choosing olive trees, select varieties that match your climate and intended use:

• Arbequina – A self-pollinating Spanish variety prized for its high oil yield and mild, buttery flavor. It’s compact and ideal for warmer climates.
• Mission – An American favorite producing medium-sized olives suitable for both oil and table use; partially self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination.
• Tosca – An Italian cultivar known for its robust oil flavor and reliable fruiting in areas with mild winters.

While Arbequina is self-pollinating, pairing different varieties—like Arbequina and Mission—can increase yields and improve pollination rates.

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Recipe: Olive Tapenade Crostini 🥖🫒

This Mediterranean classic is simple, flavorful, and perfect for entertaining or snacking.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted black olives (Mission or Arbequina recommended)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp capers
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Baguette slices, toasted

Instructions:

1. Combine olives, garlic, capers, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor.
2. Pulse until a chunky paste forms.
3. Spread on toasted baguette slices and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
4. Top with fresh herbs or shaved Parmesan, if desired.

Serve as an appetizer or side dish—it’s salty, savory, and packed with rich olive flavor.

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🛒 Where to Buy Olive Trees

For top-quality olive trees and unbeatable value, shop with Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC:

✅ Best prices on premium Arbequina, Mission, and Tosca olive trees
✅ Non-GMO, climate-adapted selections
✅ Fast shipping so trees arrive fresh and ready to plant
✅ Free 1-Year Plantsurance™ Guarantee – store credit if your tree doesn’t survive 🛡️

At Ty Ty, planting fruit trees is always zero stress and all success.

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🌟 Final Thought

Olive trees are as rewarding as they are beautiful—offering resilience, versatility, and delicious harvests for years to come. By understanding chill hours, preparing the right planting site, and selecting proven varieties like Arbequina, Mission, and Tosca, you can create your own slice of the Mediterranean right at home.

Order your bare root olive trees today from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC and start your journey toward growing your own olives with confidence.