Family: Oleaceae
Scientific name: Olea europaea
Common name: European olive
Origin: Eastern part of the Mediterean Sea

The European olive is mainly grown in areas around the Mediterranean Sea, where 90% of the yield is processed as olive oil. The other 10% is mainly used for direct human consumption. It is estimated that olives are grown at least 5000-6000 years, starting in Syria and Palestine. Olive trees can grow to a height of maximum 15 meters, but stay smaller most of the time.
Also in more temperate climates, olive trees can be grown. However, it is important to put them in a sheltered and sunny stand, with well-drained soil. Young plants can best be protected against frost during the winter. Olives can be harvested when the fruits are a greenish purple.

Sowing description: Let the seeds soak in lukewarm water for 48 hours, and then sow them in sowing mix. Keep the soil constantly moist by covering the soil with plastic foil or glass, and let them germinate indoors at a warm spot

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: -10 degrees Celcius

Photo 1: Nick Fraser (CCA-3.0 Wikipedia)
Photo 2: David Brühlmeier (CCA-3.0 Wikipedia)