Olive trees for Texas

[sandih]

I am creating a new garden in my new home and would love to know if there are any readily available types of olive trees that are hardy in the Dallas area?

[The Ent]

Actually I've wondered that one m'self. Can't say as I know offhand.

Anyone else that already has one, feel free to chime in.

[Tony M]

There is an olive grove I visited during a short vacation in the Hill Country this summer. This is the web site. www.bvranch.com
They were very friendly and quick to share information.
Tony M

[gardeneratlaw]

I have one lonely 3' olive tree that I've kept in a 1 gallon pot for 2 years (waiting for a proper place to plant it :oops:).

It is an Olea x 'Arbaquina' that was recommended at The Natural Gardener in Austin as a hardy variety. I've protected it when it gets in the 20s, but plan to plant it out this spring and will let you know how it does. I wouldn't expect it to survive one of our 10 degree winters, but the organic program may prove me wrong. It has produced about a dozen olives on this tiny tree without a pollinator. The label says:
Size 15'; Growth: Fast; Exposure: Sun; Relatively small tree that responds well to pruning. Often fruits in 2nd year. Bears small, but very tastey olives. Very productive. Semi-self fertile." 1 gal was $15.99

From the website Tony mentioned:
"At Bella Vista Ranch, with more than 800 olive trees in our orchard, we produced our first olive crop in the Fall of 2001. This pioneering grove consists primarily of Mission and Coratina varieties, with the Barouni and Pendolino varieties planted for pollination. We are also testing Arbaquina, a popular Spanish variety for its adaptability to the Hill Country environment."

[Don G]

We planted a Russian olive a year ago. It's planted on somewhat of a slope, and gets shade in the late afternoon. I can't say its thriving wonderfully, but its holding its own. We lived in Sicily previously, and found the terrain and weather much like TX. There was an olive grove beside our house, and the Sicilian owner had a large concrete vat filled with water. When the hot summer came, with no rain (sound familiar?), he would pull the plug on the vat and the water would flood the olive orchard, which was on a slight slope. This was only done about twice a summer, and I think the trees are pretty hardy as far as drought resistant and hot weather.

[sandih]

I agree about the summers Don, it's the winters that I'm concerned about. How cold does it get in the winters in Sicily? By the way, are you native Italian or a lucky American that got to live there? I've been several times and can say that my heart belongs to Italy.

[Don G]

Winters were similar to ours where I lived (on the S. slope of Mt Etna). Down at sea level it is warmer and would only get in the 30's sometimes. Up on the volcano much colder, there is a ski run on the N. side. Olive groves were plentiful at sea level and at the elevated heights, so I think following the organic plan you would be in good shape with our weather. I am a native Texan, but was fortunate to live in Sicily with my family for 4 years as part of my work. We loved it there, nice people, laid back way of life, much like TX, only sheep crossing the road in herds instead of cows. Good luck on your selection!
Don

[sandih]

Mille Grazie!