Santa Cruz Olive Tree Nursery
Your Olive Tree Specialists; we offer dozens of Varieties of Olive trees, as well as services and advice to help you reach your goals
The most choices!
Here at SCOTN, we are proud to offer over 40 varietals to our happy customers. For special orders, we can propagate or graft nearly any amount of new trees to fit your needs. If we dont carry the Variety you're looking for, we can find it!The most choices!
Here at SCOTN, we are proud to offer over 40 varietals to our happy customers. For special orders, we can propagate or graft nearly any amount of new trees to fit your needs. If we dont carry the Variety you're looking for, we can find it!
Frequently asked Questions
Olive Tree Basics:
Botanical Name: Olea Europaea
Climate Zones: Typically 8-11, although some cultivars are hardy down to zone 7. Mature trees that have had a chance to acclimate often have greater cold tolerance.
Watering:Olive trees are extremely drought tolerant once established, but for good flowering and fruit development, you should water them regularly throughout the growing season, especially if you live in a hot, dry climate.
Spring and summer: Water newly planted trees deeply two or three times a week, preferably using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. Established trees (5-7 years old) can be watered much less frequently, every few weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.Fall and winter: Cut back on watering. Depending on rainfall, no supplemental watering may be needed. When do I plant my Olive Trees? Springtime is reccomended, after the danger of winter frost damage is gone. Planting can be done in the Fall if winter temperatures do not generally drop below 30*F. Avoid planting in the heat of summer. Where do I plant? Olive trees enjoy full sun (8+ hours daily) and need well draining soil. Avoid planting in clay like soils or in any areas that may have standing water. What do I need to know about pollination? Each variety is different, but most are self-fertile. Olives are generally pollinated via wind. For more specific information about which varieties need pollinators, you can look at our varietals page or this info sheet. How should I prune my Trees? Depending on the size, shape, and production of the trees, as well as the intended benefits, there are a number of ways to prune. We reccomend you read this article from the Mediterranean Garden Society for more information.
Spring and summer: Water newly planted trees deeply two or three times a week, preferably using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. Established trees (5-7 years old) can be watered much less frequently, every few weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.Fall and winter: Cut back on watering. Depending on rainfall, no supplemental watering may be needed. When do I plant my Olive Trees? Springtime is reccomended, after the danger of winter frost damage is gone. Planting can be done in the Fall if winter temperatures do not generally drop below 30*F. Avoid planting in the heat of summer. Where do I plant? Olive trees enjoy full sun (8+ hours daily) and need well draining soil. Avoid planting in clay like soils or in any areas that may have standing water. What do I need to know about pollination? Each variety is different, but most are self-fertile. Olives are generally pollinated via wind. For more specific information about which varieties need pollinators, you can look at our varietals page or this info sheet. How should I prune my Trees? Depending on the size, shape, and production of the trees, as well as the intended benefits, there are a number of ways to prune. We reccomend you read this article from the Mediterranean Garden Society for more information.