How to Grow Divina Olive
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Divina Olive
Olea europaea 'Divina'
treeDivina is a self-fertile olive cultivar prized for both oil and table olive production. It produces medium-sized, dark fruits with excellent flavor and is known for reliable, abundant yields even in challenging climates. This variety is particularly cold-hardy compared to many other olive cultivars.
When should you plant Divina Olive in your zone?
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Example Divina Olive timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Divina Olive
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Divina Olive
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Divina Olive dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 8b-10b; more cold-tolerant than many olives, surviving brief freezes to 12°F (-11°C)
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Get my Divina Olive timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1-2)
2 yearsYoung tree develops strong root system and framework branches. Growth is moderate; tree focuses on root establishment rather than fruiting.
Water regularly to establish roots (every 7-10 days in dry season). Prune to create open vase structure with 3-4 main scaffolds. Apply mulch 2-3 inches from trunk. Avoid heavy fertilizer.
Juvenile Growth (Year 2-3)
1-2 yearsTree begins vigorous vegetative growth, developing dense canopy. Light flowering may occur but fruit should be removed.
Continue structural pruning. Remove any flower clusters to redirect energy to tree development. Maintain consistent watering. Apply balanced fertilizer (low nitrogen) once annually in early spring.
Flowering & Fruitset (Year 3-4)
2-3 months (flowering); 6+ months (fruit development)Small white flowers appear in spring (April-May in Northern Hemisphere); they are wind-pollinated and self-fertile. Fruit begins to set.
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive leaf growth and poor fruit production. Ensure adequate potassium and phosphorus. Light pruning only; avoid heavy cuts that reduce flowering wood. Thin developing fruit if very heavy crop.
Fruit Maturation (Summer-Fall)
3-4 monthsOlives gradually change from green to dark purple-black, developing oils and deepening in flavor. Fruits reach full size and sugar content.
Maintain consistent watering (avoid drought stress and sudden heavy watering, which cracks fruit). Monitor for pests and diseases. Do not over-prune during this period.
Harvest & Rest (Fall-Winter)
1-3 months (harvest period); rest through winterFruits are harvested at desired ripeness (green for table olives, fully black for oil). Tree enters dormancy period.
Harvest carefully to avoid branch breakage. Allow tree to rest with reduced watering in winter. Prune after harvest if needed. Minimal fertilizer; let tree recuperate.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Yellow sticky traps in spring; parasitic wasp releases; pheromone traps; kaolin clay spray; insecticidal soap in late summer if populations high
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Dormant oil spray in winter; horticultural oil in growing season; prune heavily infested branches
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Prune out infected branches and knots; sterilize pruning tools; avoid pruning during wet weather; no chemical cure; prevention by selecting resistant varieties
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No cure; plant in well-draining soil to prevent; avoid planting near susceptible crops; remove infected trees; Divina shows good resistance
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Water tree regularly (mites thrive in dry conditions); spray with water to dislodge; insecticidal soap; predatory mites
Uses
Table Olives & Olive Oil
CulinaryDivina produces excellent dual-purpose fruit used for both brining and curing as table olives and for pressing into premium extra-virgin olive oil. The oil is known for fruity, herbaceous notes. [source]
Mediterranean Cuisine
CulinaryThe fruit and oil are staples in Mediterranean cooking—used in salads, pasta, bread dipping, preserves, and as a garnish. Olives provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. [source]
Heart Health & Antioxidants
MedicinalOlive fruit and oil contain polyphenols, oleuropein, and oleocanthal, compounds linked to reduced inflammation, lower blood pressure, and cardiovascular benefits. Traditional use spans thousands of years. [source]
Cosmetics & Skincare
HouseholdOlive oil is used in soaps, salves, and cosmetics for moisturizing and anti-inflammatory skin benefits. High-quality oil can be applied directly to skin or blended into natural beauty products. [source]
Wood & Ornamental Use
CraftOlive wood is beautiful, dense hardwood used in woodworking, utensils, and decorative items. The mature tree itself is ornamental with silvery foliage and gnarled structure. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Green olives: harvest in October-November when fully colored but still firm. Black/ripe olives: harvest November-December when fully dark and slightly soft. Use a hand-held comb or pole harvester, or spread tarps and shake branches. For table olives, cure by brining (salt-water) or lye-curing. For oil, harvest ripe olives and process immediately at a mill within 24 hours for quality.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Divina is one of the few olive cultivars that is reliably self-fertile, meaning a single tree can produce fruit without a pollinator partner—unusual for olives.
- 🌱 Olive trees are extraordinarily long-lived, with some specimens in the Mediterranean over 2,000 years old; Divina will likely thrive for centuries with minimal care once established.
- 🌱 The name 'Divina' references the tree's 'divine' reputation in Mediterranean culture—mentioned in the Bible, Quran, and ancient literature as a symbol of peace and wisdom.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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