How to Grow Oblonga Olive
Wikimedia Commons
Oblonga Olive
Olea europaea 'Oblonga'
treeOblonga is a classic Italian olive cultivar prized for both oil production and table olive use. This Mediterranean tree produces elongated, medium-sized fruits with a high oil content and excellent flavor complexity. It is a vigorous, productive variety that thrives in warm climates and has been cultivated for centuries.
When should you plant Oblonga Olive in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Oblonga Olive timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Oblonga Olive
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Oblonga Olive
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Oblonga Olive dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-11, with best performance in zones 9-10
Sign up free to see if Oblonga Olive grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Oblonga Olive timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-3 yearsYoung sapling with developing root system and primary scaffold branches forming
Water regularly during first 2-3 years. Stake for support. Prune to establish open vase or multi-leader form. Protect from harsh winds and extreme temperatures.
Vegetative Growth
3-5 yearsTree develops thick canopy with leathery, silvery-green leaves; height and spread increase
Continue structural pruning. Apply balanced fertilizer (moderate nitrogen). Maintain consistent watering during dry periods. Remove crossing or diseased branches.
Flowering
4-6 weeksSmall, creamy-white flowers appear in late spring (May-June in Northern Hemisphere) clustered on current-season wood
Avoid excess nitrogen, which delays flowering. Ensure adequate water and sunlight. Pollination is wind-assisted; plant multiple cultivars nearby for better fruit set, though Oblonga has decent self-fertility.
Fruit Development
3-4 months (June-September)Elongated, oblong fruits develop over summer, transitioning from green to reddish-purple to black at full maturity
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer. Maintain consistent watering to prevent fruit drop. Thin fruit if necessary for larger individual olives. Watch for pest pressures.
Harvest & Dormancy
2-3 months (September-November)Mature fruits ready for harvest; tree enters winter rest period with slowed growth
Harvest based on intended use (green for table olives, fully ripe/black for oil). Minimal pruning after harvest. Reduce watering in winter. Light feeding in late winter before spring growth resumes.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Monitor with yellow sticky traps; apply organic spinosad or neem oil if populations exceed threshold; harvest promptly to reduce breeding habitat
-
Spray with horticultural oil in winter; prune heavily infested branches; encourage natural predators
-
Remove with pruning; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce natural enemies like parasitic wasps
-
Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation through pruning; apply copper fungicide if necessary in humid climates
-
Prune out infected branches; sterilize tools between cuts; improve drainage and avoid overhead watering
Uses
Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
CulinaryOblonga olives are highly prized for oil production, yielding robust, complex oils with peppery and fruity notes. The high oil content and ideal chemistry make it a premium choice for culinary applications and finishing oils. [source]
Table Olives & Curing
CulinaryThe elongated fruits are also excellent as table olives when cured using traditional methods (brined or Greek-style cured). They have firm texture and rich flavor suitable for antipasti and Mediterranean cuisine. [source]
Polyphenol Antioxidants
MedicinalOlives and olive oil are rich in polyphenols and other antioxidants associated with cardiovascular health and anti-inflammatory benefits. Early harvest oils are particularly concentrated in these compounds. [source]
Cosmetic & Skincare
HouseholdHigh-quality olive oil from Oblonga olives is used in soaps, lotions, and skincare products for its emollient and antioxidant properties. Traditional Mediterranean beauty preparations rely on quality olive oil. [source]
Wildlife Food Source
WildlifeMature olive trees provide food for birds and pollinators. Fallen fruit supports wildlife; the flowers attract bees and beneficial insects important for pollination and ecosystem balance. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest timing depends on use: green olives picked in September-October (firm, color-break stage); ripe/black olives for oil picked in November-December when fully dark. Clip or gently shake branches to gather fruit. Harvest ripe olives promptly as they soften quickly and attract pests. Yields typically 50-150 lbs per mature tree depending on climate and care.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Oblonga olives have been cultivated in Italy and the Mediterranean for over 2,000 years, with historical records suggesting this cultivar was favored by Roman growers.
- 🌱 Olive trees are exceptionally long-lived; mature Oblonga trees can produce fruit for 300+ years, with some ancient specimens in Mediterranean regions estimated to be 1,000+ years old.
- 🌱 The name 'Oblonga' refers to the distinctive elongated, oblong shape of the fruit, which is longer and narrower than round olive varieties, making it easily recognizable in orchards.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Oblonga Olive planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Oblonga Olive seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Oblonga Olive timeline →