Olive tree care in zone 8-10

*Olea europaea* -- the olive -- is one of the oldest cultivated trees in the world, with a production history stretching back at least 6,000 years in the Mediterranean basin. In North America, it is grown primarily in California, the Southwest, and the Gulf Coast. Where it is reliably hardy (zones.

Olea europaea — the olive — is one of the oldest cultivated trees in the world, with a production history stretching back at least 6,000 years in the Mediterranean basin. In North America, it is grown primarily in California, the Southwest, and the Gulf Coast. Where it is reliably hardy (zones 8b-11), it requires almost no spraying, tolerates drought once established, and is exceptionally long-lived. Trees in the Mediterranean are known to be hundreds of years old.

I don't grow olive at my zone 7a Long Island site — it would not survive an average Long Island winter outdoors. This guide is sourced from UC Cooperative Extension and Texas A&M AgriLife.

USDA hardiness zones

Per UC Cooperative Extension, Olea europaea is reliably hardy in zones 8b-11. Established trees can withstand temperatures to 15-17°F (-9 to -8°C) for brief periods; prolonged cold below 20°F kills most trees. Young trees are less cold-tolerant than established specimens.

In zone 8a (temperatures occasionally to 10-15°F), survival is uncertain. A sheltered, south-facing microclimate can make zone 8a workable, but it is not reliable.