Texas Fruit and Nut Production: Olives

Commercial olive orchards have been grown in Texas for at least 25 years. To grow olives in Texas, growers need to understand Texas olive biology and growing needs. This factsheet discusses olive needs for climate, soil, irrigation, pollination, and pest control. Different olive varieties that can be grown in Texas, best growing practices, and economic considerations are also detailed.

Who is this for?

• Texas olive growers and other olive industry workers

What will you learn?

• A brief history of the commercial olive industry in Texas.
• Olive tree biology.
• Growing practices and needs for Texas olive orchards.
• Different olive varieties that can be grown in Texas and their attributes.
• Olive oil economics.

Publication Outline

History

• A brief history of the olive industry in Texas is given.

Texas Biology

• The biology of olives as they are grown in Texas is given. This includes the seasonal temperatures they need to produce fruit and acquire cold hardiness to survive the winter. Soil requirements are also included.

Growing Practices

• Growing practices are detailed for successful olive-growing and fruit production. This includes how to prepare the growing site, plant spacing details, irrigation and fertilization needs, training and pruning requirements, and how to protect olives from freeze damage. Information on how to control pests including weeds, insects, and vertebrates is also given.

Varieties

• A table listing different olive varieties that can be grown in Texas is given, which includes variety names, attributes, and notes. Economic Considerations Information is detailed on the USDA's definition of 'extra virgin' olive oil. Additional economic information on olive oil marketing and the cost to mill olive oil is discussed.