Olea europaea Seeds - Olive Tree

Olea europaea, commonly called the olive tree, is a small evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean Basin. Olea europaea is grown in many parts of the world for the fruit and the oil extracted from the fruits. Wood from the olive tree is also revered for its hardness, interesting grain patterns, and color. Olea europaea has interesting bark, a small growth habit, and small leaves make them an excellent species for bonsai. Olea europaea seeds require scarification treatment before they will germinate. They are protected by a waterproof coating that needs to be scratched to allow water to penetrate. Using sandpaper or a knife, scratch the surface of the seeds in a couple of places. Soak the scarified seeds in room temperature water for 24-48 hours. After soaking, plant the seeds 1.5” to 2” deep in a well draining potting soil. Keep the seeds moist, but not soaking wet. Keep the seeds between 70°F to 75°F for best results. Germination typically takes 2 to 3 months to occur. Even with opt