Olea europaea 'Manzanillo' is a widely cultivated variety of olive tree, renowned for its versatile and high-quality olives. Originating from Spain, the 'Manzanillo' olive is particularly esteemed for both table olive production and olive oil extraction. This variety is appreciated for its adaptability to various climates and soil types, making it a popular choice in olive-growing regions around the world.
Common Name: Manzanillo Olive
Mature Height (meters): Typically grows to about 4-6 meters
Mature Width (meters): Approximately 3-4 meters
Spacing: Plant at least 3-4 meters apart from other trees or structures to allow for adequate growth and sunlight exposure.
Foliage: 'Manzanillo' has classic olive tree foliage, featuring slender, gray-green leaves that are evergreen, providing year-round visual interest in the landscape.
Flowering Period: The tree produces small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers in spring, which are essential for pollination and olive production.
Fruit: The olives are medium-sized, oval-shaped, and have a deep purple to black color when fully ripe. They are known for their excellent flavor and texture, making them ideal for consumption as table olives and for producing high-quality olive oil.
Form/Habit: This olive tree has a rounded, spreading canopy and can be pruned into various shapes, including a traditional open-center form, which is ideal for maximizing fruit production.
Uses: Widely used for both table olive and olive oil production. It is also popular as an ornamental tree in landscapes, gardens, and for container planting.
Sun: Prefers full sun for optimal growth and fruit production.
Maintenance: Requires regular pruning to maintain shape, encourage air circulation, and increase fruit yield.
Water Requirement: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering during dry spells and in the early years is beneficial for healthy growth.