Chemlali Potted Olive Tree

Description

Chemlali is a Tunisian olive cultivar grown primarily for oil. It develops a vigorous tree with upright, densely branched growth and small fruit that changes from green toward violet-red as it matures.

Botanical name: Olea europaea 'Chemlali'

Plant form: One potted nursery tree; size varies by season

Organic status: Not sold as certified organic

Origin: Tunisia

Primary use: Oil

USDA zones: 8–9

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Well-drained soil

Growth habit: Vigorous, upright standard tree with a dense canopy

Pollination: A second compatible olive flowering at the same time may improve fruit set

Harvest: Fruit color and maturity progress through the season; oil yield and character vary with climate, crop load, water, and harvest stage

Planting and careChoose a full-sun site with excellent drainage. Dig a hole no deeper than the root ball and wider than the container. Set the tree at the same soil level it had in the pot, backfill with native soil, and water thoroughly. Keep the root zone evenly moist during establishment without leaving it waterlogged.
Prune lightly to develop a balanced canopy and remove dead, damaged, or crossing growth. Mature size, flowering, harvest timing, and crop size vary with climate, tree age, pruning, pollination, water, and care. Container-grown trees require more frequent irrigation and periodic root and canopy management.
Olives are bitter directly from the tree and must be cured before eating. See our olive growing guide, shop olive trees, or browse all potted fruit trees.