Olive Tree

My friend has an olive tree she has about 100 blossoms on it but hasn't had any olives yet ,she wanted to know whether to nip out some of them wondering whether that would help to produce olives.

 

It depends on how big the tree is. If it's only small then conserve its energy by removing some.
As any olives produced are usually for onamental value [they need treating before use as we know them] you only need afew. My little tree is about 7' now and also has lots of blossom- looks like a good year for them!

 

Thanks for that Liz ,i have passed the information on to her,she was wondering what treatment they need,she said last year she boiled some for about 2mins she then drained them,covered with cold water then after that she put them in olive oil ,she said they were very bitter ! just wondered whether you would know Liz what she did wrong!

 

I've never done it! I think longer treatment would help:
http://greekfood.about.com/od/greekcookingtips/qt/cureolives.htm

There is also this:
http://www.sbolive.com/curing.asp
Wish your friend luck!

 

Great websites Liz, thanks. I love olives but everyone I know hates them!

 

Thanks Liz ,i have printed the information off to give to her,what an asset you are on here

 

Hi have not been here for ages,, Have got a
small olive tree, 15" high, in 9"pot, but does not seem to be growing very fast, some new leaves thats all. about 4yrs old

 

Welcome back, DaisyChain47.

I could talk lots about olive trees but it would not be of any benefit to you. However, there are several people here who can assist.

Hope you stay around this time .. the forum has probably changed drastically since you left.