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Olive Koroneiki

$35.00 AUD

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Taxes included.

Size of pot 200mm

‘Koroneiki’ is a premium Greek olive variety renowned for producing high-quality oil with a rich, fruity flavour. Naturally compact and highly productive, it’s an excellent choice for Brisbane and SEQ gardens where full sun, good drainage, and warm conditions allow it to thrive. Ideal for backyard orchards, Mediterranean-style landscapes, and large pots.

Quick Overview:

Common Name: Koroneiki Olive
Botanical Name: Olea europaea ‘Koroneiki’
Origin: Greece; widely grown for premium olive oil production
Height & Width: Typically 3–5 m high × 3–4 m wide (can be kept smaller with pruning; suits pots and espalier)
Foliage: Narrow, silvery-green leaves; evergreen with classic Mediterranean appearance
Flowers: Small creamy-white flowers in spring
Fruit: Small black olives when mature; primarily used for oil production
Position: Full sun (essential for strong flowering and fruiting)
Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, and poorer soils but must have excellent drainage
Tolerance: Highly drought tolerant once established; heat tolerant; moderate frost tolerance
Maintenance: Low; prune annually to maintain airflow and manageable size
Etymology: Olea is the Latin word for olive tree; europaea means “of Europe,” referring to its Mediterranean origin

Detailed Description:

Koroneiki is often considered one of the finest oil-producing olives in the world. Despite its smaller fruit size, it produces a high oil yield with exceptional flavour—fruity, slightly peppery, and aromatic. While primarily valued for oil, the tree itself is equally admired for its elegant silver foliage and classic Mediterranean form.

In Brisbane and SEQ, olives perform best in full sun with excellent drainage. They thrive in warm, dry conditions and are extremely resilient once established. Planting in slightly raised or free-draining soil is key, especially in heavier clay areas. With proper pruning and spacing, Koroneiki makes a productive and attractive backyard tree.

Growth and Maintenance:

Watering: Water regularly during establishment; once established, only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods
Fertilising: Apply compost or a light balanced fertiliser in spring if required
Mulching: Light mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds (keep mulch away from trunk)
Drainage tip: If soil is heavy, plant on a mound to prevent root issues

Pruning:

Airflow: Prune annually to maintain an open centre and improve light penetration
Size control: Responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a small tree or large shrub
Harvest management: Remove crossing or overcrowded branches to maintain productivity

Common Uses: