Can olive trees be grown and fruit from self seeded plants an established tree?

Yes, olive trees can be grown and fruit from self-seeded plants or established trees. Here's how it can be done:

Growing Olive Trees from Self-Seeded Plants:

1. Collect the Seeds: Wait for the olives to ripen and become dark purple or black. Harvest a few overripe olives and remove the flesh by gently squeezing or mashing them. You'll find the olive pits inside.

2. Clean and Prepare the Pits: Remove any remaining flesh or pulp from the pits. Soak them in water for a few days, changing the water daily, to remove inhibitors that may prevent germination.

3. Germinate the Seeds: Fill small pots or trays with a well-draining potting mix. Plant the pits about 1 inch deep, pointy end up, in individual containers. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

4. Provide Warmth: Olive seeds prefer warm temperatures for germination. Place the containers in a sunny spot or near a heat source, ideally around 70°F (21°C).

5. Wait for Germination: Germination can take several weeks to months. Be patient and keep the soil consistently moist. Some seeds may not germinate, and that's normal.

6. Transplant the Seedlings: Once the seedlings develop a few true leaves, carefully transplant them into individual containers or a larger pot. Use a well-draining potting mix amended with compost or organic matter.

7. Care for the Seedlings: Keep the seedlings in a sunny location and water them regularly, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize them occasionally with a balanced fertilizer diluted according to package instructions.

8. Gradually Acclimate: Before planting them outdoors, gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions by exposing them to increasing amounts of sunlight and outdoor temperature for a few weeks.

Growing Olive Trees from Established Trees:

1. Choose a Suitable Rootstock: If you're growing olive trees in a region where they're not native, it's recommended to choose a rootstock that's compatible with your local climate and soil conditions.

2. Prune and Graft: If you have access to an established olive tree, you can obtain cuttings or scions from its healthy branches. Graft these scions onto the chosen rootstock using a compatible grafting technique.

3. Plant the Grafted Tree: Plant the grafted tree in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Water it thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

4. Provide Support: Young olive trees may need support, such as staking, to help them grow upright.

5. Care for the Tree: Regular watering, fertilization, and pest management are essential for the healthy growth of the olive tree. Prune the tree periodically to maintain its shape and encourage fruit production.

6. Wait for Fruit: It may take several years for a young olive tree grown from a self-seeded plant or a grafted tree to produce fruit. Be patient and provide proper care to ensure successful fruiting.

Remember, growing olive trees from self-seeded plants or established trees requires time and patience. Not all seedlings may survive or produce fruit, and local climate and growing conditions can impact the success of the endeavor. Consulting with local experts or experienced olive growers in your area can be beneficial for advice and guidance.