Olivin' it Up in the Evergreen State: The Wacky World of Washington Olive Trees
Ah, Washington. Land of misty mornings, evergreen giants, and...olives? You heard that right, the little green fruit that brings sunshine to your charcuterie board might just be at home in the Pacific Northwest. But before you grab your gardening gloves and head to Home Depot, let's get the dirt on this nutty situation.
Can Olives REALLY Survive the Seattle Freeze?
The short answer: it depends. Washington isn't exactly known for its scorching summers. Olives, those little Mediterranean sun worshippers, crave warmth. USDA hardiness zones 8b and above are considered ideal for these sunshine-loving trees. While some parts of western Washington fall into this zone (think pockets around Puget Sound), others, especially east of the Cascades, are a bit too chilly for these finicky fruits.
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
So, Olives are Out in Washington? Not So Fast!
Here's the twist: some olive varieties, like the mighty Arbequina, are proving to be surprisingly resilient. Gardeners are having success growing these troopers in western Washington, even if the olive harvest might be a bit on the light side. Think of them as more ornamental with a tasty bonus, rather than a full-fledged olive oil farm.
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
 |
 |
| Can Olives Grow In Washington |
Olives for Show, Not for Dough?
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
Don't underestimate the power of a pretty tree! Olive trees are undeniably gorgeous, with their silvery-green leaves and gnarled, characterful branches. They add a touch of the Tuscan countryside to your backyard, even if the olives themselves never quite reach their full potential.
Okay, I'm Tempted. How Do I Get My Olive On?
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
How to grow olives in Washington? Here's the quick and dirty:
- Pick your zone: Check your USDA hardiness zone (https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/) and choose an olive variety suited to it.
- Location, Location, Location: Find a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Olives don't like soggy feet!
- Baby Those Beauties: Olives need some TLC, especially when young. Water regularly during dry spells and protect them from harsh winter freezes if necessary.
- Patience is a Virtue: Don't expect a bumper crop overnight. It can take several years for olive trees to mature and produce fruit.
- Enjoy the Journey!: Even if your olive harvest is meager, take pride in your unique Pacific Northwest olive tree. It's a conversation starter and a testament to your adventurous gardening spirit.
So, there you have it. Olives in Washington? Maybe not a full-blown agricultural revolution, but a delightful possibility for the determined gardener. Just remember, it's all about finding the right variety, giving it some love, and enjoying the journey (and maybe a few delicious homegrown olives along the way).
 |
