Olive trees can definitively grow in Texas, which has become a significant, though still developing, olive-producing region. This pursuit began in the 1930s when the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station tested viability in the Winter Garden area. Modern interest surged in the late 1990s, driven by entrepreneurs who recognized that parts of Texas share a climate similar to the Mediterranean Basin. The goal is to establish a commercial olive oil industry to meet the growing domestic demand for high-quality, locally produced oil. This effort has transformed thousands of acres, primarily in the southern and central parts of the state, into olive orchards.
Climate Zones for Olive Cultivation in Texas
The greatest challenge to widespread olive production is Texas’s variable winter weather. The most successful regions are Central, South, and West Texas, including the Texas Hill Country and the Winter Garden area. These locations offer the long, hot, dry summers and mild winters necessary for olive trees to flourish.
The olive tree requires cool nights (35°F to 50°F) coupled with mild days to set flower buds. Extreme South Texas often lacks sufficient cool weather for reliable fruit set, so trees there are often grown ornamentally. The primary risk in the northern parts of the state and the Hill Country is the danger of severe winter freezes.
Cold-tolerant varieties can survive temperatures as low as 15°F, but a sudden cold snap below 20°F can significantly damage young trees and new growth. Older, established trees are more cold-hardy, but severe freezes can still kill trees back to the ground. Coastal and far northern regions are generally unsuitable due to insufficient cool weather or excessive risk of freeze damage.
Essential Soil and Water Requirements
Successful olive cultivation relies on managing the tree’s specific soil and water needs, which are adapted to arid environments. The most important soil characteristic is excellent drainage, as olive trees are intolerant of standing water. Prolonged soil saturation, whether from heavy rainfall or over-irrigation, can quickly cause the trees to drown.
Olive trees are highly adaptable and can grow in a wide variety of soil types, from sandy to clay loams. They are also tolerant of low soil fertility. They prefer neutral to alkaline soils, ideally with a pH range between 6.5 and 8.0, making the naturally calcareous soils common in Central and South Texas suitable. A minimum of three to four feet of unstratified soil is preferred for optimal production.
Although mature olive trees are drought-tolerant, they still require consistent water to produce a meaningful crop, especially in the intense Texas heat. Newly planted trees need regular watering until their root systems are established. The preferred irrigation strategy is deep, infrequent watering, which encourages roots to grow downward and better withstand dry periods. Reducing irrigation in the fall helps encourage dormancy, making the trees less susceptible to cold damage.
Recommended Olive Varieties and Expected Production
The selection of olive varieties for Texas prioritizes cold hardiness and a reliable production schedule. The most widely planted and successful cultivar is ‘Arbequina’, a Spanish variety prized for its high-quality, delicately flavored oil with an almond overtone. ‘Arbequina’ is popular because it is cold-tolerant, surviving temperatures down to about 15°F, and is self-fertile.
Other successful varieties are ‘Arbosana’ and ‘Koroneiki’, both grown primarily for oil and exhibiting good cold tolerance. ‘Arbosana’ produces a more robust, intense oil, while ‘Koroneiki’ is known for a high yield of fragrant oil. For table olives, ‘Mission’ and ‘Manzanillo’ varieties are grown, though they require specific processing to remove bitterness.
Commercial growers focus on high-yield, cold-hardy oil producers, while ornamental trees can be any variety. Olive trees begin bearing fruit relatively fast in Texas; early-producing varieties like ‘Arbequina’ often yield olives within three years. Full commercial production typically takes longer, with trees reaching peak output between five and ten years after planting.