10 Niçoise Olive Seeds – French Olive Tree for Mediterranean Gardens

Niçoise olive seeds offer a rewarding way to grow your own Mediterranean olive tree. Native to the French Riviera, this variety is prized for its small, flavorful olives and attractive, silvery-green foliage. Whether you dream of a sun-drenched patio tree or a productive garden specimen, the Niçoise olive brings a touch of Provence to your home landscape.

These seeds are ideal for gardeners interested in growing olives from scratch. The tree develops a graceful, spreading canopy and can be trained as a potted specimen or planted in the ground in warm climates. Its drought tolerance and love of sun make it a natural choice for water-wise gardens and Mediterranean-style plantings.

Plant Features

• Produces small, oval olives traditionally used for oil and table olives
• Evergreen foliage with a silvery underside adds year-round interest
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Can be grown in containers or in the ground in suitable climates
• Attractive branching habit and textured bark on mature trees

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Olea europaea 'Niçoise'
• Plant Type: Evergreen fruit tree
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil; tolerates poor soils
• Water Requirements: Moderate; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
• Growth Habit: Upright to spreading
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
• Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
• Mature Height: 15-30 feet in ground; smaller in containers
• Germination Requirements: Scarification and stratification recommended for best results
• Spacing: 15-20 feet apart for orchard planting

Planting & Care

To grow Niçoise olives from seed, start by scarifying the seeds (lightly nicking or sanding the hard outer shell) and soaking them in warm water for 24 hours. Cold stratification for 4-6 weeks can improve germination rates. Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix, keep moist but not waterlogged, and provide bottom heat if possible. Germination can be slow and uneven, often taking several weeks to months.

Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots with a gritty, well-draining potting mix. Gradually acclimate young plants to full sun. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In cooler zones, grow in containers and move indoors or to a protected area during winter. Prune to shape and remove dead or crossing branches.

What's Included

10 Niçoise olive seeds.