What’s wrong with my olive tree?

Olive trees in the Pacific Northwest face fewer pest and disease issues than those in Europe or California. However, two common problems include: Peacock Spot: A fungal disease that causes dark, circular spots resembling peacock feathers and leads to yellow, mottled leaves. Remove and dispose of affected leaves, and treat with a copper sulfate fungicide as directed. Hard Shell Black Scale: Appears as sooty mold on leaves and branches, caused by pests feeding on sap. Check the undersides of leaves for small, hard black bumps (the scales). Wash affected areas with warm, soapy water, remove scales, and apply an organic pesticide such as neem oil according to instructions. Treating the scales will prevent future mold growth.

Can I grow my olive tree indoors?

Olive trees thrive best outdoors, as they need cool weather and wind for proper growth and fruiting. If you bring an olive tree indoors, transition it during warm weather to avoid stress or leaf drop. Keep it away from vents or drafts, and place it near a west- or south-facing window for maximum light. Water only when the top few inches of soil are dry. Note that olive trees will not bear fruit indoors.

Can I grow my olive tree in a pot?

Yes. Olive trees adapt well to containers. Choose a pot large enough for several years of growth, up to 24–30 inches in diameter (about half a wine barrel). Use a coarse potting mix with good drainage. Container growing will limit the tree’s size, making it ideal for patios or small spaces. Allow the soil to dry 1–2 inches below the surface before soaking thoroughly until water drains from the bottom.

Will my olive trees survive winter?

The olive varieties offered by Durant Olive Mill are specifically chosen for their cold tolerance and tested in Pacific Northwest conditions. “Northwest Select” varieties are propagated from the toughest trees in their orchards. However, olive cultivation in Oregon remains somewhat experimental—Durant encourages growers to participate and share results.

When do I harvest my olives?

Unripe olives are green, and fully ripe olives are black. The harvest time depends on your preferred preservation method, but all olives must be cured or pickled before eating. Harvest before a hard freeze, as frost can damage the fruit. Durant typically harvests in early to mid-November for oil production—it takes about 6,500 olives to produce one gallon of oil.

Do I need more than one variety of olive tree to produce fruit?

Some olive varieties are self-fertile, while others require cross-pollination. Even self-fertile types generally yield more fruit when another variety is nearby. For best results, plant two or more varieties within 20 feet of each other, ensuring no major barriers (like buildings) block wind, as olives are wind-pollinated.

When should I prune my olive tree?

Allow your olive tree three to four years to establish before beginning a regular pruning routine. The more leaves your tree has, the stronger its root system will become. Begin spring pruning after the risk of frost has passed. Start by removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches and keep the tree’s center open to let in light. For shaping, remember that olive trees produce flowers in November and fruit on one-year-old shoots (typically the first 8–12 inches). Over-pruning may reduce fruit yield.

When should I fertilize my olive tree?

Olive trees prefer moderately fertile soil. Over-fertilizing can reduce fruit production. Fertilize only a couple of times during the active growing season (May–July) with a fruit tree fertilizer, following the manufacturer’s directions. Avoid fertilizing too early or late in the season, as this can cause cold damage. You may also apply organic compost once a year to improve soil structure and drainage.

How often should I water my olive tree?

Water thoroughly after planting to help the soil settle around the roots. Continue watering regularly until the rainy season begins. Olive trees dislike standing water, so ensure good drainage. Their watering needs are similar to lavender—both prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.

Where should I plant my olive tree?

Choose a sunny, south- or west-facing location that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Protect from high winds if possible. Olive trees require well-drained soil and should not be planted in soggy conditions. Plant so that the soil level in the pot is even with the surrounding soil, keeping the crown above ground level. To help neutralize acidic soil, treat the area with lime according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Olive trees thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline soil.

When should I plant my olive tree?

Spring is the best time to plant an olive tree, ideally after all danger of frost has passed. This allows the roots to establish well before colder weather arrives. If planting later in the season (after mid-July), keep the olive tree in its nursery pot through winter in a protected outdoor area—such as a covered porch, patio, or under eaves on the west or south side of your home—and plant it in the ground the following spring. Using mycorrhizae at planting time helps strengthen root systems for better cold tolerance.

Do deer eat lavender?

Lavender is generally considered deer-resistant, although this is never a full guarantee.

My lavender is woody and split open. What do I do?

Regular pruning is essential to maintain a healthy, attractive plant. Even with proper care, lavender becomes woody over time and will eventually need to be replaced. The average lifespan of lavender is 7–10 years.

How do I process lavender for culinary uses?

Once dried, strip the flower buds from the stems using your hands. Store the buds in an airtight container away from light.

How do I dry lavender?

When the first flowers begin to open, cut small handful-sized bunches, secure them with rubber bands or twine, and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight until completely dry.

When do I harvest?

For fresh bouquets, cut flowers throughout the bloom cycle. For drying or culinary use, harvest when the first few flowers on each stem have opened, but most buds are still tight.

When do I prune my lavender?

Prune your lavender at harvest time—mid-summer or after the blooms have faded. You can also prune again in spring before new buds appear. Always leave at least an inch of green growth; avoid cutting down to old wood.

Where should I plant my lavender?

Plant lavender in full sun and well-drained soil. It does not tolerate soggy conditions. Once established, lavender is highly drought-tolerant.

What are the health properties of an EVOO?

Studies suggest that extra virgin olive oil can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, improve blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Combined with a balanced diet, its health benefits increase even more.

What makes Durant Olive Mill EVOO special?

Durant Olive Mill is Oregon’s first commercial olive mill, pioneering olive cultivation in the region. From tree to table, every step ensures the oil’s freshness and flavor. Olives are milled on-site promptly, stored under nitrogen in stainless steel tanks, and bottled weekly to reduce exposure to oxygen, light, and heat. Milling typically starts in mid-to-late October, and visitors are encouraged to witness the process.

What characteristics should a good quality, fresh EVOO have?

A fresh, high-quality extra virgin olive oil should be flavorful—fruity, bitter, and peppery notes vary depending on the olive variety. Try different cultivars to find your preferred flavor profile.

What characteristics should a good quality, fresh EVOO have?

A fresh, high-quality extra virgin olive oil should be flavorful—fruity, bitter, and peppery notes vary depending on the olive variety. Try different cultivars to find your preferred flavor profile.

Is it OK to use an EVOO for cooking?

Yes. Mediterranean communities have long used extra virgin olive oil for cooking. EVOO has a smoke point of about 390°F—comparable to canola oil (450°F) and clarified butter (425°F). While some flavor and nutrients may diminish, EVOO remains a healthy choice. Unlike refined oils, it retains most of its beneficial phytonutrients even when heated.

How should I use an EVOO?

Use it on everything—soups, stews, meats, bread, salads, fish, cheese, or vegetables. A drizzle of high-quality EVOO and a pinch of sea salt can elevate nearly any dish. Don’t hesitate to use it generously.

How long does an EVOO last?

Olive oil is sensitive to time, light, high temperature, and oxygen. An unopened bottle of Durant Olive Mill EVOO stored in a cool, dark place (such as a cupboard away from heat or in the refrigerator) can remain defect-free for 18 months to 2 years. Once opened, store it away from light and heat and use it within 6 months. Storage conditions before purchase may affect longevity.

What is an Extra Virgin Olive Oil? (EVOO)

Extra virgin olive oil is the product of the first cold press in the olive milling process. It is essentially the “juice” of the olive fruit. To be classified as “extra virgin,” the acidity level must not exceed 0.8%, determined through laboratory testing. The acidity level indicates the quality of the fruit at the time of milling.