DIY Fruit – Be an Olive Pioneer!

DIY Fruit – Be an Olive Pioneer!

Ukraine is not often thought of as an Olive growing region. The Black Sea coast in the southern part of the country offers conditions suitable for cultivation of this delicious fruit. Sheltered from the cold continental weather by a range of tall mountains, it enjoys mild winters and warm summers.

The Nikita Botanic Garden in Yalta, Ukraine has had an active Olive breeding program.  For many years it has supplied us with cuttings of several of their varieties. Selected for their early ripening and hardiness, we believe they have great promise in the Pacific Northwest and other mild winter regions of the US.

To evaluate these unique selections in our region, we have planted a small orchard on a friends place near Canby, Oregon. While they are still under evaluation, we invite you to join us and be among the first to try these hardy and promising varieties. We recommend planting at least two varieties (Arbequina or Leccino can be included).  We are not sure about the pollination requirements of these plants. Please be sure let us know how they grow and perform at your location.

Planting our Ukrainian varieties.

Site of our Olive trial orchard.