Olive

Olives are slow starters but extraordinarily long-lived — some trees in the Mediterranean are over a thousand years old. Grafted trees from nursery stock may produce a light first crop after about five years, with reasonable production from seven to eight years. In cooler climates, a sheltered south-facing wall and excellent drainage are essential. Self-fertile varieties are available, but a second tree improves yield. In the UK and Ireland, olives often survive outdoors in milder areas but fruiting is unreliable — a conservatory or polytunnel gives much better results.