Quick answer: Olive seeds are slow. Soak them 24 hours, nick the hard pit, cold-stratify them for 1–2 months, then sow ½–1" deep at 70–80°F. Expect sprouts in 1–3 months.

Learning how to grow from seed? Head over to our planting guide!

details

Difficulty Advanced
Germination 1–3 months
Temperature 70–80°F
Depth ½–1"
Seed prep Pre-soak in water for 12-24 hours, Scarify, Stratify for 1-2 months
Method Greenhouse
Time to maturity 12+ months
Light Full Sun / Grow Lights
Pet-friendly Yes
olive tree seeds

instructions

  1. Soak in warm water for 24 hours.
  2. Nick the pit. Carefully crack or sand the tip of the hard pit so water gets in. See our seed prep guide.
  3. Stratify in a damp paper towel or in a planter in moist soil in the fridge for 1–2 months.
  4. Sow ½–1" deep in well-draining mix and keep at 70–90°F, ideally on a seedling heat mat, keep consistently moist and out of direct sun!
  5. Be patient and keep lightly moist. Gradually move into strong light once sprouted.
Olea Europaea 'Olive Tree' Seeds - Plantflix

things to know

  • Germination is uneven: sow several seeds; not all will sprout.
  • Fruit is a long game: seed-grown olives take many years to fruit, if ever, indoors.
  • Pick a planter that holds moisture: plastic, rice hull or ceramic, with a dome. Skip terra cotta, peat pots, coco coir pots and egg cartons. They wick water away from the seed.
  • New to seeds? Start with our seed prep guide and planting guide.
grow your own!

plant care tips

  • Light: full sun or a strong grow light.
  • Water: let the top inch dry between waterings.
  • Winter: a cool (not freezing) winter helps it thrive.
  • Soil: gritty, well-draining mix.
try them out!

faqs

How long do olive seeds take to germinate?

Usually 1–3 months after stratifying.

Will my olive tree make olives?

Seed-grown trees take many years and usually need outdoor conditions.

Is an olive tree pet-safe?

It's listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

these are key aspects of your setup

check your setup!

  • 💡light: is your setup away from direct sun? these seeds should stay in indirect or filtered light, or better yet, under grow lights.
  • 💧moisture: does the soil feel very moist to the touch?
  • 🌡️temperature: is the setup away from direct sun, open windows, or heat vents? make sure it stays consistently between 70F-90F (use a heat mat if the temperature falls under 70F)
  • ☁️humidity: do you see condensation on the humidity dome? if not, make sure the dome is fully sealed, the setup is warm enough, and there's enough moisture in the soil.
  • 💚care: leave the dome on and only open it once a week to add water.
"Plant Projects" Home Garden Subscription Box - Plantflix

loved growing this one?

get a new plant project every month 🌱

each box comes with unique seeds and the supplies to actually sprout them, plus a hand-drawn care guide. free shipping, cancel anytime.


$10 off your first box with code PLANTPROJECTS + a free sprout starter pack

try a subscription!

what's next?

  • "Grow an Indoor Jungle" Houseplant Seed Kit - Plantflix
    seed kits

    197 Reviews

    "Grow an Indoor Jungle" Houseplant Seed Kit
    from $40.50
    from $40.50
    Choose options
  • "Grow your own Jungle" Houseplant Seed Collection - Plantflix
    seed collections

    197 Reviews

    "Grow your own Jungle" Houseplant Seed Collection
    $63.00
    $54.08
    $63.00
    Quick Add
  • Grow a Monstera Seed Kit - Plantflix
    seed kits

    197 Reviews

    Grow a Monstera Seed Kit
    $25.50
    $25.50
    Quick Add
  • Grow a Coffee Plant Seed Kit - Plantflix
    seed kits

    197 Reviews

    Grow a Coffee Plant Seed Kit
    $18.00
    $18.00
    Choose options
View all