Kalamata vs Manzanillo: Which Olive Tree Grows Best in Your Queensland Garden?

Thinking of adding an olive tree to your space? Whether you're going for edible garden goals or that breezy Mediterranean vibe, Kalamata and Manzanillo olives are two standout options. Here’s a Queensland grower’s take on how they compare — plus some simple pruning tips to keep them thriving and looking schmick.

How They Handle Queensland Weather

• Manzanillo: The low-maintenance legend. It adapts well to our subtropical conditions, handles humidity, and still fruits like a champ - even in warmer winters.
• Kalamata: A touch more particular. Loves hot, dry summers and appreciates airflow, especially in coastal or raised garden spots. Needs some winter chill for best fruiting.

What They Grow Like

• Manzanillo: Naturally bushy and compact. It responds beautifully to pruning and fills out with a nice, rounded shape - great for screening or small yards.
• Kalamata: Taller and more open. With those long, arching limbs, it brings a graceful Mediterranean charm. Slightly less dense, but elegant and airy.

Pruning Made Easy (No Stress Required)

Pruning an olive tree doesn’t need to be intimidating. In fact, these trees are incredibly forgiving - the more you shape them, the better they perform.

• When to Prune: Late autumn to early winter is your best window. Go for annual light trims to maintain shape, or deeper cuts every couple of years for structure.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove suckers from the base and any growth below the graft.
  • Snip out crossing or downward-facing branches.
  • Keep the centre open - it boosts airflow and helps reduce pest pressure.
  • Use clean, sharp tools and don’t be afraid to go bold with older trees. They bounce back strong!

What Olive Trees Are Great For

Not sure where an olive fits into your space? Here’s what these versatile trees do best:

• Feature Trees: That silvery foliage and gnarled trunk bring real presence to any garden or courtyard.
• Edible Gardens: Manzanillo is a fruiting powerhouse, ideal for curing or small-scale oil pressing.
• Privacy Screening: The bushy growth of Manzanillo makes it perfect for green borders or informal hedges.
• Hot, Dry Zones: Both varieties thrive in full sun and well-drained soil - perfect for Queensland’s sunniest spots.
• Topiary Fun: With regular pruning, they can be sculpted into spheres, spirals, or whatever your imagination dreams up.
• Mediterranean Styling: Pop one in a terracotta pot alongside rosemary and thyme for a classic coastal garden feel.