These one gallon Cipressino are only about two years old but this year decided they were ready to produce. When olives flower and fruit, they do so on the previous year’s growth but it’s unusual to see young trees this heavily laden with fruit. But Cipressino are a very vigorous and productive varietal as is evident here.
We typically train our small trees to start out with a single leader. As they mature the lateral branching forms the basic vase like structure that favours high olive production (and strong primary branches). These Cipressino are almost two years old and have developed a good framework for healthy growth.
We haven’t had Cipressino available for sale in many years but it’s back and available in one gallon pots as either single leader or, as pictured here, multi-branched ($60 for either, although not in terracotta pots). Cipressino, aka Frangivento, has an upright columnar growth habit (hence the name referencing columnar Cypress). It’s other name, Frangivento, means wind break as it is often planted along driveways or in areas needing some wind protection. Cipressino is a vigorous grower and well-adapted to growing conditions in the Southern Gulf islands and South Vancouver Island.
Seascape bloomed earlier than any other variety this year and it’s ripening up earlier than others as well. Not a heavy fruit set but that’s expected with such young trees.
As mentioned, fruit set in young one gallon trees is the exception rather than the rule. Here’s what most of the Seascapes this age look like now:
A few Nikita Jubilee also set fruit as young one gallon trees but are carrying a heavier load of fruit than the Seascape. These comparisons among young varieties are interesting but not indicative of how they will fare when older. I think Seascape and Nikita are about equal in their productivity although it looks like Nikita bears slightly larger olives than the Seascape. Here are a couple photos of Nikita’s with olives (taken on Sept 27, 2021):
We’ve added thumbnails on our store page for the newer one gallon cultivars that we brought from Oregon in late March. All the trees are looking healthy but vary in size at the moment. Typically the smaller one gallon trees will catch up in size by July.
Here’s the thumbnail for Nikita Jubilee:
And here’s Harvest Joy:
We have a new shipment of one gallon trees in stock. Our new varieties Nikita Jubilee and Bountiful are looking great.
The online store is now live. You can also order directly by emailing to sales@olivetrees.ca (with any order or inquiry always provide your location and phone number).
At the moment we will only have one gallon size trees available for sale (most deliveries in May). Also, all varieties at this time are self-infertile so will need a companion variety to set fruit. Any other available variety should work as a pollinator.
The online store is now offline until next season. Sales are also now closed for the summer. Thanks for a great 2020 season! Stay safe and have a great summer!
We still have trees in stock but our 2020 sales season will end soon so if you want trees this year place an order soon. Deliveries are starting this week to Vancouver Island and next week to Vancouver.