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.