Bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your garden with the much-loved Kalamata Olive, prized for its elegant evergreen foliage and delicious, distinctive fruit. In the Western Cape, the tree produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers around September to October, followed by elongated olives that develop from green through reddish-purple before reaching their characteristic deep purple-black colour as they ripen. The fruit is particularly valued as a premium black table olive, known for its firm texture and rich flavour. A wonderful choice as a feature tree, edible garden tree, orchard planting or Mediterranean-style specimen, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Kalamata performs best with good summer moisture and benefits from a suitable pollinating partner for reliable fruit set.
Choose a sunny position with excellent drainage and water consistently while the tree establishes. Once established, it copes well with drier conditions, although regular summer watering supports better fruit development. Prune lightly after harvest to maintain shape and encourage productive new growth. Kalamata benefits from cross-pollination, so planting a compatible olive cultivar nearby can improve fruit set. Feed in spring and summer with a balanced fruit-tree fertiliser.
Kalamata is one of South Africa's recognised table-olive cultivars, specifically valued for producing black eating olives rather than being primarily grown for oil. Its characteristic elongated fruit develops a deep purple-black colour as it reaches maturity, making it instantly recognisable to olive lovers.
| Botanical Name |
Olea Europaea 'Kalamata |
|
Growth Expectancy
|
5-8m H x 2-5m W
|
|
Position
|
Sun |
| Water Smart | Yes |
| Indigenous | No |
