Olea europaea 'Manzanillo' is a Self-fertile Olive Tree according to some sources or not self-fertile according to others. It may or may not require a pollinator variety. However, planting other compatible varieties nearby could improve cross-pollination and so, the number and the size of the fruits. For cross-pollination it is recommended to plant one or two of the following varieties: 'Frantoio', 'Leccino', 'Pendolino', 'Arbequina', 'Barouni', 'Mission', 'Sevillano' & 'Ascolano'. Manzanillo Olive Tree grows at a moderate pace and begins to bear fruits on fairly young plants (3 to 4 years old). Fruits can be harvested from October to November. 'Manzanillo' is the most important Spanish Olive Tree cultivar. Its olives are appreciated on the international markets for the recognizable shape of the fruit, the ease of removing the pit and for the excellent quality of the flesh. The fruit is spherical in shape with an unusually small pit and a surprising large amount of flesh. It can be green or black depending on its ripeness level. The oil is very sweet and aromatic. This cultivar is probably the best one in terms of volume of olive oil production. Olive Trees are moderately hardy (zone 8 or -10°C). It is recommended to grow them in large containers/planters in order to leave them outdoors in full sun during the warm season and bring them back indoors during the coldest months. In order to increase fruit production, Manzanillo Olive Tree requires 250 chill hours (or 250 hours with temperature below 10°C).
