Name: Leccino Olive Tree | Classic Italian Oil Olive
SKU: Olive Tree (Leccino)
Availability: InStock

Description

Leccino is a foundation Italian olive—vigorous, dependable, and often chosen by growers who value consistency over intensity. It’s widely planted because it produces reliably when pollinated and offers an oil profile that tends to be smooth and approachable, especially when harvested on the riper side. Closely associated with Tuscany, Leccino has been grown across Italy for generations and is frequently planted alongside cultivars like Frantoio. Technical references describe it as a high and constant producer with efficient flower biology, but there’s one key requirement: Leccino is self-sterile and depends on a compatible olive nearby to set fruit. Growth habit is typically more vigorous and spreading than compact olives, giving Leccino a strong, tree-like presence. As with all olives, size and vigor are shaped heavily by climate and culture.

In warm, in-ground plantings, trees can grow with notable strength over time, while container-grown trees or those grown in cooler coastal regions tend to remain more restrained. With thoughtful pruning and training, Leccino adapts well to a wide range of growing situations.

Overview

Italian oil olive cultivar widely grown in Tuscany
Known for steady production and a balanced, approachable oil style
Vigorous, spreading growth habit with good response to pruning
Early-season ripening; timing varies by climate
Self-sterile; requires a compatible olive for pollination

Growing Details

Latin Name: Olea europaea ’Leccino’
Origin: Central Italy (Tuscany)
Site and Soil: Full sun preferred; well-drained soil is essential
Cold Tolerance: UC Freeze Category:
Hardy ; established trees have reported wood survival around ~10°F
Rootstock: Own-root (propagated from cuttings)
Bearing Age: Often fruits once established; production improves with maturity
Size at Maturity: Typically maintained at 8–12 ft tall and wide with pruningNote: Size reflects managed garden or container-grown trees; growth and ultimate size vary by climate and whether planted in-ground or in containers. Unpruned trees can grow larger over time
Bloom Time: Mid to late spring (varies by region)
Ripening Time: Mid-season olive; harvest timing varies by climate and season length
Pollination: Pollination required; plant a compatible olive variety within 20–30 feet
Pests & Diseases: Generally resilient with good airflow and drainage; regional pressure varies

Additional Notes

Grower’s Insight: Leccino is often described as a “workhorse” olive—highly productive and consistent when pollinated, with very low flower abortion compared to many cultivars.
Regional Insight: Considered one of the more reliable olives for cooler regions, including the Pacific Northwest, when paired with a suitable pollination partner and planted for warmth and drainage.
Cold-weather note: In olives, the primary cold risk is bark splitting during sudden freezes rather than slow, sustained cold. Proper siting, drainage, and avoiding late-season fertilization greatly reduce risk.
Harvest stage matters: Earlier harvests can produce brighter oils, while later harvests emphasize smoothness and balance.
Explore more olives in our collection: Olive Trees

Planting & Care

At a Glance – Leccino Olive

Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil
Water: Moderate; consistent during establishment
Tree Size: Vigorous but manageable with pruning
Pollination: Required; plant a partner within 20–30 feet
Harvest: Early-season olive; timing varies by climate
Hardiness: Wood survival improves with good drainage and siting

Planting & Care – Leccino Olive

Site Selection

Choose the warmest, sunniest site available.
South- or west-facing exposures improve ripening and overall vigor.
Some shelter from cold winter winds supports wood survival.
Good airflow helps maintain long-term tree health.

Soil Preparation (In-Ground vs Container)

In-ground: Excellent drainage is essential; mound or raise planting sites if soils drain slowly.
In-ground: Neutral to slightly alkaline soils are ideal, but drainage matters most.
Container: Use a fast-draining mix and a pot with ample drainage holes.
Container: Containers offer flexibility in cooler climates but require winter root protection.

Planting Instructions

Dig a hole twice the width of the root system, or select a container just larger than the root mass.
Set the tree at the same depth it was growing previously.
Backfill gently and water thoroughly to settle soil around the roots.
Mulch lightly for in-ground plantings, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Watering (In-Ground vs Container)

In-ground, establishment: Water regularly during the first 1–2 years.
In-ground, established: Allow soil to dry several inches down between deep waterings.
Container: Water thoroughly, then wait until the top couple inches of mix dry before watering again.
Goal: Maintain a steady wet-to-dry rhythm for healthy roots.

Fertilizing

Olives are moderate feeders and prefer balanced nutrition.
Apply a light fertilizer in spring if growth is weak.
Container trees benefit from lighter but more frequent feeding.
Avoid late-season fertilization to allow growth to harden before winter.

Cold Care

Cold tolerance relates primarily to protecting the wood and avoiding wet roots.
Young trees benefit from protection during their first few winters.
Container trees: Protect the root zone during hard freezes.

Pollination

Leccino is self-sterile and requires a compatible olive nearby.
Plant pollination partners within 20–30 feet for best results.

Pruning & Training

Can be trained as a single-trunk or multi-trunk tree.
Annual pruning helps manage vigor and maintain airflow.
Balanced structure supports consistent production.

Harvest & Use

Harvest timing varies by climate and desired oil style.
Earlier harvests produce brighter oils; later harvests emphasize smoothness.

General Tips

Pollination is the single biggest factor in Leccino productivity.
Warm siting and drainage matter more than fertilization.
Consistency improves as trees mature under steady care.

Olive Tree (Leccino)