Can I grow an olive pit?

Question

I really want to start an indoor olive bonsai and I can't find any starter material since I live in Minneapolis Minnesota. Does anyone know how to start this and if the pits will grow? Thanks

Answer 1

Olives are treated with lye or brine to cure them before processing with spices. There are web site sources for olive trees though.
Monrovia nursery marketed Olea europaea 'Montra' under the trademarked name Little Ollie. You should be able to go to any good nursery, show them the info from Monrovia. and ask them to order it.
http://www.distinctivelybetter.com/PlantInf.nsf/709359cd399269ec8825684d0078b8fd/ec1ca51be83bdd288825684d0071ee17!OpenDocument
If you can't there are mail order plants.
http://www.treelandnurseries.com/index.php/page/product_view/item_id/9011278/LITTLE+OLLIE+(TM)+DWARF+OLIVE/


http://www.gardeningideas.org/bonsai/types-olive-bonsai.htm
http://www.dugzbonsai.com/olivehead.htm
http://www.amazon.com/Brussels-Black-Olive-Indoor-Bonsai/dp/B0000DGFCL
http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/olive.htm
Some species suitable for bonsai:

* Olea 'Cailletier': small black olive.
* Olea europaea: common olive - This Mediterranean native grows to 25 feet, with leaves of up to three inches.
* Olea europaea 'Montra': 'Little Ollie' olive, dwarf olive - An excellent choice for miniature bonsai, as the leaves are much smaller than the species, the 'Little Ollie' is becoming popular with bonsai enthusiasts.
* Olea europaea oleaster: wild olive - A natural bonsai subject, it produces less oil than the species, but has smaller leaves.
* Olea europea sativa.
* Olea 'Picholine': green olive.
* Olea 'Tanche': black olive
http://www.bonsai-bci.com/species/olive.html

Answer 2

I'm fairly certain that the pits of olives from a jar will not grow. You might check with your state university.