Can I grow an olive tree in Boston?

Question

I'd like to grow an olive tree in my yard, but I'm concerned about the climate / winters. Boston is roughly on the same lattitude as the Mediterranean, but I think our winters are harsher. Thanks!

Answer 1

I had an olive tree planted in my front yard in Phoenix, AZ. but it is not going to tolerate the winters in Boston. Olive trees (Olea europaea) can only tolerate cold down to around 15 degrees F without suffering any damage from the cold. From the USDA cold hardiness map, it looks like your winters may reach average lows of -18 to -23 degrees F. This is enough cold to outright kill this tree when planted outdoors.

Additional Details:

Source: http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~zephycat/project1/orfg_final/encyclopedia/content/o/olea_europaea.html

"The tree may be grown as an ornamental where winter temperatures do not drop below 12° F. Green fruit is damaged at about 28°, but ripe fruit will withstand somewhat lower temperatures."

The Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) is not the olive of the Mediterranean and does not produce the edible fruit we know as the olive. The Russian Olive does have similar shaped and colored foliage as the European Olive (thus its name) and does tolerate significantly harsher winters than the European Olive.

Answer 2

I'm certain someone pooh! poohed! the idea of Olive trees in the USA and Palm trees in Canada. I say what's the worse thing that can happen and you won't know until you try.
Whoops!
EDITED :PS I'm not sure of the effects of windchill.
Olive trees.
In the Central Valley of California trees regularly take 22f winter nights without any problems.
Arbequina is considered frost hardy
http://www.growquest.com/Fruit%20trees%20-%20better%20plant/Arbequina%20Olive%20Tree.htm
MASSACHUSETTS USDA Hardiness Zone Map
http://www.growit.com/bin/USDAZoneMaps.exe?MyState=MA
It probably gets too cold there and unless you had it growing in a large pot and had a green house for it I doubt it would survive.
I will say this if they can grow palm trees in Canada then why can't you grow a olive in Boston?
The Palm Trees of BC
scroll down for pix
http://anvilcloud.blogspot.com/2007/07/palm-trees-of-bc_08.html
The Windmill Palm Tree has been known to be cold hardy for many years and have been growing, just like tropical palm trees, in
***** Switzerland *****
for a hundred years along Lake Lucerne.
http://www.tytyga.com/product/Windmill+Palm+Tree

Answer 3

It gets a little too cold in boston. The winters will give the tree frost bite and it will die.

Answer 4

We grow olive trees in Ontario--harsh winters--but because there are many varieties, please check with your local nursery which variety is the best for you. Good luck!

Answer 5

Yes silly