5 Seeds Osmanthus Fragrans Sweet Olive Fragrant Evergreen Shrub

Sweet Olive, or Osmanthus fragrans, is a beloved evergreen shrub prized for its intensely fragrant, small white blossoms that perfume the garden in spring and often again in fall. These 5 seeds let you start your own beautiful specimen, which features glossy, deep green foliage that provides year-round structure and appeal in borders, containers, or as a fragrant hedge.
Sweet Olive makes a wonderful ornamental addition for patios or walkways, where its delightful scent can be enjoyed up close. As the plant matures, it can be shaped into a small tree or kept as a dense shrub, thriving with regular water and good drainage. Its blossoms are also traditionally used to scent teas and culinary dishes in some cultures. Growing information is provided below to help you successfully cultivate these seeds.
Species: Osmanthus fragrans
Variety: Not specified
Type: Ornamental Shrub
Plant Habit: Upright, rounded shrub, can be trained as small tree
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile, slightly acidic to neutral
Days to Harvest: Not applicable (ornamental)
Zones: 7–9
Germination: 6–12 weeks with cold stratification; may be slow and erratic
Sowing: Indoors in moist seed-starting mix, keep at 60–70°F after stratification
Spacing: 4–6 feet apart for hedge or specimen planting
Notes: Seeds may take several seasons to establish; provide winter protection in cooler zones