olive tree care

Olive trees grow slowly, especially in fall and winter, so avoid overwatering. Olive trees are native to the Mediterranean, so they can tolerate dry air. Most won't need any additional humidity in your home. Feed the tree once a month in fall and winter with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.

How much sun does an olive tree need?

Unfortunately for those of us living in cavelike spaces, the olive tree, like most fruit trees, prefers full sun (at least six hours a day). A sunny, south-facing window is ideal.

Can you keep an olive tree indoors?

Known for gracing the balmy landscapes of the Mediterranean, these ancient plants are particularly tolerant of dry air (and to an extent – soil) meaning they thrive indoors as well as outside when the warmer weather arrives, making it an adaptable houseplant and bringing a touch of sunnier climes into our daily lives.

Do olive trees need sun or shade?

Olive trees generally need as much sunlight as possible. In other words, the more light they have, the longer your olive tree will remain healthy and in its best condition. Although, a little shade can be tolerated with a few precautions.

Where do olive trees grow best?

Olive trees need a subtropical climate and do best with mild winters and long, warm, and dry summers. They are sensitive to hard freezing environments. They will grow in climate zones 10 and 11 (see map below). Some varieties are hardy enough for zone 9 or even 8.

Are olive trees hard to care for?

One reason people are taking to olive trees as houseplants is that caring for olive trees inside is easy. These trees tolerate dry air and dry soil too, making it an easy-care houseplant.

What is the best fertilizer for olive trees?

Young olive trees may require fertilizing after planting, depending on the time of the year (see below). Established olive trees require fertilizer to stay healthy and produce every year. They need a balanced fertilizer with a 16-16-16 nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium ratio or similar.

Can olive trees stay outside in winter?

Potted olive trees can be left outside until late September, early October, and should then be brought inside until the beginning of May. ... A cold conservatory, porch which has good natural light or a greenhouse are all suitable to house an olive tree during winter.

How long do olive trees live?

There exist a huge number of olive trees that are hundreds of years old and ones that are thousands of years old. Their life expectancy is 2,000 years on average.

Why are the leaves falling off my indoor olive tree?

Because they are fruit-bearing and evergreen, olive trees need plenty of water. ... If the trees get too much water, the leaves may yellow and drop. But if the tree gets too dry, which often happens in the winter when watering is less frequent, the leaves will dry out and drop.

What do you feed an olive tree?

Feeding – Feed your olive trees with 'Miracle-Gro All Purpose Slow Release' plant food in spring. If your plant has lost leaves in winter and you want to give it a boost, apply 'Maxicrop Complete Garden Feed' fortnightly between May and August to ensure the tree stays healthy, vigorous and happy.

Should I prune my olive tree?

If you wish to harvest fruit from your olive tree, pruning will be necessary. You should be Pruning Olive Trees in late Spring or early Summer when the weather is milder but before flowering. As the olive tree is an evergreen plant, new growth will be produced from most of the pruning cuts.

Can Olives be eaten straight from the tree?

Are olives edible off the branch? While olives are edible straight from the tree, they are intensely bitter. Olives contain oleuropein and phenolic compounds, which must be removed or, at least, reduced to make the olive palatable.

When should I plant an olive tree?

The spring and the fall are the most common times to plant olive trees, though they can be planted throughout the summer if the conditions are right. The advantage to spring planting is that the trees have all summer to grow into their site before the winter cold sets in.

Do olive trees need big pots?

The olive tree is slow-growing and is therefore ideal for pot-growing; it will thrive in a large pot in a bright spot on the patio or balcony, or in an unheated conservatory or greenhouse. ... Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes and put some gravel or crocks in the bottom.

Is it easy to grow olive trees?

Yes, you CAN grow olive tree plants! Growing olive trees in the backyard orchard or in a container is not only possible, but easy and very rewarding.

Are olive trees poisonous to dogs?

There is no evidence to suggest that any part of the olive tree (Olea europaea) is poisonous to animals. Olive trees grow in the warm climates of U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10.

How do you bring an olive tree back to life?

How to Bring an Olive Tree Back to Life

Soak freshly planted trees for at least an hour.
Keep moist but not saturated.
Olive Trees For Sale Online.
Follow our tips & your beautiful Olive will thrive.

Are olive trees messy?

Although their gnarled trunks and shimmering leaves make them a stunning addition to the yard, there's no two ways about it: olive trees are messy.

Is Epsom salt good for olive trees?

Olive trees love seaweed as they are a coastal tree and Epsom salts stop potted olive trees from becoming deficient in magnesium. ... A watering-can full every other day will keep your tree healthy and if your Olive tree has produced fruit, a good watering will help swell the fruit.

What to feed olive trees in pots?

Advice on Feeding your Olive Tree

A blend of guano, seaweed and epsom salts our olive blend will fertilise and strengthen your Olive Tree year round. High in potassium, phosphate and magnesium it enriches the soil and encourages tree growth. Each pot contains enough feed to feed one olive tree per year.