Planting olive trees

Where to plant an olive tree?

In the garden, choose a sunny spot sheltered from prevailing winds. Opt for locations where water does not stagnate as olive trees dislike excess moisture.

Drought-resistant, it is undemanding regarding soil type and can thrive even in poor, stony soil.

For container cultivation, place the olive tree outdoors in a sunny, sheltered spot then move it indoors during winter to a cool, bright room. Additionally, if you wish to harvest olives in warm regions, consider the characteristics of the varieties: some olive trees are self-fertile and can be planted alone, while others require another olive tree nearby to ensure proper pollination.

In what type of soil?

Olive trees thrive in all types of soil, particularly in poor, stony and chalky soils. They can be planted in slightly heavy soil provided it is well-drained.

For container cultivation, choose a suitable growing medium, such as a “Mediterranean plant compost” or a good-quality multi-purpose compost mixed with some sand. The pot must absolutely have drainage holes!

When and how to plant an olive tree?

When to Plant an Olive Tree?

The ideal time to plant an Olive Tree is in spring. Container-grown young plants can be planted all year round, except during periods of extreme heat or frost.

How to Plant an Olive Tree?

Whether planting in the ground or in a pot, it’s advisable to soak the root ball in water for a few moments before planting and, if necessary, remove the lower branches just above the root ball.

• In the ground: using a spade, dig a hole (about 3 times the size of the root ball) and place a layer of gravel or pumice at the bottom. Add a mixture of garden soil, compost (or well-rotted manure) and sand. Adjust the amount of sand and height of the gravel layer according to your soil’s moisture. Install a stake. Place the young plant, backfill with soil and firm well. Tie the stake to the plant, crossing the tree tie in a figure-eight shape to prevent the stake from touching the trunk. Create a basin around the base and water thoroughly. Water regularly during the first year, then mainly in summer. Before the first frosts, protect the Olive Tree with horticultural fleece and apply a thick mulch layer at the base.
• In a pot: choose a pot 2 to 3 times larger than the root ball. Place a layer of gravel or clay pebbles at the bottom for drainage. Fill the pot with a mixture of compost, garden soil and some sand. Position the young plant and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly after planting and regularly thereafter, avoiding water stagnation in the saucer. Move the pot indoors from October to March in a bright location, then place it outside in a sunny, sheltered spot when temperatures allow. Repot the olive tree every 3 years or top-dress (removing the top 5cm of soil and replacing it with fresh compost or well-rotted manure) for older or larger trees.

How to prune an Olive Tree?

Pruning is carried out at the end of winter, around March. Using a branch cutter or secateurs, remove dead branches and those that cross or grow inward to allow air and light to circulate through the medium. Remove any suckers that appear at the base. In Mediterranean regions, if you wish to encourage olive production, prune every 2 years, bearing in mind that olives will appear on the previous year’s wood.