buy an Olive tree (Olea europea)

Plant care instructions for the Olive tree

Olea europaea

Watermanagement: When the olive tree is planted with clay pebbles and Mediterranean substrate, it needs to be watered heavily once a week during the growing season (February to October)! In summer, this can be extended to twice a week during dry and hot weather.

In autumn, watering depends on weather conditions. If it rains a lot, the olive tree does not need additional water. If it remains dry for an extended period, you can water the olive tree a few more times in autumn. It's difficult to determine the exact amount of water needed because olive trees may be in various conditions and come in various sizes. It's recommanded to regularly check the soil moisture by removing a few centimeters of Mediterranean substrate along the root ball. If the soil is too dry, increase watering. When the soil is too dry, the leaves of the olive tree will turn yellow and fall off. In winter, you should keep the soil moist if it hasn't rained for a long time and there is no frost. It's also important to water after a long period of frost when there's no chance of another frost period because frost dries out the soil. Also, keep in mind that if an olive tree is planted in a planter, it will require more water than if it were in the ground.

Fertilizing: The special Mediterranean soil from the Olive Tree Specialist contains sufficient nutrients for approximately 7 months (1 growing season). In the following years, you can feed the olive tree with special Osmocote for Mediterranean trees. These fertilizer pellets are available from the Olive Tree Specialist. For dosage instructions, please refer to the packaging.

Pruning: It's important to prune your olive tree annually. In the spring, make sure to prune out some thicker branches to maintain an open crown. The remaining younger branches can be pruned back by 30% in spring. Pruning your olive tree in spring will result in a nicer, fuller olive tree. Pruning promotes growth in olive trees. The best time to prune the olive tree is in March or April. If desired, you can lightly prune the olive tree again in summer.

Pests and diseases: During long periods of rain, leaf fungus and/or mealybugs may occur. Leaf fungus manifests as round black or yellow spots on the leaves. Mealybugs appear as white deposits on the leaves. Both conditions can be treated with a biological pesticide, available at the Olive Tree Specialist.

Repotting: If your olive tree is in a pot or planter, it will need to be repotted after a period of 8 to 10 years. You can use the same pot or planter. Remove the olive tree from the pot, then trim about 10 cm from the root ball and replant the olive tree with clay pebbles and Mediterranean substrate.