Conjuring up thoughts of the Mediterranean, grown for their hardiness and for the delicious fruit that produces oils, which are processed and used for many purposes commercially. Olives are a tough species that are great when planted in containers, grown as a specimen tree or grown as a hedge.
Planting Calendar
Olives can be planted throughout the year but do better when planted in Spring and Autumn.
Prepare
Position
Olives like a hot sunny position with free draining soil, that is not to wet. They do best in areas that have warm summers and mild winters. Tolerant of rocky soil and salt air, olives make a great coastal plant.
Soil
When planted into the ground, olives like a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Pollination
Olive trees are wind pollinated, some varieties are self fertile, but will benefit when planted with another olive. If planting specifically for pickling the fruit, plant several different varieties that are all suitable for pickling.
Plant
Gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost, Sheep Pellets and Kings 24 Plus Fertiliser together into your existing soil. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted, the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Garden Booster In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a slight mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers, plant in Kings Containers mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a containers, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
Stake your olives well when planting to protect them from wind, so that they form straight trunks.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Spraying
Scale and Leaf roller caterpillar can be a issue so protect against these by spraying with Bugtrol once a month. Fungal spot on the leaves and fruit can be treated by spraying with FreeFlo Copper.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential if you want to create a dense, well-structured hedge. Prune after each flush of new growth. Ensure that you use sharp tools to avoid brown jagged edges on the leaves. Trimming for a more open canopy will assist pollination, air movement, spray penetration and fruit colour when grown individually.
Beginner Tip
The fruit of olives are inedible when picked straight from the tree, there are very bitter and need to be brined or cured before they taste like the olives we all enjoy.
Expert Tip
Water stress during Spring/Summer can affect the size of the fruit, so aim to keep the soil moist during these months. Some dryness in late summer will help with maturing of fruit.
Tip
The color of an olive indicates its ripeness the darker the olive, the riper it is.
Top Varieties
EL Greco
El Greco is a great variety for containers and hedging due to its more upright and dense growth habit. Fruit are medium sized and fruit early in the season, but can be a little shy to fruit . 3.5m x 2.5m
Frantoio
Frantoio - is a self pollinating variety useful as a pollinator for other types. It has a open growth habit and is a early season fruiter with medium sized fruit. Growing to 3.5m x 2.5m
J5
J5 - A variety well suited to warmer areas this olive produces a heavy yield of medium sized fruit. Growing to 4m x 3.5m
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant olive trees?
The best time to plant olive trees is during the cooler months of autumn or early spring. This allows the trees to establish roots before the heat of summer.
How often should I water my olive tree?
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone.
Do I need to fertilise my olive tree?
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
How do I prune my olive tree?
Regular pruning is essential if you want to create a dense, well-structured hedge. Prune after each flush of new growth. Ensure that you use sharp tools to avoid brown jagged edges on the leaves. Trimming for a more open canopy will assist pollination, air movement, spray penetration and fruit colour when grown individually.
Can I grow an olive tree in a pot?
Yes, olive trees can be grown in large pots. Choose a dwarf variety and use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the pot has good drainage, and water regularly, especially during dry periods. Repot every few years to refresh the soil and prevent root binding.