
Olive
Olea europaea
Grow Time
3-5 years
Sunlight
Full Sun
Watering
Every 7-10 days
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Video content from YouTube
Watch on YouTubeHow to plant Olive: Step-by-Step Guide
Growing Guide
Preparation

Choosing Olive Trees
Hello, future olive grower! Olives are wonderful plants that can last for many years if cared for properly. Depending on your space and experience, you can choose between:
- Young saplings (easier for beginners)
- Seeds (takes more time and patience)
If you're new to gardening, I highly recommend starting with a young sapling from a nursery. They’re already established and will give you a head start.
Tip: Look for varieties like "Arbequina" or "Mission," which are known to be hardier and better suited for different climates.
Timing
Olive trees love warm and sunny weather, so the best time to plant them is in early spring after the risk of frost has passed. If you live in a warmer region, fall planting works too!
Tools and Materials

Young olive tree or seeds

Large pot (at least 24 inches wide) or garden space

Well-draining soil (olive trees hate soggy roots)

Fertilizer (low-nitrogen, slow-release type)

Watering can or hose
- Gravel or stones for drainage (optional but helpful)
- Sunny location
Tip: If you're planting in a pot, make sure it has plenty of drainage holes. You can add some gravel at the bottom to help water flow out.
Planting

If Using Seeds:
- Soak the seeds in warm water overnight to soften the hard outer shell.
- Fill a small pot with well-draining soil.
- Plant the seed about 1 inch deep and cover lightly with soil.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot.
- Germination may take several weeks to months, so be patient!
If Using Saplings:
- Choose a large pot or dig a hole in your garden about twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
- Add some gravel or stones at the bottom of the pot or hole for better drainage.
- Place the sapling into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Backfill with soil, gently firming it around the base of the tree.
- Water thoroughly until water drains out of the pot or saturates the ground.
Tip: Space multiple olive trees about 10-15 feet apart if planting in a garden. This gives them room to grow without competing for nutrients.
Growing Care





Sunlight Requirements
Olive trees love sunlight—think Mediterranean vibes. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you're growing indoors, place your potted olive near a south-facing window or under grow lights.
Watering Method
- Water deeply but infrequently. Olive trees prefer dry conditions over soggy soil.
- Typically, water every 1-2 weeks, depending on the weather.
- Check the soil—if the top 2 inches feel dry, it's time to water.
Tip: Overwatering is the most common mistake with olive trees. Always err on the side of caution and let the soil dry out between waterings.
Fertilizing Tips
- Use a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer once or twice during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Avoid fertilizing in fall or winter when the tree isn’t actively growing.
- Follow the package instructions carefully to avoid overfeeding.
Pruning
- Prune your olive tree in late winter or early spring to shape it and remove any dead or overcrowded branches.
- Regular pruning helps improve air circulation and encourages fruit production.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to prune—it’s good for the tree! Just make sure to use clean, sharp tools.
Harvesting



When to Harvest
Olive trees typically start producing fruit after 3-5 years, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The olives will change color as they ripen—from green to yellow-green, then red-purple, and finally black.
- Green olives: Harvest when still firm and green (usually in early fall).
- Black olives: Wait until they turn fully dark and slightly soft (late fall to early winter).
Tip: Taste-test an olive before harvesting to see if it’s reached your preferred level of ripeness.
How to Harvest
Gently pick the olives by hand or use a small handheld rake to comb through the branches. Be careful not to damage the tree or knock off leaves.
Tip: Lay a tarp or sheet under the tree to catch falling olives as you harvest.
Storage
- Fresh olives are quite bitter and need to be cured before eating. You can cure them in brine, oil, or even dry salt.
- Store cured olives in jars with olive oil or brine solution in a cool, dark place.
Tip: Curing olives takes time but is worth the effort for that authentic homemade taste!
Plant Care FAQ
1. Yellow Leaves
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage.
Solution: Ensure the soil is drying out between waterings and check for proper drainage. If the soil stays wet for too long, consider repotting with fresh, well-draining soil.
2. No Fruit Production
Cause: Lack of sunlight, insufficient pollination, or immature tree.
Solution: Make sure your tree is getting enough sun and consider manually shaking the branches to help with pollination. Remember, it can take a few years for young trees to bear fruit.
3. Leaf Drop
Cause: Sudden temperature changes or cold weather.
Solution: Protect your olive tree from frost by bringing potted trees indoors or covering outdoor trees with burlap or frost cloth.
4. Slow Growth
Cause: Nutrient deficiency or improper soil pH.
Solution: Test your soil and adjust as needed. Olive trees prefer slightly alkaline soil (pH 7-8). A light application of fertilizer can also help.
5. Pests
Cause: Scale insects or spider mites.
Solution: Wipe affected leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap. Keeping your tree healthy and well-watered will also make it less attractive to pests.
Pro Tips
1. Companion Planting
Plant lavender or rosemary nearby to deter pests and create a beautiful Mediterranean-themed garden.2. Indoor Growing
If you live in a colder climate, consider growing your olive tree in a large pot and bringing it indoors during the winter months.3. Hand Pollination
Gently shake your olive tree on calm days to mimic wind pollination and increase fruit set.4. Soil Mix
Create your own well-draining soil mix by combining regular potting soil with sand or perlite.5. Winter Protection
For outdoor trees, mulch heavily around the base in winter to protect roots from freezing temperatures.6. Patience Pays Off
Olive trees are slow growers but incredibly rewarding. With proper care, they can live for decades and provide bountiful harvests.7. Natural Shape
Let your olive tree grow naturally rather than forcing it into a strict shape. This reduces stress on the tree and enhances fruit production.8. Early Training
Train young trees to have a single central leader (main trunk) to promote strong structure and easier harvesting later on.