Position:
Plant your olive tree in a place with full sun (at least 6 hours per day). Olive trees can tolerate wind but do not do well in high-humidity areas.
Size:
If uncontrolled, olive trees can grow up to 10 meters tall.
Soil Type:
This tree is not particularly fussy about soil mix. Good drainage and aeration are crucial for optimal growth and yield. Olive trees will not tolerate waterlogged soil. Slightly stony ground is acceptable.
They also require a bit of cool time. An average winter temperature that is below 7° for about 2 months is ideal.
Adda bag of ourVolcanic Rock Dust (R25 per bag) and a bag of Superfrass (R25 per bag). This combination will facilitate rapid growth while also protecting the roots from insect damage.
Adding a bag of Volcanic Rock Dust every 4 months will increase the calcium and magnesium so needed for olive trees.
Watering:
New plants require regular watering. Once mature and established, they are drought-tolerant and need watering only once a month unless it rains. If olive trees are planted in big pots, they require more watering.
Mulch:
All fruit trees thrive if they are protected with good-quality mulch. Generous layers of pine bark mulch or green pine needles spread around the trunk of the tree help eradicate weeds, slightly lower the pH, and protect the roots from harsh UV rays. Mulch also helps to keep the roots damp. Be careful not to apply mulch too close to the tree trunk, as the water it retains can cause the trunk to rot.
Fertilising:
Potted olive trees must be fertilised in spring and again in mid-summer. Never over-fertilise it as this will encourage leaf growth but little fruit. Apply our all-plant slow-release fertiliser every 4-5 months to ensure your plants receive balanced, all-around nutrients.
Adding a bag of Volcanic Rock Dust every 4 months will increase the calcium and magnesium so needed for olive trees.
Pruning
It is always good to cut away diseased or dry branches in winter to allow for maximum light and sun penetration in summer.
Pests and Diseases
Airborne fungi from overwatering or excessive rain are nemeses of olive trees. These can be controlled with regular pruning and preventative organic copper sprays.
Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) will assist with either prevention or post-facto. If you already have aphids or mites, wash the vine down with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control.
Harvesting
Fruits are harvested when all the olives are ripe. All olives start out green (can be picked and pickled green), then gradually ripen to a pinkish colour and then to dark purple. The time you harvest them depends on their intended use.
