Favoured by climate warming, several small-scale olive production farms have also been established at fairly high latitudes in Europe and North America since the early 21st century. [45] [46] [47] [48] Insulate the pot: Wrap the pot with insulating materials like bubble wrap, burlap, or a specially designed plant pot cover. This will help prevent the soil from freezing and damaging the tree’s roots. You should clean potted olive trees’ leaves from time to time, especially if it sits outside in a garden. Keeping the leaves of your potted olive tree clean is an essential aspect of proper care, as it promotes good air circulation, discourages pests, and ensures optimal photosynthesis for a healthy, thriving tree. Follow these simple steps to clean your olive tree leaves and maintain their health. Pruning is the best preventive measure for olive tree care: a crown of solid structure is formed, the branches are located at the required density, so all parts of the tree would receive enough sunlight, and there is air movement in the crown resulting in less chance of disease spread. 1. Keep Olive Tree Healthy If you suspect under-watering, gradually increase the frequency and amount of water you provide, ensuring you reach the root zone with each watering session. Monitor the tree closely to see how it responds to the adjusted watering schedule. Issue

Potted olive trees are naturally small and slow-growing, making them well-suited for container growing. However, they still need plenty of room for their roots to spread and grow. For this reason, choose a container that is large enough to accommodate their growth and provide good drainage. I always recommend choosing a container at least twice the size of the tree’s root ball. The olive tree produces fruit mainly at the periphery and top of the canopy. This is because these parts of the tree are fully exposed to sunlight and in turn improves fertility. Pruning for fruiting purposes focus on the removal of any part that shades other younger parts of the tree. Olive trees typically bear fruit within 3-5 years of planting. Harvest your olives when they reach the desired ripeness, depending on your preferred taste and use. Avoid forming olive trees in a strict geometrical shape, adversely affecting flowering and fruiting. Only change the plant’s natural shape if you have a specific landscape design goal. If the trees are pruned properly, it is hard to notice that they were pruned! According to Pliny the Elder, a vine, a fig tree, and an olive tree grew in the middle of the Roman Forum; the olive was planted to provide shade (the garden plot was recreated in the 20th century). [62] The Roman poet Horace mentions it in reference to his own diet, which he describes as very simple: "As for me, olives, endives, and smooth mallows provide sustenance." [63] Lord Monboddo comments on the olive in 1779 as one of the foods preferred by the ancients and as one of the most perfect foods. [64]If you’re a beginner gardener, keep in mind not to prune the olive trees in the winter. In particular, you should avoid pruning during frost time. Since pruning causes cuts on the olive tree, it’s harder for the tree to heal during the cold months. Even if you notice any damage on olive tree branches, leave them until the spring arrives and then trim it off. Repot if necessary: If your tree seems root-bound or the soil is past its prime, move it to a slightly bigger home with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Be gentle with the roots during this process. Increase watering frequency as temperatures rise. Continue watering thoroughly, but always let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. Hi Alexi, for your older Koroneiki trees, it’s great that you’ve already pruned them. Since you pruned a few weeks ago, it should be an excellent time to apply fertilizer. You can use a fertilizer specifically formulated for olive trees: https://amzn.to/3Zxu0oO.

However, wooden pots may eventually rot, especially if not treated or lined with a protective barrier. So choose rot-resistant wood, like cedar or redwood, for longevity.Olive trees are native to the Mediterranean region, where they bask in warm, sunny climates. Make sure to expose the olive trees to enough sunlight. They like bathing under the sun to keep them happy. After the first five steps, clip long, straight branches to maintain the desired shape and size of the tree. If you grow companion plants under an olive tree, you should take care of them as well, for example, cut off annual plants before the winter. Unfortunately, sometimes you may encounter problems with olive trees in pots. There may be some pests or diseases that affect your olive tree. It’s best to get rid of these issues as soon as possible before it gets worse and cause lots of damage to your potted olive tree. Use a watering can or hose to saturate the soil gently, taking care not to splash water onto the tree’s foliage, as this can encourage the growth of mold and mildew.

The purpose of trimming olive trees is to open more of the tree up to sunshine. The parts of a tree that are in shade will not produce fruit. When you trim olive trees to allow sun to enter into the center, it improves the fruiting. Read on for information about how to prune olive trees and the best time to prune olive trees. When to Prune Olive Trees With this knowledge, you can confidently choose the perfect olive tree variety for your container garden. Keep your local climate, desired growth habit, and fruit production in mind to ensure your potted olive tree thrives and rewards you with a delightful harvest. In this section, I can help you to understand how olive trees grow to make informed pruning decisions and provide your trees with proper care and conditions.

PLANTING

Olive trees thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. A high-quality, well-draining soil mix typically combines potting soil, compost, and perlite or pumice. This blend gives the tree essential nutrients while promoting good drainage and aeration.

Add Agricultural gravel to the hole before the soil to increase drainage. Remember, Olive trees hate wetness! Water sparingly in winter. The tree will be dormant and will require less water. Only water when the top few inches of soil are dry.The most suitable places for Olive trees are mild regions and gardens that are well protected. However, with the right care and attention, they can grow well in most areas.