Olive Tree Care

The olive tree (Olea Europaea) enjoys, loves, basks, in full sun, ideally if possible keep out of very strong winds. Olives are wonderfully hardy when established and will be fine in all but the coldest parts of the UK. Olive trees are not too fussy about soil types but they do have a preference for well-drained soil, making olive tree care a very easy task.

If grown in pots Olive trees are best grown with loam-based compost with added grit for drainage. Raise pots on feet to improve the drainage in wet seasons.  Feeding Olive trees throughout the growing season is essential to promote strong healthy foliage. Olive trees are very drought tolerant, but they still enjoy a good drink during dry periods especially when planted in containers, and especially for less established trees.

Pruning is the key to keeping olives in good shape, prune back in late spring or summer to promote new growth and good shape, do not allow Olive trees to lose shape otherwise the foliage becomes sparse.

The elegant, handsome, evergreen Olive tree retains grey-green foliage throughout the year, and displays tiny, fragrant, creamy white flowers in early summer, followed by (in very long hot summers) edible green fruits, yes you guessed it - Olives.

The Olive Tree does make an excellent specimen for a sunny, Mediterranean style garden, and creates a real point of interest in a big trerracotta pot.

We have some very useful tips on olive tree care for you below to help you when caring for your olive tree.

Olive Tree Growing Environment

Enjoys full sun, ideally keep out of cold winds, Olives are wonderfully hardy when well established and will be fine in all but the coldest parts of the UK.

Best Soil for Olive Trees

Prefers a well-drained light sandy soil, with a slightly acidic to alkaline PH.  If your soil is too acidic, add lime.

Best Pots for Olive Trees

Olives are best grown in well drained pots with loam-based compost with added grit for drainage. Raise pots on feet to improve the drainage in wet seasons.

Feeding Olive Trees

Apply a top-dressing of nitrogen rich, general purpose feed 2 to 3 times through the growing season. Mulching with organic material is also beneficial.

Watering Olive Trees

Olives are very drought tolerant, but that still enjoy a good drink during dry periods especially when planted in containers, and especially for less established trees.

Why not take a look at our range of Olive Trees for Sale.