How to grow an olive tree even in a simple pot

Few plants manage to be as spectacular year-round as the olive tree. It never experiences periods of eclipse, thanks to its robustness and resistance, and its silvery leaves that shine in the sun throughout the year. Not to mention the possibility of harvesting olives, taking them to an olive press, and having a DIY oil for your own kitchen.

You don't need a large garden or a lot of land to grow an olive tree: it can grow well even in a simple pot, as long as you follow some guidelines regarding the care and growth of the plant.

Climate and location

Olive trees love warmth and full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct light per day. They tolerate drought well, but are sensitive to intense, prolonged frost (below -7/-10°C, they can be seriously damaged). Therefore, a south-facing location sheltered from cold winds is best.

Land

This plant is not very demanding, but grows best in soils:

• well drained (essential, it fears water stagnation)
• medium deep
• even poor or calcareous, as long as they are not too compact

If the soil is clayey, it is best to improve drainage with sand or gravel.

When to plant

It's usually planted in fall or spring. Young plants are spaced about 4–6 meters apart, as they mature into fairly large trees. After planting, it's important to water regularly for the first 1–2 years.

Watering

As an adult, the olive tree is drought tolerant, but to have a good olive production:

• irrigation is useful in summer and during fruit growth
• avoid excessive watering (worse than drought for this plant).

Pruning

This is one of the most important aspects:

• it is done in winter or early spring
• It helps shape the foliage and let light and air in
• dry, overly thick or unproductive branches are eliminated.

A well-ventilated canopy also reduces disease.

Fertilization

There's no need to exaggerate:

• organic fertilizer or manure at the end of winter
• possibly supplement nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium based on production.

When to harvest olives

The olive harvest depends on the use:

• olive oil: between October and December
• table olives: even earlier or selected ones.

The best yield is obtained when the fruit turns from green to purple.

Parasites and common problems

Among the most frequent problems affecting the olive tree are:

• olive fly
• cochineal
• peacock eye (fungal disease)

Prevention (pruning, foliage ventilation, periodic checks) is essential.

How long does he live?

The olive tree is among the longest-lived fruit trees in absolute terms, on average it lives between 300–600 years in normal cultivation conditions, but with the climate and care adequate can overcome 1.000 years and some monumental olive trees reach 2.000–3.000 years.

In practice, it is not uncommon for an olive tree planted today to be inherited by several generations.

The olive tree lives so long thanks to a combination of factors:

• It has a slow and very “robust” growth
• Easily regenerates wood (even if it is pruned or damaged)
• It resists drought and poor soils well
• It has a very persistent root system.

Read also:

• Olive: properties, uses and contraindications
• How to recognize a good extra virgin olive oil
• Olive Oil: 10 Alternative Uses