Olive Tree – Hardy Mediterranean Fruit Tree for Home Gardens:
Product Description:
The Olive Tree (Olea europaea) is a resilient and drought-tolerant evergreen tree, perfect for Mediterranean and warm climate gardens. Known for its attractive silvery-green foliage and delicious olives, this tree adds both beauty and productivity to your home garden or patio. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight, requiring minimal care once established. Ideal for growing fresh olives for eating or oil, as well as providing a classic ornamental appeal, the Olive Tree is a long-lived and low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking a versatile fruit-bearing tree.
Olive Tree Care Guide
1. Light:
Olive trees thrive in full sun. Ensure they receive at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy growth and fruit production.
2. Soil:
Plant your olive tree in well-drained soil. Sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5–8.5) are ideal. Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils.
3. Watering:
Young trees need regular watering to establish roots — water deeply once or twice a week. Mature olive trees are drought-tolerant and prefer infrequent, deep watering to keep the soil slightly moist.
4. Fertilizing:
Feed your olive tree with a balanced fertilizer (such as NPK 10-10-10) in early spring and midsummer. Organic compost or well-rotted manure can also help enrich the soil.
5. Pruning:
Prune annually to remove dead or diseased branches and maintain a balanced shape. Light pruning encourages better air circulation and sunlight penetration.
6. Temperature:
Olive trees prefer warm climates but can tolerate mild frost. Protect young trees from harsh winter freezes by covering them or moving potted trees indoors.
7. Pests & Diseases:
Watch for pests like olive fruit flies, scale insects, and fungal diseases. Use organic insecticides or neem oil as preventive treatments if necessary.