Olive
In the Mediterranean a fruit tree for oil and curing; in Britain mostly an ornamental that may set a few fruit in a hot year. Both need sun and drainage above all.
Care
Full sun and shelter from cold wind.
Low in the ground once established; in pots water thoroughly when the top few centimetres are dry. Winter wet is more dangerous than cold.
Very free-draining soil or loam-based compost with grit; tolerates poor and chalky soil.
Prune in late winter or spring to open the centre and control size; fruit forms on the previous year's wood, so heavy annual pruning reduces the crop.
A balanced feed in spring and early summer, especially in pots; in the ground little is needed.
Semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat; commercially grafted. Not a quick project.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- MarchThin crowded branches and shape the crown. how ›
- JulyWater pots deeply in hot weather. how ›
- NovemberHarvest olives for curing — they are inedible raw.
- DecemberIn cold areas wrap pots and fleece the crown in hard frost; keep off waterlogged ground. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchThin crowded branches and shape the crown. how ›
- JulyWater pots deeply in hot weather. how ›
- NovemberHarvest olives for curing — they are inedible raw.
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Dark round spots with a yellow halo; leaf drop.
What to do. Improve air flow by pruning; clear fallen leaves.
How to spot it. Bumps on stems and black film on leaves.
What to do. Wash off; encourage predators.
How to spot it. Fruit with small holes and maggots (Mediterranean regions).
What to do. Traps and early harvest; follow local advice.
Questions
Olive: is it hardy?
H4: Hardy through an average UK winter. It survives down to −10 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes — very common as a patio tree in large pots.
Olive: when do you prune it?
Prune in late winter or spring to open the centre and control size; fruit forms on the previous year's wood, so heavy annual pruning reduces the crop. In the calendar for UK, pruning falls in March.
Olive: when does it flower?
In the climate of UK it flowers in May–June.
When do you feed it?
A balanced feed in spring and early summer, especially in pots; in the ground little is needed. Feeding months, UK: April–June.