Growing Olives

Olives originally come from Mediterranean countries that have cold winters and hot summers.

The African Olives are ornamental only. They but have lovely flowers but the fruits are not edible.

The European variety is the kind that is grown for fruit. There are a few named varieties, which include Mission, Sevillano and Verdale, all of which are self-fertile but can take up to six years before they bear fruit. All varieties are grown as standard trees.

Soil Conditions and Siting

Olives will grow in any soil as long as it is moisture retentive and well drained. They do however, require a lot of sunshine to enable the fruits to ripen.

Planting

Olives are usually sold as grafted, container grown trees. They can be planted at any time of the year but it is recommended that they are planted in the autumn or kept extremely well watered. If planting more than one tree, allow 25-35ft (7.5-12m) between them.

Maintenance

Feeding

Olives need a lot of Nitrogen but an annual mulch of well-rotted manure is normally sufficient. This will help to keep the moisture in the ground as well. If growth seems to be very slow, a feed of a high Nitrogen fertiliser such as Hoof and Horn can be applied in the spring.

Watering

Ensure that the tree is well watered, this is particularly important during its first year of growth.

Pruning

Remove any dead or diseased wood and any branches that cross over each other. Olives need plenty of light to allow the fruits to ripen.

Harvesting

Pick the fruits in the autumn when they are green for use as pickles or leave until winter when the fruits turn black for pressing into oil.

Pests and Diseases

Aphids and birds are usually the biggest problems. (See the pests and diseases sections for prevention's and cures).