Olive care guide
Olea europaea
Also known as: Olive tree
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Olive
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Drought-tolerant, but a pot drinks a lot in summer: water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, about every one to three days.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- The soil dries more slowly now; as a guide, water every two to four days once the surface is dry.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- Growth pauses, so keep it on the dry side: about once a week, a few days after the soil dries.
Light and placement for Olive
As a guide, full sun and good airflow outdoors; indoors it generally drops leaves and grows leggy for lack of light, while heat and dry wind rarely trouble it.
Overwintering Olive
Overwintering guide: −5°C (23°F) or above
Evergreen yet fairly hardy, it generally winters outdoors on the Kanto and Kansai plains; it needs winter chill to set flower buds, so keep it out of heated rooms, with a pot under the eaves as a guide.
Fertilizing and repotting Olive
Fertilizer
As a guide, a small dose of slow-release fertilizer in March, June and October; generally, overfeeding gives lush shoots and fewer olives, so keep it modest.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Olive
- Kept indoors like a houseplant, it sheds its leaves.
- Overwatering rots the roots and the leaves yellow and drop.
- A lone tree flowers but sets no fruit.
- Sawdust at the base signals weevil larvae boring into the trunk.
Tips for growing Olive
- For fruit, plant two or more different varieties close together to cross-pollinate.
- Thinning crowded branches in spring improves airflow and cuts pests and disease.
- Free-draining soil and a slightly snug pot reduce the risk of root rot.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
