How to Care for an Olive Tree

What kind of light does an Olive tree need?

Olive trees are true sun-lovers. To maintain their silver foliage and ability to produce fruit, they need full sun conditions, at least 6 -8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Outdoors, place your tree in the sunniest spot available. Indoors, an olive tree must live in an unobstructed, south-facing window, but smaller specimens can tolerate Eastern or Western light. Avoid placing your Olive trees in North windows since it only provides a low to moderate indirect light for plants.

If your light is filtered or limited, we highly recommend supplementing with a grow light  to prevent leaf drop.

How often should you water an Olive tree?

While olive trees are famous for being drought-tolerant, they still need regular moisture, especially when grown in containers. The "soak and dry" method works best: water deeply until it drains out of the bottom, then wait until about half the soil has dried out before watering again. In the winter, you can scale back watering as the tree’s growth slows down. You can utilize a moisture meter to help you properly gauage soil moisture and avoid overwatering!

For in-ground Olives, allow the top 2–3 inches to dry; once established, they are drought-tolerant.

How much humidity does an olive tree need indoors?

Olive trees will grow well in low to moderate humidity levels and can tolerate dry air. Not sure if humidity is high enough? You can measure the level of humidity with a hygrometer and incorporate a humidifier in the space if humidity is too low. 

How cold is too cold for olive trees?

Olive trees can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but prefer temperatures between 50-85°F (10-29°C). That said, a mature established tree can survive temperatures down to 15°F for a limited time.

How do you choose the right soil and fertilizer for olive trees?

Olive trees will do well in a well-draining potting mix , such as a mix of pine bark, perlite, and compost. Olive trees can also grow well in rocky or gravelly soil but regular fertilizing would be required to make up for the lack of organic material.

Regarding fertilizer, olive trees are moderate feeders. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer), and avoid feeding in the winter when the tree is dormant. To take the guesswork out of feeding, we recommend our Olive Tree Care Kit. It features a year-long feeding schedule and everything you need packed with exactly what your plant craves, from root to fruit!

How do you care for an olive tree indoors vs. outdoors?

• Outdoor (Zones 8–11): These trees can stay outside year-round. They are cold-hardy down to about 20°F, but younger trees should be protected with frost cloth if a hard freeze is expected.

• Indoor/Patio (Zones 3–7): Keep your tree in a container. Move it outdoors to a sunny patio in the summer to soak up the sunshine, then bring it back inside when night temperatures begin to dip below 40–45°F. Always acclimate your tree slowly over 1-2 weeks when moving it to avoid shock.

How and when should you repot an olive tree?

Olive trees grow slowly, so they don't need frequent repotting. Check every 2–3 years to see if the roots are circling the bottom of the pot. When repotting, choose a container only 2 inches wider than the current one. Pro tip: Olive trees actually prefer to be slightly root-bound, which can help stimulate fruit production!

How long does it take for an olive tree to produce olives?

An olive tree typically begins producing its first fruit after 2-3 years of maturity and growth. However, the exact timing can vary depending on various factors, including the olive tree variety, climate, soil conditions, and care provided. Olive trees also require a "chilling period" (temperatures between 35–50°F for several weeks) to set fruit, which is why indoor-only trees rarely produce olives.

During the first few years, the olive tree focuses on establishing a strong root system and developing its trunk and branches. Once the tree reaches maturity, it enters the fruit-bearing phase. This phase is influenced by factors such as sunlight exposure, temperature, pollination, and pruning techniques.

It's important to note that while olive trees may produce a few fruits in their early years, significant yields are typically observed after the tree reaches full maturity, which can take up to 15 years. Patience and proper care are essential to ensure a healthy and productive olive tree in the long run!

FAQ'S

Can I grow an olive tree indoors permanently?

Yes, if there's enough sunlight! Olive trees need full sun conditions. Without a very sunny south-facing window or a strong grow light, the tree may become "leggy" or drop its leaves.

Are olive trees toxic to dogs and cats?

No! The olive tree is non-toxic to pets. While the raw fruit is extremely bitter and shouldn't be a staple of their diet, the leaves and branches are safe if your curious cat or dog takes a nibble.

Why is my olive tree dropping leaves?

The most common causes of leaf drop are low light, overwatering, or even underwatering. If the leaves are turning yellow before falling, it may be too much water. If they are falling off while still green or crispy, the tree likely needs more sun or more consistent watering.

When should I prune my olive tree?

The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Focus on removing "suckers" (small shoots growing from the base or trunk) and thinning out the center of the canopy to let light reach the inner branches.