How to Grow an Olive Tree in the Southern U.S.
- 1). Plant olive trees in full sunlight with well-drained soil.
- 2). Dig a hole approximately the same depth and width of the container that the olive tree came in. Remove the tree from the container and gently loosen the roots by hand.
- 3). Place the olive tree in the hole. Add 1 inch of native soil on top of the root ball. Pack the soil down gently with a foot.
- 4). Give the plant 2 to 3 inches of water during the initial planting. Follow the initial irrigation with 3 to 4 inches of water monthly during the growing period from early spring through fall.
- 5). Fertilize the trees twice a year. Add two inches of organic compost at the bottom of the tree. Apply 4 inches of mulch on top of the compost at the bottom of the tree to help control weeds and maintain moisture.
- 6). Prune the olive trees in the early summer at the first signs of new growth. Cut back diseased or damaged limbs. Trim away lower branches that are growing below the desired shape of the tree, using sharp pruning sheers. Make the cuts at a 45-degree angle close to the main trunk.
- 7). Harvest the fruit when it gets to full size and is still green. The olives will be approximately the size of a grape and still firm. Be careful when harvesting the olives, as they can bruise easily.
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