How to care for an olive tree at home. Olive tree at home Olive flower

The vast majority of people associate olive trees with the wide open spaces of the Mediterranean, combined with its hot sun, which promotes the ripening of the fruit. Despite this, olive trees are able to grow in most areas with a mild, warm climate, where winter temperatures do not fall below zero degrees Celsius. Growing an olive tree from seed can be a great project for decorative purposes. A tree grown from seed will likely be more similar to wild olives, which produce much smaller fruits than varietal trees. With a little patience and loving care, you can have your very own olive tree right in your home.

Steps

Part 1

Preparing the seeds

Decide on the type of tree you want to grow. There are hundreds of varieties of olive trees around the world. Some of them are similar to each other and have only slight differences in the color and taste of the olives. Others have fundamental differences and have their own growing requirements, which affect the timing of fruit ripening.

For example, in Russia, olive tree varieties such as European olive, Crimean olive and Turkmen olive can grow along the Black Sea coast. Despite the fact that they all grow in similar areas, slight differences in climate and the characteristics of each variety make it possible to achieve completely different yields.
Research your region to find out which type of olive will do best there.
A tree grown from a seed will be closer to its wild counterparts than to the tree from which the seed was obtained.

Pick fresh olives. You will need fresh olives that have been picked straight from the tree and still have a living pit. Olive trees thrive in 8-11 conditions climatic zones. These zones are characterized by a subtropical climate and mild winters. Harvest olives in early fall, when the fruits are ripe and green. Leave the black olives alone. Also, do not pick fruits from the ground and make sure that the olives you collect do not have holes chewed by insects.
- Store-bought canned olives will not work for you because they have been processed and cooked. As a result of this process, the pits inside the olives die and become unsuitable for cultivation. However, raw olives from the fresh fruit and vegetable department may be fine.
- If you don't have access to a live olive tree, you can have the pits delivered directly from an olive tree nursery.
Place the olives in a bucket of water. Once you have the olives, gently crush the pulp around the pits using a hammer. Pour warm water over the crushed olives and leave overnight. Stir the olives in the water every few hours. Physical impact on the fruit while stirring will speed up the separation of the pulp from the seeds.
- If a hammer is not available, take a wide knife and crush the flesh of the olives with the flat part of the blade.
- If you notice olives floating to the surface, fish them out and throw them away. Most likely they are gone.
Drain the water and remove the pulp from the seeds. Collect the seeds that have separated from the pulp and wipe off the remaining pulp with a hard sponge. You probably already have one that you use to scrub pots and pans. After wiping the seeds from the pulp, rinse them thoroughly with warm water for several minutes.
- If you don't have a stiff sponge, you can try sandpaper instead.
Cut the pits from the blunt end. U olive pits there is a blunt and a sharp end. Take a knife and cut the bone from the blunt end. Do not cut all the way through the shell of the pit, otherwise it will become useless. Instead, try to make only a small hole, about the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen.

Part 2
Planting seeds
1. Fill a small flower pot earth. For each seed, take a separate pot with a diameter of about 7.5 cm. Fill the pots with soil with good drainage properties. It should consist of one part coarse sand and one part rotten garden compost. Both can be purchased at a garden supply store. Lightly water the soil to keep it moist but not soggy.
  - Use larger pots if desired. Subsequently, you will have to replant the plants when they sprout and get stronger.
  - Be sure to thoroughly mix the soil components with a spoon, stick or hand.
2. Plant the seeds. Immerse the seeds in the ground to a depth of 2.5-5 cm. It is best to plant one seed per pot. This way they will not fight among themselves for nutrients.
  - Plant slightly more olive pits than the number of olive trees you need. Olive has low germination even with ideal conditions content.
3. Place the pots in plastic bags. This will help retain moisture in the soil and serve as a kind of greenhouse. Place the pots in a warm and well-lit area. A window sill can be an excellent place to place pots, but remember that at first direct sunlight can be quite dangerous for seedlings. If you covered your pots with plastic, place them in indirect sunlight.
  - Instead of using polyethylene, the pots can be placed in a special thermostat for germinating seeds (if you have one).
  - Expect seedlings to appear within a month.
4. Don't forget to water the pots. You need to constantly maintain moisture in the surface layer of soil a few centimeters deep. The condition of the soil is assessed by periodically dipping a finger into it. Water the pots only when the top 5mm of soil seems dry. Overwatering can encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria, which will kill your plants.
  
  As soon as seedlings appear in the pots, remove the bags from them. Pots with seedlings can be kept on a windowsill or in another warm place of your choice until it is time to transplant the seedlings. Continue to water them as usual.
Part 3
Transplanting seedlings into open ground
1. Dig a hole. Choose a very sunny place for the tree, this will promote its rapid growth. The hole should not be very deep. It's better to use the hole a little bigger size than the size of the pot in which the olive originally grew.

Domestic olive is often grown not for its fruits, but for its attractive, decorative look. To date, many varieties of this crop have been bred, each of which has its own distinctive features. For growing in room conditions Suitable olive varieties are those reaching no more than 2 m in height, suitable for growing in a container.

These include:

Photo gallery

To obtain edible fruits of high taste, you should choose table varieties.

The indoor olive is an evergreen, miniature tree with a compact, spherical crown. The bark of young individuals is light gray, while that of older individuals is dark. The leaves are narrow, dense, lanceolate, dark green. They stay on the branches for a long time, without falling even in winter period. They are gradually renewed every 2-3 years. The flowers are small, white, bisexual, with a goblet-shaped calyx. The fruits are single-seeded, elongated oval drupes 0.7-3 cm long with a pointed or blunt end and a fleshy pericarp. The color of the fruit depends on the variety and can vary from green to dark purple. The average weight of a nut is 15 g.

Indoor olive tree at home

Olive trees are propagated at home by seeds, cuttings, and grafting. For decorative purposes, the tree is propagated by seeds. Before planting, they are stratified by soaking them for 12-16 hours in a caustic soda solution. After this, the seeds are rinsed and planted in a small pot with a diameter of 7-9 cm to a depth of 2 cm in moist, nutritious soil. The sprouts will hatch in 2 months. During this period, you need to regularly care for the crops, monitor soil moisture, water as the earthen ball dries out, and prevent it from drying out or becoming waterlogged. The germination rate of the seeds of this plant is 40-50%. In some cases, the seeds do not germinate, or weak, non-viable shoots appear, which soon die. Trees obtained in this way begin to bear fruit after 8-10 years. In order to speed up the flowering and fruiting period, grown seedlings are grafted onto varietal plants.

When propagated by cuttings, the tree retains all its maternal characteristics, and fruits appear 2-3 years after planting. To do this, take cuttings from 2-3 year old branches. The sections are treated with a growth stimulator, then the cuttings are buried in sand to a depth of 10 cm, and covered with glass or polyethylene on top to create a greenhouse. The optimal temperature for rooting is 25-27°C. Within a month, the plant will take root and shoots will begin to form. After 3-4 months, the root system will be fully formed, after which the seedling can be transplanted to permanent place in big .

The olive indoor plant is light-loving, so it should be grown in bright light. sunlight. South windows are suitable for young trees; mature trees can be placed in any bright place in the room, or in winter garden or greenhouse. In the warm season, it is useful to take the pot out to open air, for example, in the garden or on the balcony. An abundance of light is especially necessary during the period of tree growth and the formation of flower buds. If it is deficient, the growth of the olive will slow down and the shoots will begin to elongate. In winter, the tree needs to be provided with additional lighting to avoid leaf falling.

The most comfortable air temperature for this crop is 18-22°C. During the winter dormant period, the temperature should be 10-13°C. Wintering in such conditions will promote the formation of flower buds. During this time, the number of waterings is reduced and fertilizing is not applied.

Blooming olive: care at home

When caring for an olive tree at home, it is important to monitor the condition of the earthen lump. Watering is carried out as the top layer of soil dries. Lack of moisture negatively affects the plant; the leaves become dull, curl and fall off, which can lead to its death.

The olive tree tolerates dry air well at home, but in extreme heat it is necessary to spray the crown. Until the age of 4, an annual plant transplant is required. This work is carried out in early spring, changing upper layer soil to a fresher and more fertile one.

You can give the crown a neat, spherical shape by trimming. When forming, remove weak, dry branches, shorten shoots that are too long, and give the desired shape. If a tree is grown for nuts, it should be remembered that most of the harvest is formed from last year's growth, so pruning in this case must be done very carefully.

Despite the rather labor-intensive process of growing, the olive tree is unpretentious, easily tolerates drought, and is not susceptible to invasion. By carrying out regular proper care, already 2 years after planting it will be possible to observe what a blooming olive tree looks like and receive good harvest fruits (up to 2 kg of nuts per year).

European olive or European olive (Olea europaea) - is beautiful tree, an adult specimen is often clumsy. Olive is widespread in the Mediterranean region, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Olive Tree- a symbol of peace and new life. Greek legend says that the first olive tree grew on the Acropolis from the spear of Athena; its destruction was associated with severe punishment. Olives first useful plants. Wood is used to create various household items, due to its slow growth, it is quite expensive. The fruits are widely used in cuisine and cosmetics.

How to Grow an Olive Tree

The European olive grows as a tree or large shrub and can reach a maximum height of 15 m. It has a highly branched but transparent crown. It grows slowly and is long-lived - you can often find several hundred-year-old specimens. The trunk is not simple, clumsy, covered with gray bark, empty in the middle. The bark of young trees is greenish and smooth. Olive leaves are leathery, oppositely arranged, 3-8 cm long, dark green above, silvery below. Small flowers rather inconspicuous, slightly fragrant, creamy-yellow in color. They appear in spring on last year's shoots. Pollination requires pollen from another tree. The fruits are drupes called olives, which in Europe begin to be harvested when the fruits have not reached full maturity. The fruits can be green, white, reddish, purple or black. Thanks to their use, the fruits are divided into larger and fleshier ones - table olives, smaller and harder ones, intended for the production of olive oil.

Place

The European olive loves the sun. Should grow in the sunniest location. In summer, it is better to take the pot outside, gradually accustoming it to direct sunlight. First set for 10 days in partial shade, moving to a brighter place in subsequent days. If you do not do this, there is a high risk of leaf burns (brown spots appear on the leaves).

The soil

The soil for the olive tree should be, first of all, permeable, and in the case of large specimens, clayey. The best are sandy soils. The substrate should be enriched with materials that improve permeability (gravel, expanded clay, perlite), and a drainage layer should be placed at the bottom of the pot.

Watering

Olive does not have great watering requirements. The soil should not be too wet. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. True, olives can tolerate short-term drought, but the soil should not dry out completely. In their natural environment, plants have to wait a long time for rainfall, so they are adapted to extract water from the ground with extremely wide, branching roots. This is not possible at home, so it is better to always keep the soil slightly moist.

Fertilizer

Fertilize the tree regularly from March to September with a universal multi-component fertilizer.

Temperature

During the growing season, it is necessary to ensure the highest possible temperature. In winter, 10 °C is enough. In a bright winter garden they can winter at a temperature of 15 °C. Olives are not frost-resistant; adult specimens can withstand short-term temperature drops down to -10 °C. Young specimens are especially sensitive to frost, especially the roots, which immediately experience damage. Plants grown at home and exposed to the open air in the summer must be promptly removed.

Trimming

Olives are pruned in the spring at the beginning of the growing season or in the fall. It is worth regularly shortening the shoots to give good shape. Flowers appear in summer on this year's shoots. Pruning will not harm the plant; the tenacious olive will withstand severe pruning.

Reproduction

Olive trees are propagated by grafting. Cuttings are difficult to root. For propagation, it is better to use cut parts of the shoots after preliminary immersion in the rooting agent. Seeds are sown in spring. This is so problematic that fresh seeds are needed; seeds take a long time to germinate.

Diseases and pests

Scale insects can appear when the plant is exposed to too much high temperature. In spring, aphids attack and powdery mildew, on young leaves. Overdrying of the substrate causes fruits and petals to fall off; after watering, the plant quickly recovers. In winter, if the place is too warm and dark, the olive tree sheds its leaves.

The olive tree, olive family, grows in countries with a warm subtropical climate; in Russia it is cultivated in the southern regions: in Crimea and Krasnodar region. Middle lane our country is not suitable for growing olive culture, however, you can grow an olive tree in a greenhouse or at home with minimal effort.

Table olive varieties with proper care will delight you with fruits for a long time, because olive trees are long-lived flora. An example is the Gardens of Gethsemane, with olive trees over one and a half thousand years old.

Greece is called the birthplace of olive culture; there is a legend that Greek goddess Athena sent an olive branch as a gift to the fertile land, which gave rise to the first olive gardens.

Types and varieties of olive trees

The olive tree has more than 30 types of crops. The most common type remains european olive, as well as golden-leaved and cape.

Olive tree varieties can be divided into several groups:

Oilseed is a varietal group of olives grown for the production of olive oil.
Combined (universal olive variety) - intended for both oil production and preservation.
Table variety group - intended for preservation and consumption.

The names of olive varieties are often similar to where the crop is grown. Wild varieties of olives are unknown; the explanation can be that people have long since, in order to increase yield, grafted branches of cultivated olives onto wild varieties, thereby completely destroying the primitive species of olive trees. Today in industrial scale They grow a European high-yielding variety of olives.

Large producers of olives include Spain, Greece, Italy, Tunisia, Syria, and Morocco. All cultivars differ in characteristic features(composition of olives, size, color), group of destination, the quality of the final product directly depends on the type of olive raw material.

Table olive varieties include: Spanish, Ascolana, Cerignola, Zinzala, Lucca, Sabina. And oilseed varieties include: Frantoño, Taggiasca, Caione, Biancolilla.

To grow an olive tree at home, choose European table varieties. The most suitable are: Della Madonna, Urtinsky, Nikitinsky, Krymsky, Razzo. To the question: “How long does an olive tree live?”, we can safely say that it is more than a hundred years.

Through the painstaking work of breeders, potted varieties of olive trees have been obtained, making it possible to grow an indoor olive tree in a pot. Such trees differ from their relatives only in size. These are evergreen, low-growing trees with a lush, dark green crown. The harvest of olives, of course, will not please you, since the variety has a decorative function, but you can still collect 10-15 homemade olives from a tree.

Olive tree at home. Growing with seeds, seedlings and cuttings

Growing an olive tree indoors is quite a painstaking job. It's all about temperature conditions, if not observed, the tree will not bear fruit. In order for buds to appear, the indoor tree, like its ground counterparts, must fall into winter sleep, so the olive must be exposed to low temperatures, but exclude hypothermia of the culture. Optimal temperature for sleep it will be from +1 to +5 degrees.

The flowering of the olive tree is accompanied by the appearance of large white inflorescences; the first flowers appear in April and May. Ripening of indoor fruits after flowering occurs after four months.

A good yield of an olive tree is considered to be about 30 kg, but indoor plant It is considered fruitful if it produces about 600 grams. olives

The indoor olive tree remains evergreen throughout its entire life, however, like its large relatives, it can shed its leaves; this is considered the norm and does not require resuscitative actions.

Growing an olive tree from seeds is not an easy process and requires patience and attention. First, you need to purchase olive seeds (pits), canned products are not suitable, olives for planting can be fresh or dried.

So, having obtained and cleaned the olives, you need to soak the resulting pits in a weak alkali solution for a day, then rinse them with water and dry them with a paper towel. Before planting, you should cut down the olive seed shell to facilitate germination. It is better to plant in a pot, as it is easier to control seed germination, humidity and temperature.

The sawn seeds are placed in a pot with soil to a depth of 3 cm; do not allow the seed to dry out or over-moisten it. The first shoots will appear within six months.

Olive trees do not tolerate low temperatures, so propagation by seeds is carried out in a warm room or in the summer.

To speed up the process of growing an olive tree from a seed, you should germinate the seeds before planting in the ground, to do this, place them in a shallow container with compost, place them on a sunny windowsill and moisten them daily.

When the seeds germinate, you can begin planting in the soil. It is necessary to mix black soil and sand in equal parts, add peat, dry crushed lime and plant seeds in the resulting mixture. Before planting, do not forget about the presence of drainage (olive does not tolerate stagnant water) and hardening young plant, by the method of alternating temperatures.

When the olive seedling gets stronger and grows, it can be planted in the ground, along with the contents of the pot, so as not to damage root system. The olive tree is planted in the spring in well-warmed and moist soil, in a windless and rich area sun rays. Fruiting should be expected three to four years after planting.

Caring for a young oilseed plant consists of cutting off the lower shoots so that the tree grows upward and does not turn into a bush, daily watering and fertilizing with fertilizers.

When an olive tree is propagated by cuttings, the tree inherits all the “maternal” qualities; this planting method simplifies further cultivation and speeds up the process of fruiting of the young plant.

Cuttings should be carried out from older shoots; the cut sites are treated before planting succinic acid or another rooter. Planting material planted in a damp turf-sand mixture to a depth of 15 cm.

Constant watering, warm soil and good lighting can help the cuttings take root. Plants should be watered daily, preferably with settled water. Rooting of the plant will occur no earlier than four months later. If an olive cutting does not take root for a long time, but retains its fresh look, then it takes some more time, but if the cuttings dry out and turn brown, then death occurs. Once the cuttings have taken root, the olive can be transplanted into the ground.

Planting to a permanent growth site should be done at the end of August. The seedling is carefully removed from the pre-moistened substrate and placed in a new prepared place. The cuttings must be planted carefully, without damaging the roots or overloading them with soil, until the plant takes root in its new location.

Many novice gardeners ask the question: “How to care for an olive tree”? The olive tree is not capricious, but the “southerner” still requires attention. Watering is done daily, but without stagnating moisture in the soil. When the olive tree begins to actively grow, feed it mineral fertilizers and nitrogen. The seedling must have enough warmth and light, otherwise the olive tree will begin to shed its leaves and become dull.

Olive plant in winter open ground It cannot be left without proper protection. young tree should be protected from the cold by wrapping the barrel thermal insulation material, stop watering and fertilizing.

Potted olive tree crops need to be artificially created winter conditions, and in the process of healing the tree, by cutting off dry branches, you can shape the crown of foliage to your liking and learn the art of bonsai on your olive tree. Olive bonsai trees can also be purchased at a specialized supermarket; small-leaved varieties look especially impressive.

Olive trees in Russia, history of cultivation

Greek colonists began cultivating olives in the Caucasus back in the 8th century. Disputes about when and by whom the olive was brought to the Caucasus continue to this day, however, there is an assumption that the first olive tree seedlings appeared in our latitudes from Asia Minor, which suggests the origin of the olive in the Caucasus, earlier than in Greece .

The desolation of the ancient colonies of the Greeks led to the fact that olive gardens ceased to exist until the 15th century, and only with the arrival of the colonizers of Genoa, a new rise in the cultivation of the olive tree and the establishment of production of olive products began. Subsequently, the olive was displaced from the southern latitudes by viticulture. Today olive is found throughout the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory.

Olive trees in Russia are also grown in Crimea; they are found on the peninsula, adding zest to the local southern flavor. For the production of oil on an industrial scale, olives are not grown in our country due to difficult climatic conditions.

Benefits of olive tree fruit

Olives or olives are the fruits of the olive tree; in appearance they are similar to small plums. Changing color during ripening, from green to dark purple, olives become a storehouse of vitamins and microelements. Olives are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and iodine. Olive oil obtained from olives during the production process is rich in pectin, iron and oleic acid.

Including olive oil in the diet will help get rid of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cholelithiasis, thyroid diseases, help strengthen the immune system and cope with constipation. Olive oil perfectly moisturizes the skin and has a regenerating ability in combination with rosehip and sea buckthorn oils.

In cosmetology olive oil used to prepare masks and carry out relaxing procedures; olive extracts are added to soap and shower products. Wrapping hands with olive oil tones the skin, moisturizes, saturates and nourishes, and makes nails healthy.

Hair masks with olive oil prevent hair loss, eliminate dandruff, brittleness and dullness.

Olive tree leaves contain the substance oleuropein, which has antiseptic and antimicrobial effects; they are in demand in the form of powder and infusions. There is an opinion that olive oil, namely the oleuropein content in it, helps in the fight against oncological diseases skin.

Olive fruit is used to produce table olive oil, which is used for dressing. various dishes. Olives in their raw form are unsuitable for consumption; due to their bitterness, in order to get rid of the bitter taste, olives are soaked in a special solution or canned.

Oil bearing varieties of olives, due to their varietal, are processed to obtain oil. Using cold pressing, the first batch of oil is obtained, which is considered the most useful. Next, by thermal exposure, second-press oil is obtained from the pomace, which is yellowish and less aromatic than first-grade olive oil. From the remaining raw materials after the first and second pressing, third-grade oil is squeezed out; it is not consumed as food, but used for technical purposes.

Composition of olives different varieties differs and depends not only on the type of olive tree, but also on the growing conditions and climate. All table olives are canned or dry salted. They serve as an excellent snack or addition to salads and various vegetable dishes. Dry salting of olives involves salting olives in wooden containers; the salt neutralizes oleuropein and relieves the olives of bitterness. Afterwards, the olives are soaked in olive oil, stuffed or immediately sent for storage.

The benefits of the fruits of the olive tree are undeniable; consuming olives in reasonable quantities, not exceeding 5-6 pieces per day, can strengthen the immune system and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Olives are now grown all over the world for both trade and personal consumption. Although the olive tree can live for over 1,000 years, it, like most other plants, requires certain conditions to grow. If you want to grow a small sprout into a mature olive tree and skillfully use the various techniques that farmers use to obtain delicious fruit and oil, read this article.

Steps

How to create the right conditions

Determine if your climate is suitable for growing olives. Olive trees are best suited to climates with mild winter and long dry summers. For example, olives grow well in the Mediterranean region of Europe and in the coastal valleys of California. At the same time, it is very difficult (if not impossible) to grow olives in tropical climates.

If not properly taken care of, frost can destroy many olive trees. Temperatures of −5 ºС are harmful for small branches, and at −10 ºС large branches and even entire trees die. Even if the branches and trees survive the cold, the flavor of the olives and the resulting oil may deteriorate. Do not attempt to grow olives if your region is prone to these types of frosts.
However, olive trees require a little cold. For proper development of flowers, a cooling of approximately 7 ºС is required, although this temperature differs slightly for different varieties of olives. This is why olives are so difficult to grow in the tropics and other hot climates.
The flowering season should be fairly dry and moderate. Olives bloom from April to June, and this period should be fairly dry and not too hot. Olives are wind-pollinated plants, so wet conditions can interfere with fruit set.

Check the soil pH level and adjust it if necessary. The soil should be moderately acidic or moderately alkaline, so that the pH level lies between 5 and 8.5. Many people believe that the ideal pH level is 6.5. Test your soil's acidity using a test kit, available at your local garden supply store. If the pH level is below 5 or above 8.5, change it.

Look for areas with good drainage soil. Check how water affects the soil in the area where you plan to grow olive trees. Olive trees need soil with good water drainage. Inspect the soil after rain. Do not plant olives in a place where puddles form after rain. You can also dig a hole in the ground about 50 centimeters deep and pour water into it. If the water sits in the hole for a long time and does not absorb into the soil, look for another place.

Give preference to areas where olive trees used to grow. This is the best evidence that a particular area is suitable for growing olive trees. If you know that a place used to have olives, plant trees there. You can also plant them near already growing olive trees.
- If you know other gardeners or farmers in your area, ask them - they may know where olive trees used to be grown.
Find a place that gets direct sunlight. An area not shaded by other trees is best. It should be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Olive trees are not suitable for shady areas.

How to plant olive trees

Plant olive trees in the spring. The main danger for olive trees is frost. As a general rule, they should be planted in the spring after the weather has warmed up and the danger of overnight frost has passed. Olive trees are most often planted in April or May, although this depends on the specific region.

The more time trees have to grow before winter sets in, the better. Try to plant trees as soon as possible after the danger of frost has passed.

Start with potted trees. Potted olive trees can be purchased at your local plant nursery or ordered online. Olives have rather delicate seeds that do not germinate well. You will need trees 1.2-1.5 meters tall with branches about 1 meter high.

Dig a hole approximately the same size as the pot. Measure the diameter and height of the pot the tree is in. Dig a hole of approximately the same depth and diameter. There is no need to observe the dimensions with great precision - the hole should be approximately the same size as the pot so that the roots of the plant fit well in it.

Remove the tree from the pot and inspect the roots. Remove the olive tree and roots from the pot. Trim or untangle the tangled roots, but do not disturb them near the root ball or you may damage the plant.

Fill the hole. Use the soil you removed from the hole to fill it. Cover the ball of roots with a layer of soil 2–3 centimeters thick. There is no need to add fertilizer or compost to the soil at this stage. First, the tree must be properly settled in natural soil.

Install the device near a tree trunk drip irrigation. Drip irrigation will provide the olive tree with enough water. For the first year, it is necessary to install a drip irrigation device in close proximity to the trunk of each olive tree. On next year these devices should be moved away from the trunks at a distance of 60 centimeters. In addition, you will need to add a second device (also at a distance of 60 centimeters from the tree trunk).

Water the trees and mulch the soil with straw. Water your olive trees using drip irrigation devices.
- Instead of coarse straw, you can use other material for mulching. For example, mulch made from alfalfa, soybeans, or pea hay is rich in nitrogen and other important tree nutrients.

How to care for trees before they mature

Water and irrigate olive trees sparingly and as needed. With a drip irrigation system, trees should be watered every day. summer time. Water the olive trees for an hour. You can also use small sprinklers (spray guns), which should be installed at a distance of at least 60 centimeters from the tree trunk. Find sprinklers with a flow rate of 2.5 to 5 millimeters per hour and install them between the trunks of olive trees.
- The frequency of watering depends on whether you intend to consume the fruits or make oil from them. If you are growing fruit, water the trees more often - about once a week or every 2-3 weeks. If you are going to make oil, water the trees less often to make it more concentrated and flavorful.
Trim trees regularly. Don't prune young trees too often. For the first four years, simply remove side branches that grow below 1 meter. As the trees mature, they will take on the proper shape and weak and unwanted branches can be trimmed. However, try to trim trees as little as possible. early stages, as this may slow down their growth.

Control pests and other diseases. Like most other plants, olive trees are sometimes attacked by pests, especially the oleaginous scale insect ( Saissetia oleae). If you are growing olives, you need to find a balance between natural methods and effective protection plants from pests and diseases. Sometimes you have to treat trees with insecticides. It is best to consult with professionals about this.
Use fertilizers in moderation. Usually olive trees have enough suitable soil and normal watering. However, you can stimulate their growth by adding a little fertilizer. Choose a fairly mild fertilizer and sprinkle it lightly on the soil during the growing season. The packaging should indicate the appropriate dosage and when and how the fertilizer should be applied (usually applied on top of the soil). If you are in doubt about the exact dosage, choose a smaller amount.
Decide when to harvest. Green olives appear first and turn black as they ripen. When picked, green olives will have a sharp and grassy flavor, while ripe olives have a milder, butterier flavor. Often the oil is made from a mixture of green and ripe olives, which are picked just when they change color. Determine which type of oil is right for you and wait for the olives to become desired color before collecting them.
- Remember that olives are not eaten raw, straight from the tree. As a rule, before consumption they must be treated with brine, that is, kept in salt water.

The olive tree can be grown indoors in a fairly large pot.
Olive trees can grow up to 15 meters high and their canopy can extend up to approximately 9 meters wide.
An olive tree can be planted on a slope or terrace, but in this case it will be more difficult to care for and harvest.
To prevent fruits from appearing in undesirable places, prune appropriate flowering branches in early summer.

Warnings

Use clean tools when pruning olive trees during the rainy season, otherwise they may develop growths due to bacterial contamination.
Olive trees grown in California may be affected by the fungal disease Verticillium wilt. Remove diseased trees and branches and do not plant trees in infected areas.
In the Mediterranean region, olive trees can be attacked by pests such as the Mediterranean fruit fly and the olive fly.
If you are going to make olive oil, try not to spray the trees chemicals, as they can give the oil an unpleasant odor.
Ripe olives become soft, so pick them with care.