Olive tree: Everything you need to know about care, pruning, planting and fruit

Olijfboom: Alles wat je moet weten over verzorgen, snoeien, planten en vruchten

The olive tree – Olea Europaea – has been a favorite for gardens, balconies, and patios for years. Its Mediterranean appearance, gray-green foliage, and robust character make it ideal for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide covers everything from care, pruning, planting, and even how to get olives. Perfect for anyone considering buying an olive tree or already owning one.

olive tree ball on trunk

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At Plant To Day, you'll find carefully selected, top-quality olive trees. Our trees are sustainably grown and securely packaged for shipping, ensuring you always receive a healthy, strong plant.

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1. Olive tree care: all year round

An olive tree is strong and easy to care for, as long as it's in the right spot and gets enough light. Here are the most important care tips.

Watering

In spring and summer an olive tree needs regular water.

Do not allow the root ball to dry out, but also avoid wet roots.

In winter you only give small amounts of water.

Light and location

An olive tree needs sun: at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Inside, place the tree in front of a large south-facing window.

Outdoors it does well in a warm, sheltered spot.

Power supply

From March to September you can give Mediterranean plant food.

In winter you stop feeding.

2. Pruning an olive tree: when and how?

Pruning keeps your olive tree in shape and ensures new, strong growth.

When to prune

Prune preferably in March or April.

Light maintenance is also allowed in late summer.

How to prune

Remove any dead or damaged branches.

Cut away branches that grow inward to allow more light into the crown.

Want a compact, spherical shape? Keep the outer shoots short.

Pruning ensures that the tree retains its characteristic shape and remains healthy.

3. Planting an olive tree: how to give it the best start

Whether you plant your olive tree in a pot or in the open ground, the basics remain the same.

Soil type

Use airy, well-drained soil.

Mediterranean potting soil is ideal.

Add hydro grains to the bottom for better drainage.

Pot or open ground

An olive tree in a pot is safe from frost: you can move it.

In open ground, extra winter protection is required, such as fleece.

Perfect location

Always in the sun.

Avoid areas with strong winds or shade.

4. Common olive tree problems

At Plant To Day we often get questions from customers about problems that are easy to solve.

Brown or yellow leaves

Often caused by too much or too little water.

Check the root ball and adjust the watering.

Leaf fall in winter

Usually due to less light or temperature changes.

Place the tree in a lighter spot and water sparingly.

Mealybug or scale insect

Can be treated with biological agents or vegetable oil.

5. Can you get olives from your olive tree?

Yes, that is certainly possible – although in the Netherlands it requires a few extra hours of sunshine.

Conditions for fruit formation

Lots of light is necessary.

Warm summers stimulate flowering.

Choose a variety that is suitable for our climate.

Harvesting and making olive oil

Olives ripen in the autumn.

You need a lot of olives to make your own olive oil, but it is certainly possible.

Why the olive tree is so popular

The olive tree represents strength, tranquility, and Mediterranean beauty. In gardens, it creates ambiance and structure. Indoors, it lends a modern, stylish look. Its robust character also makes it a sustainable choice.

Order olive trees directly online

At Plant To Day, you'll find a wide range of olive trees, from compact varieties to large standard specimens. Your tree will arrive in a sturdy plant box, with fast delivery within 1–3 business days.

Discover our range of olive trees

View our collection and choose the olive tree that suits your garden or patio.

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