Arbequina Olive Tree - 1 Gallon Pot

When planted right and in the right spot, Olive trees are very easy to grow and produce abundant crops of fruit. 

Here's a breakdown of what you need to know...

Arbequina Olive Tree will grow reasonably well in most soil types except for heavy, compacted clay or very infertile soils. In heavy clay or infertile soils amend the native soil at a 50/50 ratio with sandy top soil and plant the tree on a raised mound with the top edge of the root ball at least 2-3 inches above ground level. This will provide for better drainage. 

How To Test Soil Drainage  

If you are uncertain about soil drainage in the area you intend to plant your Olive tree, it's well worth taking the time to test the drainage before planting. To test soil drainage, dig a hole 12" wide by 12" deep in the planting area. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. Then, after it drains, fill it with water again, but this time clock how long it takes to drain. In well-drained soil the water level will go down at a rate of about 1 inch an hour. A faster rate, such as in loose, sandy soil, may signal potentially dry site conditions. A slower rate indicates poor draining soil and could be a caution you might need to improve drainage, plant in a raised mound or bed, or look for plants that are more tolerant of wet or boggy conditions.

Olive trees grow best in a neutral to moderately alkaline soil ranging between 7.0 to 8.5 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. 

The best and most olive fruits will be produced when trees are growing in full sun. That said, olive trees that receive a little shade will still produce good crops.

Start by digging your planting hole at least three times as wide and as deep or not much deeper than the root ball of your plant. The wider the hole the better. Place native soil removed from planting hole around the perimeter of the hole, in a wheel barrow, or on a tarp.

Depending on the type, fertility and porosity of the soil in the planting area, you might consider amending the native soil. When planting in heavy clay or poor soil mix in bagged top soil or a good planting mix at a 50/50 ratio with the native soil to enhance porosity and ensure good drainage. When planting in a sandy or quick-draining soil, amending with some top soil or organic matter will help to retain moisture and supply vital plant nutrients. When planting in a moist but well-drained soil of average fertility there is no need to amend the soil. 

To remove your Olive tree from the container it was growing in first squeeze the sides of the pot to loosen the root ball. Then, firmly grasp the base of the tree and try to gently lift and remove the root ball from the container. If the root ball is stuck in the container use snips, a utility knife or other cutting tool to cut the container away. Then carefully loosen some feeder roots around the surface of the root ball. 

To plant, set your Olive tree in the planting hole so that the top edge of the root ball is at or slightly above ground level to allow for settling. It may be necessary to place some of your backfill soil mixture in the bottom of the hole to achieve proper planting height. If planting in heavier clay or infertile soils it's a good idea to set the tree in the hole with the top edge of the root ball at least 2-3 inches above ground level, as shown in the illustration below. Doing so will help to provide better drainage.

After setting your Olive tree in the planting hole, use one hand to hold the tree straight while using your other hand to begin backfilling the soil mixture around the root ball, tamping as you go to remove air pockets. When you have filled the hole to the halfway point you can soak the soil. Then continue backfilling to the top edge of the root ball. If you are planting your tree with the root ball several inches above ground level taper your soil mixture from the top edge of the root ball gradually to ground level, as shown in the illustration above. To avoid suffocating your tree, avoid placing any soil on top of the root ball.

When planting your Olive tree in a location that is far from a water source and in well-drained soil, you can use remaining soil mixture to build a 3-inch high water retaining berm (catch basin / doughnut) around the outside perimeter of the planting hole, as shown in the illustration above. This basin will help to collect water from rainfall and irrigation often reducing the need for hand-watering. The berm can be removed after a year when the plant has established itself.

Apply a 1 to 2" layer of shredded wood mulch or a 3- 4" layer of pine straw around your newly planted Olive tree. As the mulch decomposes it will add vital nutrients to the soil that your tree will appreciate. Avoid the use of freshly chipped or shredded wood for mulch until it has cured in a pile for at least 6 months, a year is better. Avoid placing or piling mulch directly against the base of the tree trunk as this could cause problems with the bark.