Olives
Olives
Compact, silvery-leaved trees that add Mediterranean charm indoors. Arbequina is a popular dwarf variety, prized for its adaptability and attractive foliage. Fruit production indoors is rare, but the plant is a stylish house tree
We typically grow Olives in Arbequina and Europaea varieties in natural plant form and tree/standard form. In 4″, 5″, 7″, 8″, 12″, 15″, and 17″ clay pots
Common Name:
Olives
Mature Size:
Indoors: 5–10 ft tall
Growth Rate:
Slow to moderate grower
Optimum Temperature:
60-75 degrees Fahrenheit
Characteristics:
Woody small tree or large shrub. Narrow, silver-green leaves
Light:
Indoor: Require full sun / very bright light indoors. Grow lights are often needed for good growth
Water:
Indoor: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry. When its time to water, water thoroughly. Do not water to frequently as this plant doesn’t tolerate soggy or overly damp soil for longer periods of time
Outdoor: Keep soil evening moist
Fertalizer:
Every 4–6 weeks spring through early fall with a balanced fertilizer
Common Pests/Issues:
Pests: Scale, aphids, mealybugs, olive fruit fly (outdoors)
Diseases: Peacock spot (fungus), root rot if soil stays wet
Additional Notes:
In northern climates, bring plants indoors to overwinter. Prune the plant after blooming. If you wish for it to grow into a small tree, simply remove the spent blooms and clean out any dead or diseased wood. For a hedge, sheer the plant to the size desired. Bonsai and topiary forms take more training, which should be started in infancy
