Olive trees are one of the worlds oldest cultivated trees. They prefer a free draining sandy soil in a sunny position.
They like a long hot summer and a mild winter, being hardy and drought tolerant once established.
Olives are quite versatile and can be grown as a topiary, hedge, espalier or in a pot. Being evergreen, their beautiful silver foliage makes them a great specimen tree.
Fertilise in early spring and again in late summer if in the ground or liquid feed regularly during the warmer months if in a pot. Tip prune to shape in Spring.
At Ross Evans we grow and supply “Helena Olives” that are very well suited to the SE Queensland climate as they have been grown in this region for over one hundred years.
We also have Kalamanta and Manzillo olives when available.
Olive trees thrive in full sun, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They are well-suited for garden beds, large containers, and orchards. Ensure the planting site is well-drained and has good air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Olive trees can tolerate drought but will produce better fruit if watered regularly during dry spells.
Olives prefer a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. They grow best in temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. Protect them from severe frosts and temperatures below -5°C, as cold weather can damage the trees and affect fruit production.
Plant olive trees in well-draining soil. A sandy or loamy soil enriched with organic matter is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly alkaline to neutral (7.0-8.5). Avoid planting in heavy clay soils or areas with poor drainage, as these conditions can lead to root rot.
Feed olive trees with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring and again in late summer. Use a fertiliser high in potassium to support fruit development. Avoid over-fertilising with nitrogen, as this can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.
Fruit, Herbs and Vegetables
Fruit, Herbs and Vegetables
Plants, Fruit, Herbs and Vegetables
Fruit, Herbs and Vegetables, Feature Trees
Plants, Feature Trees, Shrubs, Hedging and Screening
Feature Trees, Native Plants
Feature Trees, Native Plants
Feature Trees, Native Plants
Fruit, Herbs and Vegetables, Plants
Fruit, Herbs and Vegetables, Plants
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