Koroneiki Greek Olive Tree California

Like the tree itself, the olives produced from Greek Olive Trees are some of the best in the world...and this tree is long-lived. But follow the below directions carefully, and you will be enjoying your own Greek Olives for years to come.

1. Planting: Choose a location that receives full or partial sun - any area that gets 6 hours or more sun per day is optimal. 

• Dig a hole twice as wide but no deeper than the grow pot your plant arrives in. Remove the plant and place it in the hole, keeping the top of the root ball level with the soil. Backfill 50/50 with a mix of amendments such as peat moss or new top soil to native soil. Water deeply. Mulch 3 inches away from the base of the trunk

• Choose a pot that is no wider than 1-2 inches than the pot the plant was shipped to you in. This prevents excessive soil from collecting water that sits on the roots of the plant. Ensure the pot has good drainage holes. Remove plant from grow pot and place in your own pot. Backfill with well draining potting mix. Water pot deeply until water comes out the bottom of your pot.

2. Watering: When your tree’s root system becomes established, your Greek Olive Tree will be extremely drought resistant. Until that time, water the young tree every third day for the first 2 weeks, then once every 2 weeks. After that, give your tree light watering (about 30 seconds with a hose) each week for the first few months. Monitor your tree for necessary watering requirements from there - if the soil is dry down to around 2 or 3 inches, it's time to water.

3. Fertilizing: Fertilize your Greek Olive Tree only after planting. Use a slow-release fertilizer to boost nitrogen.

4. Pruning: Prune your Greek Olive Tree to the shape you desire. Prune in mid-February and in the fall, removing low branches and tips of stems that have grown too long.

Keep in mind that olives bear fruit on the previous year’s growth, so only a light pruning is necessary!

Tips: Plant your Greek Olive Tree away from sidewalks to avoid stains from fallen ripe fruit. You can also grow your Olive Tree in a large container and shape it into a Bonsai.