Mission Olive Tree

1. Planting: To start, plant your Mission Olive Tree in full sun (an area with 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day) for best results. And we recommend using a pollinator for the Mission – the Arbequina is a good option, as well as the Frantoio.

• 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: Water your young Mission Olive Tree each day, especially when the weather warms up in the spring. If you’re not sure when to water, simply check the soil. When the soil is dry down to the first two inches (use your finger to check), it’s time to water.

3. Pruning: During the first few years, just minimal pruning is needed for your Mission. However, for indoor plants, pruning regulates fruit production and shapes the tree for easier harvest, as well as your desired size. When you do prune, do so between the fall harvest and when the tree blooms in May.

4. Fertilizing: Fertilizing with a nitrogen-based blend regularly is recommended for increased fruit production. Fertilize until your Mission starts bearing olives for best results.

5. Harvesting: If you’re wanting to harvest naturally black olives, pick in November. If you need green olives from your Mission, harvest in September. The olives are delicious both ways, though!