Olea - Family Oleaceae

Submitted by: Jeff McKnight

Common Name(s):

Olive

Background:

The olive has deep green leaves with greyish undersides, and produces yellowish white flowers followed by green or black fruit in late summer or early fall. The olive is one tough customer it is tolerant of wind of both cold and hot. Longed lived to 800 to 1000 years old.

Sun:

Full sun in summer, less in winter. Requires 1000Lux as an indoor plant. Same light requirements as Ficus

Temperature:

Temperate. Leaves can withstand temps. down to 43'F. Roots dislike freezing. Can be successfully grown as an indoor bonsai, but best outdoors in summer. Winter protection: should be put into a garage or cold frame during winter, should be kept below 64'F in winter.

Watering:

Water thoroughly, but keep slightly dry. Reduce watering in winter. The olive will benifit from daily misting.

Training:

Wiring branches at all times; shoots only once they become slightly woody. Pruning at any time. With new shoots, either let them continue to grow then prune back hard the following spring. Reacts bad to pruning sometimes. Full or early spring best times.

Fertilizing:

Every two weeks from spring to autumn (fall) using a liquid bonsai or houseplant food . Apply every four to six weeks during winter.

Repotting:

Every two years in spring along with root pruning. Make sure drainage is adequate. Soil mixture (1:2:1)loam, peat, and sand, with stones in bottom for drainage.

Propagation:

Cuttings as large as 2.5 inches can root! Seed has 30% success rate.

Pests/Diseases:

Aphids, ants, black mold, scale.

Additional Comments:

To encourage fruiting, the plant should be kept for several weeks with nightly temps. of 35'F and daily temp of 60'F. Suitiable for all sizes, and all styles except broom. Protect for frost if in container

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