If you are thinking of acquiring an olive tree to beautify your environment, this article will interest you. This beautiful tree is extremely attractive and proves to be very hardy. But to be able to have it, You must first know how to plant an olive tree, Nope?
Do not worry, because here we will tell you how to perform this task, in the ground or in a pot. Yes, it is possible to grow this tree in a pot, so you can also enjoy this beautiful vegetable on your terrace or balcony, without needing to have a garden, orchard or land.
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How to plant an olive tree
Before explaining how to plant an olive tree, we must first highlight some aspects to take into account. We can say that these trees They do not tolerate the cold well. For this reason, sowing should be done in autumn or spring if the winters are very cold. Anyway, we must always try to avoid freezing. This vegetable requires temperate climates, which is why it proliferates so well in Mediterranean regions. It tolerates high temperatures quite well, but the ideal for its growth is between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius.
Regarding the soil, the best for the olive tree are the loose ones, calcareous and volcanic, as long as they have a good level of permeability. It must be said that, since it does not need a lot of water, this tree can be planted both in dry and irrigated areas.
When planting an olive tree, we must use olives recently harvested from the tree that are at the right time of ripening. Naturally, when the olive falls to the ground, it must first pass a lag period, but in this way we will germinate the seed by shortening this period. Now let’s see step by step how to plant an olive tree:
- Soak the seed: The first thing we need to do is remove all the pulp or flesh from the olives, making sure there is no rest. Then you need to place the bones in water and let them soak for about 24 hours. Once this time has elapsed, it is time to select the olive pits that remain at the bottom of the container and discard the floating ones, as they would not catch.
- Scarify: The next step is to perform the scarification process. It’s about releasing the seed. To do this, break the envelope with pliers or pinasses, being very careful not to inadvertently damage the seed inside. Another option would be to abrade the covers using sandpaper.
- Stratify: Finally, there is stratification, a process by which we will simulate the natural conditions that the seed needs in order to be able to germinate. To do this, we must use a glass container or a plastic container, place cotton on the base and moisten it with water. In addition, you need to put the seeds apart and spray with a little fungicide. Finally, it’s time to close the container and store it in a cool, sunny place.
After four to six weeks, the seeds should start to sprout. It is important to maintain the humidity of the germinator for that to happen. When some leaves and the root have already been established, it’s time to move the plant to a pot with a pH-neutral substrate and coarse soil. After a year, we can transplant the olive tree applying the root method.
How to plant an olive tree by root
We also have the option of planting one olive tree per root. For this we will need a young plant. It is a very simple and quick process. We just have to dig a hole in which to introduce the vegetable and then cover the roots with soil. The next step is to glue a stake next to the seedling, to serve as a guide. It is best to leave the surface concave. In this way it will collect the water when we water. Finally, it remains to pay abundantly and water the olive tree.
How to plant an olive tree in a pot
When we think of an olive tree, we imagine a large tree that should be grown in a large outdoor area with many small fruits. However, it is important to take into account that there are different varieties of this vegetable, some of which do not produce olives and/or They can be planted in pots. But how?
First you have to choose a good pot. It should be large and have drainage holes. As for the material, it is better to make thick clay from it. Once we have the container, we need to fill it with a quality substrate. It should have a rocky texture, so we can buy potting soil and mix it with small stones.
Note that olive trees are trees accustomed to hot climates and resistant to drought, so You don’t have to water them constantly. Of course, when the water level is low, it does not hurt to carry out a small irrigation. Regarding the maintenance of the potted olive tree, you will find all the information here.
Related article:
Can you grow an olive tree indoors?
How to plant an olive tree with a stake
Another option we have is to grow an olive tree with a stake. In this case we will need a freshly cut stem or olive cutting and a pot with holes in the base. There it is necessary to add about two centimeters of soil, place the stake vertically in the center next to the cutting, ensure that the direction of growth is upwards. Then you need to add the rest of the soil until only two centimeters protrude from the plant. Finally it remains to water until the soil is well moistened. After a month, it should start sprouting.
Whichever method we choose, the olive tree will not begin to flower or bear fruit until it is five years old. Then it will still not be at its maximum. When the vegetable is between twenty and fifty years old, that will be when it reaches its maximum olive production capacity, so you will have to be a little patient.
As you can see, there are different methods for planting an olive tree. Now that you know which are the most common, you can choose the one that suits you best, either in the ground or in a pot.