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What You Need to Know Before You Buy an Olive Tree
So, you’ve decided you want an Olive Tree: congratulations! These timeless, elegant evergreen trees make a stunning statement for patios, decks, and indoor spaces alike. But choosing the perfect Olive Tree is just the beginning. To ensure your tree thrives for years to come, it’s important to understand its care requirements, placement, watering, and growth habits.
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know before you buy an Olive Tree and keep it healthy for years and years to come.
- Where Olive Trees Come From
- Lighting Requirements for Olive Trees
- Meet the Black Olive Tree: The Indoor-Friendly Alternative
- Where to Place Your Olive Tree
- Will Your Olive Tree Produce Fruit?
- Watering Your Olive Tree
- Fertilizing Olive Trees
- Olive Tree Growth Rate
- Pest-Resistant Properties
- How to Select a Healthy Olive Tree
- Avoid Buying Olive Trees from Garden Centers
- Support for Your Olive Tree
- Ready to Buy Your Olive Tree?
- Sources
Where Olive Trees Come From
The Olive Tree (Olea europaea) originates from Mediterranean countries, where it has been grown for thousands of years. In these regions, the trees thrive in rocky, well-drained soils and long sunny days that support steady ripening during the growing season. Traditionally, olives were tended by skilled growers, who kept each evergreen tree carefully pruned to encourage healthy cultivation.
Many varieties have developed over time, from compact dwarf forms to larger trees grown for edible fruit. Young green olives are often harvested before fully ripe, while others mature later in the season for their prized oleic-rich oils.
Lighting Requirements for Olive Trees
Olive Trees thrive in full sun. To grow strong and healthy, they need at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. The sunnier the location, the better your tree will flourish, encouraging occasional flowering even if fruits don’t fully ripen indoors.
If you’re unsure about the lighting in your space, check out our illustrated light guide, which makes it easy to determine the best spot for your Olive Tree.
Meet the Black Olive Tree: The Indoor-Friendly Alternative
Don’t have enough sunlight for a traditional Olive Tree? Consider the Black Olive Tree, also known as Bucida Buceras or “Shady Lady.” This indoor-friendly Olive Tree cousin requires a little less light, making it ideal for bright indoor spaces.
While Black Olive Trees share the classic look of Olive Trees, they are better suited to indoor living.
Where to Place Your Olive Tree
Outdoor Placement: The best location for an Olive Tree is a sun-drenched area, like a patio, deck, or garden. They need at least six hours of sunlight daily to stay healthy, similar to how trees are cultivated in a Mediterranean orchard setting.
Indoor Placement: Olive Trees can survive indoors if they receive enough direct light from south- or west-facing windows. Keep in mind that growth may be slower indoors, and fruiting is unlikely.
Will Your Olive Tree Produce Fruit?
Yes, Olive Trees are fruit-bearing, but there’s a catch: indoor Olive Trees rarely produce olive fruit. Fruit requires abundant sunlight and consistent care over several years.
If your goal is a fruiting tree, placing it outdoors is essential, where olives are harvested in autumn for making olive oils, including premium virgin olive oil. Otherwise, enjoy the decorative beauty of your Olive Tree without worrying about fallen olives.
Watering Your Olive Tree
Olive Trees are drought-tolerant, but proper watering is key for health and beauty.
- Check soil moisture weekly: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
- Amount: Approximately 4 cups per watering, adjusted for seasonal changes.
- Avoid overwatering: Too much water can cause root rot. Watch for yellowing leaves, leaf drop, or curled leaves, signs of overwatering.
Fertilizing Olive Trees
Olive Trees benefit from regular feeding:
- Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks during spring, summer, and fall.
- Method: Use a gentle, natural fertilizer diluted in water.
- Bonus: Foliar feeding—a mineral and vitamin spray misted directly on leaves and trunk—can be used year-round for extra nourishment and stronger mature growth.
Olive Tree Growth Rate
Olive Trees are slow-growing, making them perfect for those who want a low-maintenance statement plant. Growth is influenced by sunlight and water: trees with adequate sunlight and consistent watering grow fastest and remain healthiest, even when planted indoors as compact shrubs.
Pest-Resistant Properties
One of the Olive Tree’s standout qualities is its natural resistance to pests and diseases. Its hardy wood makes it a resilient, long-lasting addition to any space. Outdoor trees may have occasional weeds, but these are easily managed with basic gardening habits.
How to Select a Healthy Olive Tree
When shopping for an Olive Tree:
- Look for even, healthy silver-green foliage.
- Avoid trees with yellowing or dry leaves.
- Check soil for weeds or pests—these can indicate ongoing maintenance challenges.
- Choose trees from trusted growers, not generic garden centers.
Avoid Buying Olive Trees from Garden Centers
While garden centers may offer tempting prices, Olive Trees purchased there are often stressed or poorly cared for.
- Overwatering or improper handling can harm the tree.
- Transporting a large Olive Tree in a car can cause environmental stress.
Invest in a tree from a reputable supplier to guarantee healthy, well-tended growth and long-term enjoyment.
Support for Your Olive Tree
Even the healthiest Olive Trees may occasionally need attention. When you buy from Léon & George, you gain access to our Plant Doctor service—expert guidance, tips, and troubleshooting, free of charge, whenever you need it.
Ready to Buy Your Olive Tree?
Bring elegance and greenery to your space with a premium living Olive Tree from Léon & George. Delivered directly to your door, our Olive Trees are carefully curated for beauty, resilience, and long-term health.
Shop our full Olive Tree collection today and start your journey toward becoming a happy Olive Tree owner! And don't forget to check out our complete guide on Olive Tree care if you need additional support.
Sources
This article was written with insights from the certified Plant Doctors at Léon & George. Experts in botany and horticulture, our Plant Doctors are seasoned professionals with years of experience caring for plants, both in their work and at home as passionate hobbyists. Their guidance ensures that our plant care recommendations are rooted in scientific knowledge and practical expertise.
Léon & George customers enjoy free, 24/7 access to Plant Doctors through their account homepage. Not a customer but need expert advice? Book a video call or wellness visit today to keep your indoor greenery thriving.
