Olive Tree Care & Growing Guide (Complete Grow)

Olive trees (Olea europaea) are among the most iconic and rewarding plants to grow. Whether planted in the ground or cultivated in pots, they provide beauty, shade, and delicious fruit. This Complete Grow guide explains how to plant, prune, and care for olive trees with practical steps and fertiliser tips designed for Australian gardeners.

Planting Olive Trees & Growing in Pots

Olive trees thrive in Mediterranean-style conditions — full sun, dry summers, and mild winters. With the right setup, they adapt well to both garden soil and containers, making them suitable for backyards, patios, and even balconies.

Planting Olive Trees in the Ground

Choose a location with at least 6 hours of full sun daily.
Soil should be well-draining; sandy or loamy soils are ideal. Avoid heavy clay.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper.
Backfill with soil, keeping the crown at ground level.
Space multiple trees 3–5 metres apart to allow airflow and canopy growth.

Growing Olive Trees in Pots

Select a large container (at least 40–60 cm wide) with drainage holes.
Use a light, free-draining potting mix blended with sand or perlite.
Position the pot in a sunny location (north-facing balconies are ideal in Australia).
Water regularly but avoid waterlogging — olive roots dislike soggy soil.
Repot every 2–3 years to prevent root binding.

Snippet: Yes, olive trees grow well in pots. Choose a large, free-draining container, place it in full sun, and fertilise regularly for healthy growth.

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Pruning & Trimming Olive Trees

Pruning is essential for maintaining shape, improving airflow, and encouraging fruit production. Without proper pruning, olive trees can become too dense, limiting sunlight penetration and reducing yields.

Why Prune?

Improves sunlight exposure and airflow through the canopy.
Shapes the tree for strength and balance.
Encourages new fruiting wood for better harvests.

When to Prune Olive Trees

Best time: late winter to early spring, before new growth begins.
Light maintenance pruning can be done in summer to control shape.

How to Prune Olive Trees

Remove all dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
Thin out crowded growth in the centre to improve airflow.
Shape the canopy into an open vase or goblet form for maximum light exposure.
Trim back vigorous water shoots (fast vertical growth) to conserve energy.

Snippet: To prune an olive tree, remove dead wood, thin crowded branches, and shape the canopy in late winter for improved fruiting and airflow.

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Caring for Olive Trees (Fertiliser, Watering & FAQs)

Olive trees are hardy but need consistent care to thrive, especially when grown in Australian climates. Balanced watering, the right fertiliser, and seasonal attention will keep them healthy and productive.

Watering Olive Trees

New trees: water weekly during establishment (first 12 months).
Established trees: deep water every 2–3 weeks, less often in winter.
Avoid overwatering — drooping or “weeping” leaves often signal water stress.

Fertilising Olive Trees

Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring and again in mid-summer.
Use Complete Grow’s 20L Bulk Liquid NPK 20-20-20 to support both foliage growth and fruiting.
For potted olives, apply diluted liquid feed monthly during active growth.

Olive Tree FAQs

Why do olive trees weep? Drooping leaves usually indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient stress.
Do olive trees grow well in pots? Yes, provided they are in large containers with full sun and regular fertiliser.
When is the best time to prune? Late winter or early spring, before new growth starts.
How long before olive trees fruit? Potted trees may fruit within 3–5 years, while ground-grown olives may take longer depending on variety.

Final Tip: For strong growth and higher yields, feed olive trees twice yearly with Complete Grow’s 20L Bulk Liquid NPK fertiliser — designed to deliver balanced nutrients for Australian conditions.