Immediate Care Instructions
Please water immediately upon arrival, and then carefully review this instruction sheet for specific information on how to ensure a healthy Tuscan Olive Tree. We highly recommend referencing an olive tree book to supplement this overview.
About Your Miniature Tuscan Olive Tree
This small member of the well known olive family has a long history originating in the Mediterranean. Olives are most often prized for their subtle yet complex olive oil and culinary applications.
Light Exposure
Your tree will enjoy light as bright as possible, but avoid excess heat which will dry out the soil too quickly. A location that provides morning sun or filtered light throughout the day is ideal. In general, the larger the container, the slower the soil will dry out, and the more sun your tree will tolerate.
Water and Fertilizer
Water daily, through hot spells and in the summer heat. Every other day is sufficient in the spring and fall. In the winter you should keep the plant moist, watering only when the soil is dry to the touch. A well-balanced organic liquid fertilizer can be applied every two weeks. Your local nursery will have an appropriate liquid food available.
Pruning
Prune to shape as you desire, keeping in mind the small size of the plant and its container. Flowers will appear from small shoots where the leaves meet the stem in the spring. If too much new growth is produced at the branch tips, cut it back to a lower position to shorten the tree's height.
Winter Period
Keep the tree from extreme cold temperatures in a bright location throughout the winter. Depending on your location, you can leave it outside in a frost free area, or in a bright warm room if freezing temperatures occur. As old leaves fall off, fertilize regularly to create new growth. Although evergreen, olives will resume their rapid growth rate when spring begins.
Repotting
As your tree grows, transplanting it into a larger container is the easiest way to keep it healthy. Every one to two years, remove the tree from its pot and trim away 1/3 of its roots. Repot in a larger container with a blended organic potting soil. This will encourage new root growth and keep your Tuscan Olive tree healthy and thriving.