Olives

Family. Oleaceae.

Where does it grow? Mediterranean.

Description. In its natural environment, the olive is a small evergreen tree up to 9 m high. The stems are covered with smooth, gray bark. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, with a pronounced central vein, from 3 to 8 cm long, dark green. The underside of the leaf blade is lighter in color and has slight pubescence. The flowers are small, white, collected in inflorescences - small axillary racemes at the ends of the branches, fragrant. After flowering, the plant forms small oblong fruits 1.5 - 2.5 cm long, which when ripe become dark purple, almost black and contain a single seed.

Height. Grows slowly; indoor plant height is regulated by pruning and reaches 1.8 m. 

Care at home

Temperature conditions

The optimum temperature range during the growth period is from 18 to 24 °C. The tree tolerates heat well. A cool dormant period is required for the formation of buds - the olive should be kept at a temperature of about 10 °C for 2 months. The minimum allowable temperature in winter is 4 °C.

Lighting

A well-lit location with bright but reflected sunlight. Rotate the plant pot a quarter turn every week to ensure that different sides of the olive tree receive sunlight and the crown is symmetrical.

Care

The olive tree has recently gained popularity because it does not require much time or labor to care for and easily adapts to a variety of conditions. The plant will appreciate being outdoors during the spring and summer. Trim long stems as new growth begins in spring to maintain a compact shape and create a dense crown. 

Substrate

Representatives of this species tolerate even nutrient-poor soils well and easily adapt to most types of soil with good drainage.

Feeding

During the growing season, feed 2 times a month. In the fall, feeding is stopped and resumed only with the beginning of new growth.

Purpose

Olive fruits are very healthy; they are eaten and used to produce vegetable oil. 

Flowering time

Buds decorate the bushes in spring, but in indoor conditions flowering occurs infrequently.

Air humidity

Spray the leaves if the indoor air becomes too dry.

Soil moisture

Mature olives are very drought-resistant, but young ones require regular watering. During the growth period, watering should be plentiful - until the earthen ball is completely soaked, but the top layer of soil, about 5 cm thick, should dry out before each subsequent watering. In autumn, the frequency of watering is reduced. 

Transfer

Transplant in spring, increasing the size of the pot if necessary. For large specimens, which are difficult to transplant, the top layer of soil is replaced with fresh substrate annually.

Reproduction

Propagated by spring sowing of seeds. Planting material should be subjected to preliminary cold stratification. Propagation is possible using apical cuttings about 10 cm long. The lower leaves are removed from the cuttings, and the bases are dipped in powder for rooting. Air layering, grafting. Keep pots with seedlings at a temperature of about 23°C.

Pests and diseases

When there is an excess of nutrients in the soil, plants are more often susceptible to various diseases. Root rot occurs when overwatering occurs.

Among insects, the main dangers are mealybugs, whiteflies, olive moths and scale insects.

Note

Olives live for a very long time in good conditions.