Growing an olive tree from seed can be a rewarding endeavor, but it requires patience, as olive trees grown from seed can take many years to mature and produce fruit. Additionally, olive trees are typically best suited to regions with mild winters and hot, dry summers, so reproducing these conditions is critical to success. Here is a step by step guide to growing an olive tree in a pot starting from seeds:
Step 1: Obtain olive seeds
Collect seeds from a fresh olive. Choose a ripe olive and remove the pulp to extract the seed. Clean the seed carefully to eliminate any residual pulp, which can cause fungal diseases.
Phase 2: Layering
Olive seeds have a hard coating and require stratification to germinate successfully.
- Soak the cleaned seeds in water for 24 hours.
- Place the soaked seeds in a plastic bag with moist sand or moist peat moss.
- Store the bag in the refrigerator for approximately 60 days, making sure the substrate remains moist.
Step 3: Sow the seed
After layering:
- Fill a small pot with well-draining potting soil.
- Place the layered seed in the pot and cover it with about an inch of soil.
- Water the soil well and cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a moist environment.
- Place the vase in a warm, bright place, avoiding direct sunlight.
Phase 4: Seedling care
- Once the seed has germinated and the seedling has emerged, remove the plastic bag.
- Keep the soil constantly moist, but without waterlogging.
- Keep the pot in a location with plenty of indirect sunlight.
Phase 5: Transplant
When the seedling has developed several sets of true leaves and is strong enough to handle, it can be transplanted into a larger pot. Use a pot with good drainage holes and fill it with well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
Step 6: Regular care
- Water the olive tree regularly, allowing the top centimeters of soil to dry between waterings.
- Place the pot in a sunny position, preferably with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Feed the olive tree with a slow-release balanced fertilizer according to the package instructions, generally every 2-3 months.
- Prune the olive tree to maintain its shape and size, eliminating dead or diseased branches.
Phase 7: Wintering
If you live in a region with harsh winters, bring the olive tree indoors before the first frost. Place it near a sunny window and reduce watering, allowing the soil to dry more between waterings.
Growing a potted olive tree from seed can be a long and painstaking process, but the beautiful evergreen tree that results is worth it. By providing the appropriate care and environment, you can enjoy the satisfaction of growing an olive tree from seed to maturity, even just for its ornamental value. Keep in mind that olive trees grown from seed may not bear fruit, or the fruit may not be like that of the mother tree, so if your goal is fruit production, consider purchasing a grafted tree from a nursery.