30 gallon Arbequina

Instructions for Planting or Re-potting Your Olive Tree

10/08/2008

So you've gotten a beautiful olive tree and it's grown up enough that you need a new pot. Well it's easy! Just get a larger pot and Miracle Gro or a similar potting mix. It is good to go ahead and move it up and let it feed if the weather is warm. Unless you are in a very warm climate, don't fertilize it after August. Always be sure to use fertilizers that are safe for putting in pots. We like Osmocote with minor elements. It's expensive but worth it.

Also, be careful with your tree — don't pull it out by its stem. Turn it upside down (or nearly), place one hand over the top of the root ball to hold the potting medium in place and give it a quick little gentle shake or two to loosen it from the pot. Remove the pot and upright the tree, supporting it by the bottom of the root ball. Have the new home ready before doing this. You can measure the potting medium level by firming some in the new pot and then placing the still potted tree in it to see that the level is good. Be sure to water it often after the transition, and regularly thereafter. While MATURE trees can resist some drought, olives are not desert plants, and can suffer or even die from lack of water. Trees kept in containers need more water than those planted in the ground. Do not let the bottom of the pot stand in water.