Olive trees have been growing in the Mediterranean regions for at least 5,000 years. Hardly any other plant has shaped the dry, barren landscapes more than them. Olives are perfectly adapted to their environment and require the usual conditions to grow and thrive, even as houseplants or potted plants.
Which soil is suitable for olive trees?
For olive trees you need soil that is sandy, dry and loose. Mix one-third coarse sand with two-thirds commercial potting soil and add pebbles or crushed clay shards for drainage. Alternatively, you can use special citrus soil.
The perfect soil for olive trees
Olive trees thrive best on sandy, dry and loose soils. Good olive soil contains few nutrients and should not be too acidic or too clayey. Clay in particular is not suitable for an olive because the solid soil surrounds the roots too tightly and causes them to die. Peat also has no place in good olive soil; after all, this component increases the acidity of the soil.
Mixture for olive soil
So that your olive tree feels comfortable, it is best to mix the pot soil as follows:
- As the bottom layer, pack pebbles or crushed shards of pottery into the pot. These provide the necessary drainage.
- Now mix one third of coarse sand and two thirds of commercial potting soil.
- Now plant the olive tree in there.
Special citrus soil can also be used
High lime content in the substrate doesn't bother the olive tree, because it's used to that in its native soil. As an alternative to the mixture described, you can also use special citrus soil, as citrus fruits have similar soil quality requirements as olives. Good drainage is absolutely necessary because olives cannot tolerate moisture and especially waterlogging. Your tree will react to too much moisture by dropping leaves.
Tips & Tricks
Replant your olive tree at the latest when the roots are already sticking out of the planting hole - in this case the pot is too small. It is best to repot in spring after the growth break in winter.
