Propagation from cuttings promises the most success, but growing an olive tree from the seed core is also possible. However, a lot of heat is required for successful breeding.
How to propagate an olive tree?
An olive tree can be propagated by cuttings or seeds. Cuttings are young shoots that are planted in potting soil until they form roots. Seeds from fully ripe, fresh olives can also be planted in potting soil and kept moist until they germinate.
Propagation via cuttings
Select one or more shoots that are as young as possible and not yet woody from an existing tree. These should be between five and ten centimeters long and there should also be a few eyes on them. If possible, do not make the cutting edge straight, but rather at an angle - this will make it easier for the cutting to absorb water later. Now proceed as follows:
- Fill a small plant pot (€6.00 on Amazon) with potting soil.
- Remove the lower leaves of the cutting.
- Put the cutting in there and gently press the soil all around.
- Water the shoot lightly.
- In the following weeks, keep the substrate moist but not wet.
- Do not fertilize!
- Place the pot in a bright and warm location, such as a windowsill.
- Temperatures between 20 and 25 °C are optimal.
- If new leaves develop, the cutting has taken root.
When do you have to repot an olive tree?
Olives are extremely slow-growing trees, so repotting is probably not necessary in the first year. Depending on how large you have chosen the growing pot, you can wait even longer before repotting. Pots for olives should not be too large, otherwise the roots will develop too much and the growth of the actual tree will be neglected. Pots that are about a third larger than the treetop are ideal.
Propagation via seeds
Propagate an olive tree from seeds is a little more difficult, but by no means impossible. However, you can only use the pits from fully ripe, fresh olives or commercial seeds. The pits of pickled or otherwise processed olives are no longer capable of germinating. And this is how it works:
- Free the seed core from the surrounding pulp.
- Soak the core in lukewarm water for 24 hours.
- Now put it in a pot with potting soil.
- And cover it with about an inch of soil.
- Keep the core moist, using a spray bottle if possible.
- Place the pot in a warm and bright place that is at least 20 °C.
- Be patient, it can take a few weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Tips & Tricks
You can also make it easier for the seed to germinate by sanding the rough shell with a little sandpaper to make it more permeable.