Olive tree care guide, a perfect plant for your garden

The wild olive is a Mediterranean tree

The wild olive tree is a Mediterranean tree

The wild olive it is one of the trees, or rather small trees, that best resists drought. There is no shortage of reasons: it is originally from the Mediterranean region, where rainfall is scarce and where temperatures in summer exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

It is not grown as much as its brother, the olive tree, since its fruit is smaller, but it is a wonderful garden plant.

Origin and characteristics of wild olive trees

The wild olive is a large shrubThe wild olive tree is a large shrub

Image – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The wild olive is a large tree or shrub originating as we said in the Mediterranean, where it forms part of the bushes along with other Mediterranean plants, such as the mastic, the myrtle or the daddy. It is also found in mountainous regions, accompanying cork oaks, gall oaks and oaks.

Grows to a height of 6-7 metersrarely 10 meters, with a trunk that tends to twist with age. Its crown is rounded, very dense, formed by opposite leaves, lanceolate, leathery and 2 to 6 cm long, dark green on the upper surface and paler on the underside.

The flowers, which sprout in spring, are hermaphroditic and are grouped in white panicles. The fruit is a drupe of about 1cmgreen at the beginning and brownish or black at the end of maturing in autumn-winter. This, like the olive of the olive (European oils), it is eatable.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a copy, we recommend you take care of it as follows:

Weather

The wild olive It is a tree especially suitable for mild climates, with maximum temperatures of up to 40ºC and minimum temperatures of up to -12ºC.and where it rains little. In this sense, I can tell you that, as long as it has been planted in the ground for more than a year, it can live well with 350 liters per square meter of rain per year, which makes it a very resistant species to dry periods.

Location

It has to be placed outside, always in full sun. You need to be exposed to the star king to have good growth and development.

If you are going to have it in the garden, plant it at a distance of about 5 meters from other trees, paved floors, etc. In this way, you will be able to contemplate it in all its splendor as it grows.

Earth

Irrigation

The fruits of the wild olive are small

The fruits of the wild olive tree are small

The frequency of irrigation will depend on the climate, as well as on whether it is grown in soil or in a container. A) Yes, if it is in the garden during the first year it will have to be watered 1 or 2 times a weekincreased to 3 weekly waterings during the summer, but from the second year it will not be necessary to water as often; on the other hand, if it is in a pot, it will be necessary to water it 2 or 3 times a week.

It is important to water at sunset, especially in summer, in this way the soil will remain humid for a longer time, with which the roots will have all night to absorb the water they need.

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It is interesting to fertilize the wild olive tree throughout the growing seasonthat is, from spring to late summer / early fall. Use organic products for this, such as mulch or earthworm humus, especially if you want to taste its fruits.

In the event that you are going to pay it with fertilizers, for example with one for fruit trees (for sale here!), follow the directions specified on the product packaging to avoid problems.

Multiplication

Multiplies relatively easily by seeds in springand also in autumn if it is warm. The step by step to follow is as follows:

  1. First, the seed is extracted from the fruit, and it is cleaned well with water.
  2. Then, for example, a seedling tray or a pot is filled with universal substrate or seedbed soil.
  3. Then it is watered consciously.
  4. Then, the seeds are placed on the surface, avoiding making piles, and covered with a thin layer of substrate so that they are not exposed.
  5. Finally, a little sulfur is sprinkled on and the seedbed is placed outside, in full sun.

In a matter of 1 to 2 months they will begin to germinate.

Planting or transplanting time

The best time is at springwhen the frosts have passed.

Pruning

Late winter remove dry branches and those that are diseased using tools previously disinfected with pharmacy alcohol or with a few drops of dishwasher.

Rusticity

This is a tree that it resists frosts down to -12ºCbut he likes hot climates better.

What uses is it given?

Ornamental

Wild olive can be had as bonsaiThe wild olive tree can be kept as a bonsai

Image – Flickr / Rodrigo Sousa

It’s a plant decorative, easy to maintain and very rustic. It is perfect for xero gardens, and even for pots. In addition, having small leaves and slow growth, it is appreciated in the world of bonsai.

Culinary

Its fruits, although small, are often served in the bars and restaurants where it originates. they are edible. Its flavor is similar to that of the common olive, very pleasant.

Wild olive oil

You should know that wild olive oil is made with the fruits, which is perfect for seasoning meat and fish dishes. Its properties are:

  • Helps lower cholesterol
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Effective in regulating blood sugar levels
  • Prevents premature aging of the skin
  • Serves to treat dermatitis

Where to buy an olive tree?

Outside of its place of origin, it can be difficult to get one in a nursery, so if you have problems acquiring it, do not worry. From here you can get it:

Olive tree care guide, a perfect plant for your garden

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