Oliana Olive Tree

1. Planting: You should plant your olive tree in a small container where it will get full sun. Once it has reached a few feet tall, you can move it to a permanent place to grow outside (if in growing zones 10-11). Do this by digging a hole twice as wide (and just as deep) as the root ball. Place your olive tree inside and backfill the soil. For all other zones, keep your olive tree indoors or only on the patio in the warmer months.

2. Watering: Allow your olive tree to dry out in between waterings. However, when the soil is dry (down to about the first two inches), water it deeply, ensuring the soil becomes fully saturated.

3. Fertilizing: Use a high nitrogen fertilizer, something like a 17-6-10 timed-release formula. And if your olive shows signs of weeds, simply remove the weeds and as much of the weed root system as possible.

4. Pruning: Thin out young plants to 3 to 4 main branches. After blooming in spring, clip the tips of the branches. Make the cut just above the point where a pair of leaves attaches to the stem. Leave each branch at least 6 inches long, but how much longer is up to you and what will look good on your balcony or patio.

5. Pollination: Oliana Olives are usually self-fertile. However, you will get better fruit production if you have more than one tree. Be sure to either choose two of the same variety, or if you are picking different varieties, two or more trees that bloom at the same time.