The Mediterranean is the true birthplace of the olive tree, which means these beauties aren’t exactly used to our chilly northern winters. In the U.S., they really only thrive in the ground if you live in a super mild climate (looking at you, California and Arizona!). For the rest of us, keeping them in pots is the way to go. But, because they’re in containers, they need a little extra TLC—especially when it comes to repotting.
In the wild, olive trees love their space
Olive trees are slow and steady growers. That goes for their trunks, their branches, and—you guessed it—their roots. Over many years, a wild olive tree can spread its roots out over a radius of 20 feet or more! This is a survival tactic; in the dry, rocky soil of the Mediterranean, they need a massive root system to soak up every drop of water and nutrient they can find.
Timing is everything: Aim for late winter
When you grow an olive tree in a pot, it doesn’t have the luxury of spreading its roots far and wide. It has to work much harder to get what it needs from a limited amount of soil. This is why you need to water your olive tree weekly and refresh the soil every now and then. The absolute best time to repot is at the tail end of winter. This gives the tree a chance to establish new roots just as the spring growing season kicks into high gear.
How to repot like a pro
Ready to give your olive tree a new home? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t go too big. If the new pot is massive, the tree will spend all its energy growing roots instead of beautiful leaves and fruit.
- Lay it down. It’s usually much easier to slide the old pot off if the tree is lying on its side—it’s safer for the roots, too.
- Give it a trim. Use a sharp knife to snip away any dried-out or damaged roots.
- Drainage is key. Start with a layer of gravel or broken terracotta shards at the bottom of the new pot to keep the roots from getting “wet feet.”
- Mix your soil. A good rule of thumb is three parts high-quality potting soil to one part sand.
- No air pockets. As you fill in the soil, make sure it’s packed in well enough that there aren’t any large gaps around the roots.
Once you’re finished, gently press the soil down around the trunk. Give it a good drink of water and mix in a little liquid fertilizer. This gives your olive tree the nutrient boost it needs to settle in during this critical transition phase!
