Growing Olive Trees

GROWING IN A CONTAINER

• Trees must be grown indoors during the winter time in zones 7 and down. Zone 8-10 is ideal for outdoor planting. If your not sure of your plant zone hardiness please refer to this link:              http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/
• During the winter, position your olive tree where it will receive at least 6 hours of full sun, a sunny south facing window is ideal, but not too close- you will burn the leaves, keep your plant away from heat vents
• Water your plants thoroughly and allow them to drain thoroughly as well, never let the pot sit in water 
• Your tree needs less water in the fall and winter when it will start to rest and go semi-dormant, fertilize with an organic fertilizer, once every 2 months
• When spring arrives, slowly acclimate your tree to the outdoors after the last chance of frost
• During the spring and summer months, fertilize every month with an organic fertilizer.
• Keep your tree located in a spot that receives full sun during the spring, summer, and fall months
• Every year or two, transplant your tree into a pot that is 2 inches larger than the previous year, and add more well draining soil.  Do not use a moisture retaining soil.  Try a mixture of potting soil, dehydrated manure, vermiculite, a lot of mulch, and pulverized lime (very important to trees growth and vigor) lime will help balance the soils ph level
• When you have reached your maximum pot size, take the plant out of the pot when it is somewhat dry, and loosen the dirt around the plant ball.  cut back the roots 2-3 inches and reinsert back into the pot with fresh well draining soil -- repeat every 2 years. This is a "bonsai technique" . You are essentially creating a dwarf olive tree.
• If your tree is attacked by pests, try an insecticidal soap like Bioneem
• If you spot chalky looking residue on the leaves of your plant, this is a fungus problem and needs a Fung-Onil oil spray by Bonide, never use a copper spray- could seriously stunt your plant. 
• If your plant falls prey to fungus and other problems, chances are that the tree is not getting enough nitrogen.  your tree needs sufficient amounts of nitrogen for trunk and foliage growth, the phosphorous in fertilizers is for the flowering and fruit growth, and the potash is for root growth