How Can I Make My Olive Tree Grow Faster in Pots or Containers?
When it comes to growing olive trees in pots or containers, I’ve had my share of trial and error. These ancient, resilient trees are iconic for their beauty and historical significance, but the truth is—they’re in no rush to grow.
If you’re anything like me and want to encourage your olive tree to grow faster in a pot, there are a few tried-and-true methods that can help without upsetting their natural rhythm too much.
Olive Trees and Their Growth Habits
Olive trees are more than just plants; they’re symbols of peace, longevity, and endurance. Their gnarled trunks and silvery leaves give off a timeless, almost mystical vibe, but their slow-growing nature can test your patience. Officially classified as “slow growers,” olive trees typically add less than 12 inches a year—sometimes far less.
So, if you’re looking for an instant tree, olives might not be your first choice. But don’t lose hope—there are ways to give these slowpokes a gentle nudge.
Know Your Olive Tree Variety
The most common type for both ornamental and agricultural use is the European olive tree (Olea europaea). These hardy trees, native to the Mediterranean, can handle drought, heat, and poor soils but thrive best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
So, unless you’re living in Southern California, Texas, or similar climates, you’ll likely need to grow these beauties in pots that you can bring indoors during cooler months.
If your climate isn’t Mediterranean, a potted olive tree allows you to create the perfect microclimate by controlling soil, sunlight, and moisture levels.
Best Olive Tree Varieties for Container Gardening
For container gardening, several olive tree varieties are well-suited due to their compact size, hardiness, and adaptability to pot cultivation. Here are some of the best varieties:
- Arbequina: Native to Catalonia, Spain, this variety is compact and vigorous, making it ideal for indoor cultivation and container growth. It can produce fruit within 2-3 years of planting.
- Picholine: Originating from France, this variety is relatively compact and hardy. It produces excellent fruit for table olives and is well-suited for indoor conditions.
- Manzanilla: Native to Spain, this slow-growing variety produces the most commonly eaten olives in the U.S. It requires less pruning but should be kept away from drafts and cold temperatures.
- Chemlali: This compact variety from Tunisia is more cold-hardy than most and tolerates zone seven temperatures. It is primarily used for olive oil but also makes a beautiful addition to the yard.
- Montra (Little Ollie): A fruitless, bush variety that is perfect for achieving a Mediterranean look in small spaces. It is cold-hardy down to fifteen degrees, requires full sun, and is drought-tolerant.
Tips for Faster Growth in Pots or Containers
After learning the hard way, I can confidently say that optimizing conditions from day one is the key to faster olive tree growth. Here’s how I’ve managed to boost growth in my own potted olives:
1. Soil and Drainage
When it comes to soil, less is more. Olive trees prefer poorly drained soil. You’ll want to avoid nitrogen-rich soils because too much nitrogen leads to excessive leafy growth rather than stronger wood.
I found that a simple sandy, cactus mix works wonders for container-grown olives. Adding a layer of gravel or small stones at the bottom of the pot helps prevent water from pooling, which is a critical step in avoiding root rot—a common enemy of olive trees.
| Soil Composition | Optimal Growth Potential |
| Sandy or loamy soils | Best for drainage and avoiding rot |
| Low nitrogen content | Promotes healthy, steady growth |
| Slightly alkaline pH | Ideal for olives to thrive |
2. Sunlight and Positioning
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that olive trees love the sun—lots of it. Full sun, ideally at least six hours of unfiltered sunlight, is crucial. Keep your tree in the brightest spot possible. For me, that’s been a sun-drenched corner of my patio. If you’re growing indoors or in a less sunny area, consider supplementing with a grow light during the winter months.
3. Watering Practices
Less is more when it comes to watering olive trees. They don’t like “wet feet,” so be cautious about overwatering. I water mine sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. I’ve also found that misting the leaves during particularly dry periods can mimic the Mediterranean climate and encourage a bit more vigor.
4. Suitable Pot and Regular Repotting
Choose a sturdy pot with good drainage. A pot with a diameter of 10–14 inches is suitable for a primo starter-sized tree.
Avoid over-potting your olive tree and re-pot it only to a slightly larger container. This helps maintain good drainage and prevents root-bound conditions.
5. Fertilizing
Feed your olive tree with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for fruit trees. Apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically in the spring and summer. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit production.
| Also read: How to Revive Your Olive Tree Plant |
Pruning Olive Tree for Faster Growth
Pruning plays a key role in shaping your olive tree for faster growth. When my olive tree was still young, I made it a point to prune it strategically, guiding it toward a strong, upright trunk. This method helps the tree direct its energy into vertical growth, instead of letting it spread out into a more tangled, wild form. However, I’ve learned that there’s a balance.
While pruning can accelerate growth, too much of it can strip away the tree’s natural character. That iconic, gnarly shape might take a backseat if you’re too eager with the shears. The key is to prune thoughtfully—taking care to enhance growth without sacrificing the tree’s natural beauty.
Prune with purpose, but don’t rush the process, because the charm of an olive tree often lies in its imperfections.
Why Patience Pays Off
While it’s tempting to try and rush the process, olive trees thrive when allowed to follow their slow, steady growth pattern. You may not see dramatic growth overnight, but by providing the right conditions—sunlight, well-drained soil, careful watering, and occasional pruning—you’ll be rewarded with a healthy, happy tree that eventually produces fruit.
For me, growing an olive tree is more than just about speed; it’s about enjoying the process and the eventual reward of a resilient, beautiful plant.
So, while you can’t turn an olive tree into a fast-growing wonder overnight, you can optimize its conditions for the best possible growth rate. Just remember, like anything worth having, good things take time—especially olives!
