How to Plant Olive Tree Cuttings

Planting olive tree cuttings is a cost-effective way to grow olive trees. Rather than buying a mature tree, you can propagate new trees from cuttings taken from an existing olive tree. Here's how to do it.

Step 1: Gather Materials

Before you begin the propagation process, you need to gather the required materials. Here's what you'll need:

Olive tree cuttings

Clean shears, preferably sanitized with rubbing alcohol

Rooting hormone powder

Small pots

Potting soil

Water

Step 2: Take Cuttings

Take cuttings from the olive tree in the late winter or early spring. Choose stems from the current year's growth that are pencil-size or smaller. Each cutting should be 6-8 inches long and have 4-6 leaves.

Using clean shears, make a clean cut just below the last node, removing any flowers or buds. Then strip the leaves from the lower half to two-thirds of the stem.

Step 3: Apply Rooting Hormone

Dip the cut end of each olive tree cutting into rooting hormone powder, shaking off any excess. This will encourage rooting.

Step 4: Plant the Cuttings

Fill a small pot with potting soil and create a hole using a pencil. Insert the cutting into the hole up to the first leaf node. Firmly press the soil around the stem, ensuring it stays upright.

Water the cutting, and make sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment for the cutting. Keep the pot in a warm, bright but indirect light location. Check the cutting every few days to make sure it's still moist.

Step 5: Transplant the Olive Tree Cuttings

After about four to six weeks, you should see new growth on your olive tree cuttings. Once the roots start to develop, transplant each cutting into a larger pot or to a permanent location in the garden. Ensure the new planting location has good drainage and space for the tree to grow to its full size.

Water the newly transplanted olive tree cutting regularly and continue to monitor its growth. Within a year or two, it should be a small tree that will eventually produce olives.

Conclusion

Planting olive tree cuttings is a simple, cost-effective way to grow olive trees. With the proper care and attention, your olive tree cuttings will grow into healthy, productive trees that produce delicious olives.