How to Plant Olive Trees from Cuttings

Olives are a versatile crop that can be used for cooking or pressed to make high-quality olive oil. If you're interested in starting your own olive tree grove, planting from cuttings is a great way to grow your own trees. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plant olive trees from cuttings.

Gather Your Cuttings

The first step in growing olive trees from cuttings is to collect the cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from trees that have a history of producing high-quality fruit. The best time to gather cuttings is in the winter when the tree is dormant. Choose branches that are around a year old and about the thickness of a pencil. Cuttings should be around 10 to 12 inches long with at least two or three leaf nodes.

Prepare Your Cuttings

To prepare your cuttings, remove any leaves or buds along the bottom two inches of the stem, leaving two or three nodes. Cut the top of the cutting at a 45-degree angle, and cut the bottom of the cutting straight across. Then dip the bottom of the cutting in a rooting hormone to help it establish roots more quickly.

Plant Your Cuttings

After preparing your cuttings, plant them in soil. The soil should be a mix of sand and compost or perlite and peat moss. Dig a hole about six inches deep and place the cutting in the hole. Make sure that the bottom of the cutting is below the level of the soil, so only the nodes are above the soil. Water the soil well, making sure that it is moist but not waterlogged.

Care for Your Olive Trees

Once your olive tree cuttings are planted, they will need daily attention to ensure that they receive the proper care. Keep the soil moist and provide plenty of sunlight. If the cuttings are planted in a location with hot or dry weather, you may need to shade the cuttings with a shade cloth or burlap for the first few weeks until the cuttings begin to establish roots.

After about six months, your olive tree cuttings should have established roots and will begin to grow new leaves. You can then transplant your newly established olive tree to its permanent home in your garden or orchard. With proper care, your new trees will thrive and produce high-quality fruit.

Conclusion

Planting olive trees from cuttings can be a rewarding process that allows you to grow your own trees and produce high-quality olives. Remember to gather cuttings from healthy trees, prepare the cuttings correctly, and provide the proper care for your new trees. With patience and attention, you'll be able to grow a thriving olive tree grove and enjoy fresh olives and olive oil for years to come.