Not sure which guide is right for you? Find step-by-step instructions tailored to your plant type:

• Welcoming Your New Plants Home – Unpacking, acclimating, and caring for outdoor plants.

• Welcoming Your House Plants Home – How to set up and care for your new fruit tree.

• Welcoming Your Fruit Trees Home – Special tips for unpacking and maintaining citrus trees.

• Welcoming Your Citrus Trees Home – Everything you need to know to help your olive tree thrive.

OLIVE TREES

Your new olive tree has arrived! Follow these steps to unpack, acclimate, and care for it to ensure healthy growth—whether you’re planting it outdoors, keeping it in a container, or growing it indoors year-round.

Step 1: Unpack with Care

Unwrapping Your Tree:

• Remove Packaging: Gently take your olive tree out of the box and remove all packaging materials, including any plastic wrap around the grower pot, zip ties securing the soil, and paper or padding around the branches.

• Heat Packs: If your tree was shipped during colder months, you may find a small white heat pack attached to the box or insulation. Do not open it—simply dispose of it after unpacking.

• For Trees in Burlap Bags: If your olive tree arrives in a burlap-wrapped root ball, carefully remove it and prepare to plant it in the ground or a suitable container.

📌 Timing Tip: Unbox your tree within a couple of hours to prevent stress from being in a confined space for too long.

Step 2: Assess and Acclimate

Check for Transit Stress:

• Inspect Your Tree: Some minor leaf drop or drooping is normal after shipping. Check for any broken branches and prune if necessary.

• Acclimate Gradually: Olive trees are sensitive to sudden environmental changes. If transitioning to outdoor planting, place your tree in a shaded, sheltered area for the first 24-48 hours before introducing it to direct sunlight.

🌿 Bringing Your Olive Tree Indoors:

If you plan to keep your olive tree indoors year-round or bring it inside during the colder months:

• Transition Slowly: If the tree has been outdoors, move it inside gradually over a few days to prevent shock.

• Find a Sunny Spot: Place it in a south-facing window where it will receive at least 6-8 hours of bright, direct sunlight daily. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with a grow light.

• Avoid Drafts: Keep it away from heating vents, radiators, and cold drafts, as temperature fluctuations can stress the tree.

Step 3: Find the Perfect Spot

Outdoor Planting (Zones 9-11 Recommended):

• Sunlight Needs: Olive trees thrive in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.

• Planting Site: Choose a warm, well-draining location with sandy or loamy soil. Avoid areas prone to standing water.

• Cold Hardiness: Most olive trees, especially the Arbequina, are more cold-tolerant but still need protection from hard freezes. If you live in a borderline climate (zones 8-9), consider covering your tree during winter or planting it in a container for flexibility.

Container Growing (For Colder Climates or Indoor Growing):

• Choosing the Right Pot: Use a large, well-draining pot to allow for root growth. A container at least 18-24 inches wide is ideal.

• Drainage: Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water buildup and root rot.

• Outdoor Care in a Pot: If growing your olive tree outside in a container, it will need extra watering as pots dry out faster. Move it indoors when temperatures drop below 25°F (-4°C) to prevent damage.

• Indoor Growing: Olive trees can be grown indoors year-round, but they require bright, direct light and should not be placed in dimly lit rooms.

Step 4: Water and Soil Check

Hydration and Nutrition:

• Watering: Olive trees prefer soil that is moist but never soggy. Water deeply when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Overwatering is the most common issue—ensure proper drainage.

• Soil Quality: Use well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. If planting in a pot, a high-quality citrus or cactus mix works well.

• Repotting: If growing in a container long-term, repot your olive tree into a larger container every couple of years to encourage strong root development.

• Fertilizing: Wait at least a month before fertilizing. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer to promote healthy growth. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows down.

Step 5: Ongoing Care

Regular Maintenance:

• Routine Checks: Monitor your tree’s health, looking for signs of underwatering (wilting, dry soil) or overwatering (yellowing leaves).

• Humidity Needs (For Indoor Trees): Olive trees tolerate dry indoor air but will appreciate occasional misting or a humidity tray during winter when heaters are running.

• Pruning: Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove any dead or crossing branches. Outdoor olive trees can be pruned in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.

• Mulching (For Outdoor Trees): If planted in the ground, add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

🌱 Seasonal Tips:

• Winter: If temperatures drop below 32°F, move potted olive trees indoors or protect outdoor trees with frost cloths. Indoors, place them in the sunniest spot available.

• Summer: Outdoor olive trees need consistent watering in extreme heat, but be sure the soil dries out slightly between waterings. If growing in a pot, check soil moisture frequently.

By following these steps, your olive tree will have a strong start, whether it’s growing outdoors in a warm climate, in a pot on your patio, or as a stunning indoor plant.