Why Your Olive Tree Isn't Fruiting: 4 Potential Causes
Watch your Olive Tree flourish with real fruit!
Olea europaea, commonly known as the Olive Tree, is a beautifully elegant plant that has recently risen in popularity for its airy nature and Mediterranean vibes. And beyond its ornamental value, many indoor plant enthusiasts are drawn to Olive Tree varieties due to the the prospect of growing fruit and harvesting their ripe olives. However, the journey from planting to fruiting can be a nuanced one, and your tree might not fruit for many years or until it becomes mature and only during the active growing season, such as spring and summer. Let's explore the intricacies of Olive Tree care and how to grow your beloved tree into a fruit-tree.
Maturity Matters
Like many horticultural endeavors and houseplants, patience is key when it comes to Olive Trees. These self-pollinating trees typically require about three years to reach maturity before they embark on their fruit-bearing journey. So, if your Olive Tree is still in its early years, rest assured, it might just need a bit more time for new growth.
The ideal conditions for Olive Trees to produce fruit
Balanced Watering
Proper watering is a delicate dance for Olive Trees. While they are typically known to be quite drought-resistant, they also appreciate regular watering and proper drainage to prevent root rot. Be sure not to let your Olive Tree dry out for too long, prevent it from a harsh soak, and allow it to be well drained. The rule of thumb is to water when 25% of the soil volume, or the top few inches, have dried. Overwatering can lead to drooping leaves and, eventually, leaf loss. Consistency, attentiveness to soil, ensuring your Olive Tree can be properly drained, and moisture are key for your Olive Tree to bear-fruit.
Plenty of Light
Light, the engine of photosynthesis, is paramount for fruit production. Olive Trees thrive in climates with full sun or lots of sunlight, and require a minimum of six hours of direct exposure daily. Placing your Olive Tree in a location with unobstructed light is crucial for optimal edible fruiting conditions, whether that’s indoors or out.
Strategic Fertilizing
Fertilizing is a supportive act during the Olive Tree's active growing seasons, primarily spring and summer. A well-balanced fertilizer, applied once in spring and once in summer, can provide the necessary nutrients for growing fruitful new growth. Additionally, incorporating compost creates nutrient rich soil that enhances the overall soil quality and contributes to the tree's health. However, abstain from fertilizing in winter or during inactive growth periods.
Troubleshooting for Non-Fruiting Olive Trees
1. Unfavorable Growing Conditions:
Symptom: Olive Tree not getting enough sunlight.
Remedy: Relocate your tree to a sun-filled, humid spot to optimize its exposure to sunlight. Remember, at least six hours a day of light is best and Olive Trees love humidity. To increase humidity in indoor air, we recommend a misting routine year-round. Refrain from placing in low-light areas. and remember that your Olive tree may not produce fruit during cold seasons.
2. Age Matters:
Symptom: Young Olive Trees not producing fruit.
Remedy: Exercise patience; fruiting often begins around the third year and may extend up to eight years.
3. Nutrient Deficiency:
Symptom: Soil lacking essential nutrients.
Remedy: Plant your tree in nutrient-rich potting mix or soil and fertilize during active growth periods. We recommend our fertilizer and foliar feed, Potion Magique.
4. Pruning for Sunlight:
Symptom: Insufficient sunlight reaching the center of the tree.
Remedy: Olive Trees like to be pruned. Prune stems strategically to allow direct sunlight, removing non-flowering branches. You can propagate the cuttings and create sprouts by transplanting in new soil to harvest new buds and blooms. Read more about propagation here!
5. Pest Prevention:
Symptom: Pest and insect sightings on your Olive Tree
Remedy: Keep an eye out for common insects like spider mites, aphids, fungus gnats, and mealy bugs, which can hinder plant growth. Regularly use neem oil to thwart diseases and pests, ensuring your Olive Tree thrives and produces abundant fruit.
6. Weeds:
Symptom: Weeds in your olive tree’s nursery pot.
Remedy: Weeds in your Olive Tree's pot and soil can hinder its growth, especially when it is trying to produce growing fruit. If you notice any unwanted plants in your Olive Tree’s container, promptly pluck them out, ensuring you remove the roots to prevent regrowth. While gentle herbicides can be used, they are often unnecessary for effective weed control in the pot. Regular weeding helps maintain a conducive environment for your Olive Tree's healthy development.
Growing an Olive Tree is an art, with a slightly different routine opposed to other indoor house plants, and coaxing it to fruit is a blend of science and care. Understanding the needs of your Olive Tree, from sunlight to watering, fertilizing, and using the correct pots can pave the way for a bountiful and deciduous harvest. As you navigate the journey from planting to fruition, savor the process, and your Olive Tree’s canopy will reward you with the timeless allure of its silver-green foliage and, eventually, its coveted olives.
At Léon and George, we're on a mission to bring the beauty of nature and house plants into your daily life. Our hand-selected, California native tropical plants such as the Olive Tree, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Ficus Audrey, and Bird of Paradise are carefully chosen for their quality, health, and beauty. We believe in simplicity, fairness, and sustainability, sourcing our plants from trusted local growers and gardeners who share our values. When you bring a Léon and George plant into your home, you're not just getting greenery – you're getting a piece of nature treated with our all-natural products and handmade planters that are staged for optimal and easy growth. Happy growing and gardening!
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