Fertilizing Olive Trees - Stark Bro's (2024)

FAQs

Fertilizing Olive Trees - Stark Bro's? ›

Young olive trees may require fertilizing after planting, depending on the time of the year (see below). Established olive trees require fertilizer to stay healthy and produce every year. They need a balanced fertilizer with a 16-16-16 nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium ratio or similar.

Summary: fertilising olive trees

Specialised citrus feed is suitable for olives and other Mediterranean plants. Alternatively, use a universal fertiliser containing nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), and ideally other micronutrients.

While Olive trees can survive with minimal nutrients, adding a “tonic” of Tomato food to the soil in May and then again every 6 weeks throughout the growing season can be beneficial for trees grown in containers. This is not essential, but it can help the tree grow stronger and produce better fruit.

Trees and shrubs that should not be fertilized include newly planted specimens and those with severe root damage from recent trenching or construction. The root systems of these plants need to re-establish before fertilizers are applied. Older, established trees do not need to be fertilized every year.

Make the last fertilizer application before July 1.

New growth also needs time to "harden off" before winter. Tender new growth is at risk of cold injury if it is forced late in the season, when plants and trees should be shutting down for winter.

Feeding – Feed your olive trees with 'Miracle-Gro All Purpose Slow Release' plant food in spring. If your plant has lost leaves in winter and you want to give it a boost, apply 'Maxicrop Complete Garden Feed' fortnightly between May and August to ensure the tree stays healthy, vigorous and happy.

Advice on Feeding your Olive Tree

A blend of guano, seaweed and epsom salts our olive blend will fertilise and strengthen your Olive Tree year round. High in potassium, phosphate and magnesium it enriches the soil and encourages tree growth. Each pot contains enough feed to feed one olive tree per year.

Whatever fertilizer or method of application you choose, irrigate soon after their application to wash any fertilizer from the leaves and to help nutrients dissolve and penetrate through the mulch and soil to the roots.

When applying fertilizer, always read and follow all label directions carefully - too much fertilization can permanently damage trees and plants. Excess fertilizer alters the soil by creating too high of a salt concentration, and this can hurt beneficial soil microorganisms.

If you are fertilizing in mid to late summer, avoid formulations high in nitrogen as this will just promote weak, new growth that may be easily damaged in the winter. We recommend fertilizing in Spring (before summer heat kicks in), then again in September.

Is it better to fertilize before or after rain? ›

Generally speaking, it isn't best to fertilize after it rains, but you may still be able to get the fertilizer to activate with the remaining moisture on the soil surface. It could be your only option if no other source of water (an in-ground irrigation system or a large sprinkler) is available.

Timing: Apply late spring lawn fertilizer once between April and June, 6 to 8 weeks after the early spring feeding. If you have purchased the Scotts® Turf Builder® Annual Program, apply the Spring product now. It will help your lawn grow strong roots while killing dandelion, clover, and other listed weeds.

Always follow the manufacturers recommended rates and application methods. Fertilize outdoor plants in the coolest part of the day, such as early morning or late evening, especially in hot summer weather. Always water in fertilizers well to distribute nutrients throughout the soil profile and to prevent burning.

It needs regular watering to thrive. Insufficient water will cause your tree to suffer, and even die if left too dry for too long. Choose a site that receives at least six hours of direct sun per day. Full sun is ideal.

Feeding your Olive Tree

Continue to feed every few weeks throughout the growing season with either Vitax Q4 or seaweed extract. You should stop feeding in late July as this will encourage new growth which is susceptible to Winter damage.

If you prune back your Olive tree 'hard' it will result in a dense growth, whereas a light 'formative' prune will give your Olive tree a natural shape. As with many fruit trees, Olives produce fruit on new wood, therefore if you're going to harvest your own olives, a heavy prune will increase your fruit yield.