Advice For The Care Of An Olive Tree.

Question

Good afternoon, I am after some advice on the care of an Olive tree. The tree isn’t here yet but is on its way. My husband bought the tree for me in remembrance of our stillborn daughter, also named Olive. But having since ordering the tree and reading up on the care of the trees I’ve seen I will need John Innes no 3 compost, and a terracotta pot. Neither of which I have, and I’m not able to get hold of either due to us being on lockdown. Will my tree be ok if I just keep it well watered until I am able to get hold of the compost and pot? I’ve searched online for the bits I need but everywhere is sold out and I’m panicking it’s not going to survive! Sorry for the rambling, and hope it makes sense. Thank you Helen

Answer 1

You don't have to use that specific compost. A terracotta pot will allow excess water to evaporate if you want to grow it in a container. Here are the growing conditions needed for an olive tree.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/olive/growing-olive-trees-in-containers.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/olive/olive-tree-care-information.htm

I think it depends upon how the tree is shipped. Is it a bare-root tree or is it shipped in soil? If it's packed in soil, just keep it wrapped, damp (not wet) and in moderate temperature - not too hot or cold -- until you can get it into the ground or a container. If it's a bare root tree, here are a couple articles that will be helpful:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/bareroot-planting.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/heeling-in-plants.htm