Olive Trees

There’s something undeniably romantic about an olive tree. Maybe it’s the soft silvery-green leaves that shimmer in the sunlight, or the gnarled trunk that gives it that old-soul charm—even when it’s still young. Whether you're dreaming of warm coastal vibes or simply want a striking statement plant that’s full of character, the olive tree is a beautiful and rewarding choice.

How to care for an Olive Tree:

Light: full sun (at least six hours a day). A sunny, south-facing window is ideal. Avoid letting the leaves touch window glass, which can intensify the sunlight and burn them. 

Water: thoroughly, when you can stick your finger about an inch deep into the pot and the soil feels dry, it’s time to water again. 

Fertilizer: Feed your olive tree once a month in fall and winter with a balanced all-purpose houseplant fertilizer. When spring returns, start feeding twice a month or switch to a timed-release fertilizer. 

Soil: Olive trees like soil that drains easily, like a cactus mix. Placing an inch or two of styrofoam, gravel, or any other kind of filler on the bottom of the pot will keep the soil well-drained. Of course, be sure your container has drainage holes.

Growing Fruit: Olive trees need to be placed outside for a few months to set fruit, it has to do with the change in temperatures. Your olive tree likely won’t set fruit indoors. It needs a drop in daytime and nighttime temperatures, as well as about two months of temperatures below 50 degrees F to stimulate flowering. 

Maintenance: If you keep your tree as a houseplant but are hoping to move it outside in the spring/summer, ensure that you wait until all danger of frost has passed. Help it acclimate by keeping it in a sheltered spot for the first few days and gradually expose it to more sunshine while making sure the soil doesn’t dry out. 

After 7 to 10 days, put your olive tree in full sun until the frost returns. Before you bring it back in, reverse the acclimation process. Move it back into a partially shaded spot for a week to 10 days to help it adjust to the lower light levels in your home.

There’s something incredibly grounding about olive trees. They bring a calm, rustic beauty to any space, and their resilience makes them surprisingly low-maintenance for such a sophisticated plant. Whether you're a seasoned indoor gardener or a newbie plant parent, the olive tree is a wonderful way to grow something a little different—and a lot beautiful.

Whether you grow it for fruit, foliage, or simply the joy of something unique, an olive tree brings a timeless elegance to your space. Visit us at Anna’s and take home your own touch of the Mediterranean.