Dreaming of growing your own olive tree?
It’s easier than you think!
You can start with just a cutting. Here are 6 simple tactics to help you succeed.
Get ready to grow your own olive tree!
Picking the Right Cuttings
First things first, you need to pick out the perfect cuttings. Choose a healthy olive tree and snip off a branch about 8-10 inches long.
Make sure it has some leaf nodes (those little bumps where leaves grow). Avoid picking branches that look sick or weak.
Prep Your Cuttings
Once you’ve got your cuttings, it’s time to prep. Strip off the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
This is where you’ll plant it in the soil. You can leave a few leaves at the top, though; it helps the plant with photosynthesis while it starts to root.
Dip in Rooting Hormone
To increase your chances of success, dip the cut end of your cutting into some rooting hormone powder. This stuff helps stimulate root growth and gives your cutting a better shot at thriving.
You can find rooting hormone at most garden stores.
Planting the Cuttings
Fill a pot with well-draining soil (you don’t want waterlogging here). Make a hole in the soil with a pencil or stick and pop your cutting in.
Pat the soil around it so it’s nice and snug but don’t compact it too much.
Water and Cover
Water your planted cuttings lightly—just enough to moisten the soil. Then cover the pot with a plastic bag or use a clear plastic container to create a mini greenhouse effect.
This keeps the humidity high and helps your cuttings root.
Wait Patiently
Place your pots in a warm, sunny spot but out of direct sunlight. Check the moisture level often.
In about 6-8 weeks, your cuttings should start to root. You can gently tug on them to see if they’ve rooted.
If there’s resistance, you’re golden!