Light. Plant in full sun.
Water. Once established it needs little care. Too much water, from irrigation or heavy rain, leads to root rot and makes flowers drop.
Soil and feeding. Grows best in sandy, well-drained soil and tolerates poor soil. Go easy on nitrogen, which gives shoots instead of fruit.
Size. Grows to about 10 ft; pruning keeps its height and shape in check.
Pruning. Fruit forms on new growth, so avoid heavy pruning. Thinning the canopy improves airflow and cuts down fungal problems.
Problems to watch. Olives are generally pest and disease resistant. Watch for scale, caterpillars and grasshoppers; treat scale with Neem Oil following the label.
Good to know. Fruiting in South Florida is still unproven; trees have been tested as far south as Orlando. Expect fruit after about three years, with heavy and light crops in alternate years.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Olives
