GREENGOLD GARDEN CONCEPTS
CARE AND MAINTENANCE NOTES

OLIVES

SOIL TYPE : Olives prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil, but will tolerate a wide range of conditions - they grow in hilly and rocky areas that are not suitable for other crops. They do not, however, like very heavy clay soils that are constantly wet.

INSECTS AND DISEASES Olive tree diseases are rare in Australia - it is unlikely that your olive tree would suffer from disease. However, the brown olive scale and the olive lace bug are two pests that may attack your tree. The scale insect is readily controlled with WHITE OIL or PEST OIL spray, when it is young and has a soft shell. Adult scale and the lace bugs are best controlled with LEBAYCID. DO NOT USE ROGOR ON OLIVE TREES. If your olive tree is kept in good health the chance of insect attack is minimal. STAKING Young olive trees should be staked - the stakes should be strong enough to support the tree until the anchor roots have developed, but the tree should be tied to the stake loosely so that it can move freely in the wind - this will encourage strong root development.

WATERING, FERTILIZING AND PRUNING A good winter watering boosts the tree into vigorous growth for spring flowering and prolific fruit set. When the fruit has set, supplementary watering will help to achieve a good fruit size and high oil content. A dressing of well rotted manure in autumn after the fruit has been harvested will conserve moisture in the soil and add nutrient. Pruning should be confined to removing dead branches, and keeping adequate light to the centre of the tree. It should be done after the fruit is harvested in Autumn.

VARIETIES Although all varieties will grow in Sydney, for fast maturing and early cropping we recommend the UC13A6 and UC22A11 (University of California hybrids), and MANZANILLO.