Propagating olive trees from cuttings is a reliable way to produce plants genetically identical to the parent, preserving desirable characteristics. These Mediterranean evergreens, known for their silvery leaves and drought tolerance, are a rewarding addition to any garden.
Best Time for Propagation
The optimal time to propagate olive trees from cuttings depends on the type of cutting. Semi-hardwood cuttings, from the current season’s growth that has begun to harden, are best taken in early to mid-summer during active growth when the wood is pliable but firm. Hardwood cuttings, from more mature, dormant stems, are harvested in winter, just before spring growth. Selecting healthy, vigorous stems from one-year-old growth increases rooting success.
Propagating from Cuttings
Selecting and Preparing Cuttings
Select healthy, robust shoots from the parent olive tree. For semi-hardwood cuttings, choose stems firm at the base but flexible at the tip, typically 6-8 inches long with a quarter-inch diameter. Using clean, sharp pruning shears, make an angled cut just below a growth node at the base. Remove all but a few leaves from the top; if large, cut them in half to reduce moisture loss. Dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone can enhance success, though olive cuttings sometimes root without it.
Planting Cuttings
Prepare containers 4-8 inches in diameter with adequate drainage holes. Fill them with a well-draining rooting medium, such as sand and peat, or perlite and peat. Ensure the mix is thoroughly moist before planting, resembling a wrung-out sponge. Create a 1-4 inch deep hole in the center, then gently insert the prepared cutting. Firm the medium around the base for stability and good contact.
Creating the Ideal Environment
Maintaining correct environmental conditions is important for successful rooting. An ideal air temperature is 70-80°F, with soil temperature at 70-75°F, achievable with a heated propagation mat. Cuttings require bright, indirect light; place them in a shaded area, avoiding direct sunlight which causes desiccation. High humidity is beneficial, maintained by covering cuttings with a propagation dome or clear plastic bag, ensuring the soil remains consistently damp but not waterlogged.
Care for Newly Rooted Cuttings
After 6-8 weeks, cuttings begin to develop roots, though some may take up to three months. Gently tug on a cutting to check for resistance, indicating root formation. Once roots are established and new growth appears, gradually acclimate young plants to less humid conditions by progressively slitting the plastic bag or dome over one to two weeks. Keep the rooting medium moist, watering when the topsoil feels dry, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. When roots are 1-2 inches long, usually after 10-12 weeks, transplant young olive trees into larger individual pots filled with a well-draining potting mix.
Other Propagation Methods
While cuttings are a popular method for olive tree propagation, other techniques exist. Growing olive trees from seed is possible, but resulting plants often do not retain parent characteristics due to hybridization from wide-drifting pollen. Seed-grown trees also take longer to mature and bear fruit. Grafting involves joining a scion (desired olive variety) onto a rootstock (hardy base plant). This technique ensures the new tree is true to the scion’s type and can convert mature trees to different varieties, but it requires specialized skills and tools, making it more complex than rooting cuttings.