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Need help with potted olive tree

aperry1214aperry1214 Posts: 2
in The potting shed
 I purchased this olive about 1 year ago without knowing the first thing about it. I thought it was naturally droopy but didn't think I should let it so I staked it up. Now I'm thinking I should have pruned it way back, like maybe to just above the bottom three branches. Am I correct or will I kill it by doing something so drastic? If so, should I also prune those three branches back to about 12 inches long?

Posts

  • tui34tui34 Posts: 3,206
    Hello @aperry1214

    Personally, I would cut the bottom branches right off level with the trunk.   Then clip or prune the other branches to tidy it up.

    This to be done in or around March.  Not now!

    Send photo after pruning, please!!
    A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

  • aperry1214aperry1214 Posts: 2
    Thank you! Yes, I planned on waiting until late Winter, and after my olives are ripe. 
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 11,665
    @aperry1214, don't try eating them!  I believe they need some sort of special process before they are safely edible.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,452
    They just need scoring and brining...nothing particularly onerous. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 11,665
    Thanks @amancalledgeorge, I didn't know that. Just vaguely knew there was something you had to do to them before eating them.
    Might try that on my own olives if they ever get big enough!
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
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