Position:
Full sun. At least 8 hours a day. They do not enjoy humidity and grow best in regions with hot, dry summers and mild but cool winters.
To bear fruit, they need a two-month dormancy period of cool weather. The Leccino olive tolerates cold better than most olive cultivars.
Size:
Olive trees can grow up to 6 metres in height. The Leccino Olive grows more like a tree than a bush and has a dense canopy.
Soil Type:
Dry, clayey, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 – 6.0) is ideal for olive trees. An excellent organic compost mix to enrich the soil is necessary. Well-draining soil is essential for olive trees.
Mulch:
An organic mulch around the tree’s base helps conserve soil moisture and inhibit weed growth.
Watering:
Water regularly, especially during the growing season, as this will improve flowering and fruit development.
Fertilising:
Use a well-balanced fertiliser with at least a 10% nitrogen content. Our all purpose slow-release fertiliser is ideal 18.9.10 + 2mgO+Trace Elements) A complete balanced fertiliser. You cannot over fertilise as the nutrients are absorbed by the plant when required.
Pruning:
Olive trees produce fruit on the previous year’s branches. Obviously, dead and dried branches need to be cut away. Prune lightly to open the canopy.
Harvesting:
If harvested before the fruit is ripe, it produces an excellent quality extra virgin olive oil with a delicate, sweet, fruity flavour.
Pests & Diseases:
The Leccino olive tree is immune to the most common diseases.
