Olive trees are known for their drought tolerance, and they can thrive in areas where water is scarce. However, commercial Olive groves often require irrigation to ensure that the trees produce high-quality fruit. In the UK, if an Olive tree is planted in the ground, it can usually survive on its own after the initial watering during the first growing season. But if it is grown in a container, it’s important to keep the tree well-watered during the growing season and ensure that it doesn’t completely dry out during the winter.
While Olive trees can survive with minimal nutrients, adding a “tonic” of Tomato food to the soil in May and then again every 6 weeks throughout the growing season can be beneficial for trees grown in containers. This is not essential, but it can help the tree grow stronger and produce better fruit.