Olive dig - what's the best soil to stick it in?

[Kevin Nel]

What we generally do with wild olives (Olea europaea subsp. Africana) is to bare root when collected. Normally leaving the collected tree's roots submerged in water for a day or two before planting. The roots are cut clean, with the cut facing downwards like any other tree, and then sealed or treated. We plant these collected trees into pure riversand, supplying good drainage and keeping fungal growth at bay because of no organic matter that's present. Then the tree is put in a shady position and kept damp. Theres not really anything special.

I know in Europe when they collect olives, which are the same species as the ones I think you are going to collect, they completely cut the tree's base, and they then treat it accordingly. There was a piece in the bonsai Europe or Bonsai Focus on the process. They even put a piece of plywood over the cut area at the bottom, leaving just enough space for the cambium to protrude past the plywood. It could be good in your case to read that article.

If you dig out seedlings the process is much easier and you can just dig them out and replant in your normal mix. Feeding the trees with a foliar spray and drench every two weeks or so after planting will also be of help. Don't leave twiggy growth when you cut the tree down before collecting. They bud back easily so stumps are all you need.

When the tree starts growing well you can move it into sun gradually. Let the new growth grow uninterrupted, this thickens the branches that would otherwise take forever! Shape the twigs while theyre young and let them grow to thicken. This way your branches will gain the correct girth to be in proportion with your trunk.

Good luck!

[Graeme]

Sorry for tedious questions, but what sort of strength seasol solution is best?

Thanks so much for taking time to answer:D

Sorry mate, not much of a help here as I am not one of the most scientific types around , usually when mixing Seasol I simply drop a "glug" into the bucket of water and sometimes a bit extra for good measure, but if you wanted to do it properly, just follow the direction on the bottle. In this instance I'd probably use the strongest mix advised.

Gerald, the Seasol we are talking about here in Australia isn't a fertilizer, but in fact a 'tonic', used similar to Superthrive, although it isn't the exact same type of product. It does however perform a very similar task. Would love to get my hands on some of your Olives mate. Where are you Neli?

[Andrew Legg]

I'm surprised nobody from South Africa has made any suggestions on this topic.

Good post Gerald. Nice info. Seeing you tonight at Oyama?

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=9058&p=179080&hilit ... ri#p179080

Just a "Olive yamadori" search away!

Andrew