Olive Leccino

A versatile Italian olive variety producing high-quality oil and small, aromatic fruit.

1. Choosing the Right Location

• Sunlight: Full sun is essential for healthy growth and fruiting.
• Soil: Requires well-drained, fertile soil, ideally with a slightly alkaline pH.
• Spacing: Space trees 5–6 metres apart to ensure good airflow and sunlight.

2. Planting Time

• Best Time to Plant: Spring (September–October) or autumn (March–April).

3. Preparing the Planting Site

• Soil Preparation: Amend soil with lime if it is too acidic and mix in compost.
• Digging the Hole: Prepare a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
• Watering Hole: Water thoroughly after planting.

4. Planting

• Plant Placement: Position the tree so the root collar is level with the soil surface.
• Support: Stake young trees in exposed areas.

5. Watering and Fertilising

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Mature trees are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering.
• Fertilising: Use a general-purpose fertiliser in spring and summer.

6. Mulching and Maintenance

• Mulching: Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Pruning: Light pruning in winter to maintain shape and airflow.

7. Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Check for olive lace bugs or scale insects and treat as needed.
• Diseases: Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

8. Winter Care

• Hardiness: Frost-tolerant but mulch around the base in colder regions.

9. Common Uses

• Produces high-quality olives for oil and culinary use.
• Ornamental value with silvery-green leaves.