How to Grow and Care for Olive Trees in Kenya
Benefits of Growing Olive Trees
- Drought-tolerant: Perfect for Kenya’s arid zones like Naivasha, Kajiado, and Gilgil.
- Medicinal value: Olive leaves and oil are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Long lifespan: Olive trees can live over 1,000 years, becoming generational landmarks.
- Commercial use: High global demand for extra virgin olive oil makes them a promising crop.
Cultural and Historical Significance of the Olive Tree
The olive tree holds deep symbolic, religious, and cultural importance across various civilizations:
- Ancient Greece: The olive tree was sacred to Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Olive oil was used to anoint kings and athletes and was a key prize in the Panathenaic Games.
- Biblical times: In the Old Testament, a dove returned to Noah’s ark with an olive branch — symbolizing peace and divine promise.
- Islamic tradition: Olive trees are referenced in the Qur’an as blessed. Olive oil is used in traditional medicine and daily life across Islamic cultures.
- Rome and Egypt: Used in embalming, cosmetics, and lighting lamps, olive oil was considered liquid gold in these empires.
- Modern use: The olive branch is a universal symbol of peace, even appearing on the United Nations emblem.
This deep cultural legacy adds depth and value to growing olive trees, even in modern-day Kenya.
Ideal Conditions for Olive Tree Growth in Kenya
- Sunlight: Full sun — at least 6 to 8 hours daily.
- Soil: Well-drained loamy or sandy soil; pH between 6.5 and 8.5.
- Altitude: Performs best between 800 and 2,000 meters above sea level.
- Rainfall: Prefers 400–700 mm annually — minimal irrigation needed once established.
Recommended Olive Varieties for Kenya
- Arbequina: Compact, high-yielding, ideal for pots and orchards.
- Koroneiki: Excellent oil content, highly disease-resistant.
- Mission: Cold-hardy and dual-purpose (oil and table olives).
How to Plant Olive Trees
- Choose a sunny spot with good air flow.
- Dig a wide hole—twice as wide as the root ball.
- Mix topsoil with compost and a pinch of lime.
- Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot.
- Water deeply and apply mulch to retain soil moisture.
Ongoing Care & Maintenance
- Watering: Weekly during the first year. Once mature, water sparingly.
- Feeding: Apply balanced fertilizer (NPK 20-10-10) in spring and mid-year.
- Pruning: Prune annually to open up the canopy and encourage fruiting.
Common Pests & Diseases in Kenya
- Olive Fruit Fly: Lay eggs in fruit, causing early drop. Use sticky traps or neem oil spray.
- Peacock Spot: Fungal disease that causes dark lesions on leaves. Copper-based fungicides help prevent it.
- Root Rot: Usually from poor drainage or overwatering. Avoid planting in waterlogged soil.
Pet Safety
Olive trees are considered non-toxic to pets like dogs and cats. However, ingestion of large amounts of leaves or fruit may cause mild digestive upset.
Growing Olive Trees in Pots
Olive trees can be container-grown for patios or small spaces. Use a 50L+ pot, loamy sand mix, and ensure good drainage. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Prune annually to maintain a compact shape.
When and How to Harvest Olives
Harvesting takes place 6–8 months after flowering. In Kenya, this falls between May and August. Green olives are picked early for brining; black olives are harvested late for oil production. Use a hand rake or gentle shaking.
Where to Buy Olive Trees in Kenya
Planters.co.ke offers certified olive tree seedlings (Arbequina, Mission, Koroneiki) ideal for both commercial farms and home gardeners. Delivery and planting consultations available nationwide.
Final Thoughts
Planting an olive tree connects you to a global legacy of peace, wellness, and sustainability. It’s a tree for the patient — but one that rewards you richly over time. Whether you’re creating a lush Mediterranean garden or planning a boutique oil orchard, olive trees are a wise, beautiful investment in Kenya.