Plant watering guide › Houseplants
How often to water an olive
Olea europaea
Spring–autumn 7 days
Winter 11 days
In a bright room, water your olive about every 7 days from spring to autumn and every 11 days in winter. Check that the top of the soil is dry first.
By season and light
| Season | Bright spot | Lower light |
|---|---|---|
| Spring to autumn (Apr–Oct) | every 7 days | every 9 days |
| November and March | every 9 days | every 11 days |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | every 11 days | every 14 days |
These are the starting intervals Trellis uses when you add an olive. Growth slows in winter, so the interval is stretched 1.5× in Dec–Feb and 1.25× in November and March, and 1.3× in lower light (seasons are flipped in the Southern Hemisphere). Pot size and room temperature change things, so adjust to how fast the soil dries.
Where to put it
By a window (lots of sun)
A sunny window or balcony
Seasonal notes
Winter
- Water less in winter; it is fairly cold-hardy
Summer
- In summer, water in the morning
Tips for your olive
- Olives love sun — light keeps them healthy
- Water deeply once the soil is dry
- For fruit, it helps to have a second variety nearby
Trellis
Add your olive and Trellis reminds you on watering day
- Starts at every 7 days. You can change it any time
- Invite family and see who watered what (free)
- Keep growth photos and share them as cards
Free to start. Pro is a one-time purchase, not a subscription.
