Do you dream of an olive tree with a full, healthy crown and a robust trunk in your garden? Then you are probably wondering how fast an olive tree (Olea Europaea) grows. Although these Mediterranean icons are known for their slow growth, you can certainly give nature a helping hand.
In this article, we take a closer look at the annual growth rate of the olive tree. You will discover which factors determine growth in the Dutch and Belgian climate, why some trees suddenly stop growing, and how to ensure healthy, fresh shoots in spring with the right care.
How fast does an olive tree grow? In short
An olive tree grows an average of 10 to 30 centimetres per year. Young trees generally grow faster than older, more distinctive specimens. Most growth takes place between April and September, when temperatures rise and the tree actively forms new shoots.
The growth rate depends on several factors, including:
- the age of the tree;
- the amount of sunlight;
- the quality of the soil;
- sufficient water without waterlogged roots;
- regular fertilisation during the growing season;
- the growing conditions (pot or open ground).
An old olive tree often grows more slowly than a young tree, but develops more character with a thicker trunk and a fuller crown.
| Situation | Average growth |
|---|---|
| Young olive tree | 20–30 cm per year |
| Mature olive tree | 10–20 cm per year |
| Old olive tree | 5–15 cm per year |
| Olive tree in a pot | Often slightly slower |
| Olive tree in open ground | Usually faster |
Are you unsure whether your olive tree is growing healthily? Read our comprehensive article on Caring for Olive Trees, which covers everything you need to know about watering, fertilising, pruning and the ideal growing conditions.
How much does an olive tree grow per year?
Most olive trees grow between 10 and 30 centimetres per year. This may not seem like much, but olive trees are naturally slow-growing trees.
In the Mediterranean region, olive trees have grown in dry conditions for thousands of years. They therefore invest more energy in developing strong roots, a sturdy trunk and healthy foliage than in rapid height growth.
This is precisely why olive trees can live for hundreds of years. When an olive tree is healthy, you will see new light-green shoots appear every spring. These shoots harden into wood during the summer and eventually form new branches that make the crown increasingly full.
Are new shoots failing to appear? Read our article Why Do Olive Trees Lose Their Leaves?. Here you will find out which factors can inhibit growth.
When does an olive tree grow most vigorously?
An olive tree grows mainly during the growing season.
Most growth takes place between:
- April;
- May;
- June;
- July;
- August;
- early September.
During this period, higher temperatures and longer days enable the tree to actively form new leaves and branches.
Growth gradually slows down from autumn onwards. During the winter, the olive tree enters a dormant period, during which it grows almost no more. This does not mean that the tree is unhealthy. On the contrary: winter dormancy is part of a natural growth cycle.
Does an olive tree grow faster in the Netherlands or in Southern Europe?
In Spain, Italy and Greece, an olive tree usually grows faster than in the Netherlands or Belgium. This is because Mediterranean regions benefit from:
- more hours of sunshine;
- higher temperatures;
- longer growing seasons;
- drier winters.
However, this does not mean that an olive tree in the Netherlands has to grow slowly. When the tree is in a sunny, sheltered spot and is well cared for, it can also grow dozens of centimetres every year in our climate.
At Olivera Garden, we see that healthy olive trees planted in open ground often develop excellently, even after several Dutch winters.
Factors that affect the growth rate of an olive tree
Not every olive tree grows at the same rate. Its ultimate growth is determined by a combination of several factors. Young olive trees grow faster than old trees.
This is because young specimens are still fully engaged in developing their crown and root system. Old olive trees, on the other hand, spend more energy maintaining their thick trunks and distinctive shapes. Although they grow more slowly in height, they become more beautiful and fuller every year.
Sunlight
An olive tree is a true sun lover. The more direct sunlight the tree receives, the better it grows. Ideally, an olive tree should receive at least six to eight hours of sunshine per day. A shaded growing spot often results in:
- fewer new shoots;
- smaller leaves;
- slower growth.
Water
Water is important, but too much water inhibits growth. An olive tree prefers slightly moist soil that can dry out in between. If the roots remain wet for extended periods, they receive less oxygen. As a result, the tree grows more slowly and the risk of root rot increases.
Are you unsure how much water your olive tree needs? Read our comprehensive article How Much Water Does an Olive Tree Need?
Soil
Healthy soil forms the foundation of every strong olive tree.
The ideal soil is:
- loose;
- well-draining;
- rich in nutrients;
- slightly alkaline.
Heavy clay soil can be made perfectly suitable by improving the soil beforehand. Read our article Can an Olive Tree Grow in Garden Soil? for tips on drainage, soil types and improving the soil.
Fertilisation
During the growing season, an olive tree uses a lot of nutrients. Fertilising annually provides the tree with sufficient nitrogen, potassium and trace elements to develop new leaves and shoots. However, over-fertilising is unnecessary.
Too much fertiliser can result in weak, long shoots that are more susceptible to frost.
Does an olive tree grow better in a pot or in open ground?
Generally, an olive tree grows faster when planted in open ground. This is because it has much more space to develop new roots.
More roots mean:
- better water uptake;
- better nutrient uptake;
- stronger growth;
- a fuller crown.
An olive tree in a pot often grows slightly more slowly because the roots have less space. This does not mean, however, that a pot is unsuitable. Many olive trees grow excellently for years in a large pot, provided it has sufficient drainage and is regularly supplied with fresh nutrients.
Are you unsure whether your olive tree needs a larger pot? Read When to Repot an Olive Tree?
Why is my olive tree barely growing?
Is your olive tree producing few new shoots? This does not necessarily mean something is wrong.
First, check the following points:
- Does the tree receive enough sunlight?
- Is it constantly waterlogged?
- Does it receive enough nutrients?
- Has the pot become too small?
- Has the tree suffered frost damage?
One of these factors is often the cause of disappointing growth. In older olive trees, slower growth is also perfectly normal. They invest mainly in maintaining their distinctive shape rather than growing quickly in height.
Do you also see yellow or discoloured leaves? Read our article Yellow Leaves on an Olive Tree for the most common causes and solutions.
How can you stimulate the growth of an olive tree?
Do you want your olive tree to develop optimally?
These practical tips will help:
✅ Place the tree in a sunny spot.
✅ Ensure the soil drains well.
✅ Water only when the soil begins to dry out.
✅ Fertilise during the growing season.
✅ Prune away dead or crossing branches.
✅ Protect the tree during severe frost.
With the right care, an olive tree will remain healthy for years and develop new shoots and a fuller crown every season.
Common mistakes that cause an olive tree to grow more slowly
At Olivera Garden, we regularly see olive trees growing more slowly than they could. This is often not due to the tree itself, but to its care or growing conditions.
The most common mistakes are:
❌ Overwatering: Olive trees do not like waterlogged roots.
❌ Insufficient sunlight: An olive tree is a true sun lover.
❌ Lack of nutrients: During the growing season, an olive tree uses a lot of nutrients.
❌ Using a pot that is too small: In a potted olive tree, the roots can eventually run out of room.
❌ Poor drainage: Does rainwater collect around the roots? Then the tree will grow much less effectively.
❌ Frost damage: After a severe winter, an olive tree may grow more slowly for a while.
Practical checklist
Do you want your olive tree to grow as well as possible? Then go through this checklist.
✅ Place the tree in a sunny spot.
✅ Ensure the soil is loose and drains well.
✅ Water only when the top layer of soil begins to dry out.
✅ Fertilise during the growing season with fertiliser for Mediterranean plants.
✅ Regularly check for diseased leaves or damaged branches.
✅ Prune only when necessary.
✅ Protect the tree during prolonged frost.
✅ Repot a potted olive tree when the roots have too little room.
When you follow these basic rules, a healthy olive tree will show new growth every year.
Does an old olive tree still grow?
Yes, it does. Many people think that an old olive tree hardly grows any more, but that is not entirely true. An old Olea Europaea continues to form new shoots throughout its life. Its annual growth is simply less vigorous than that of young trees.
In return, an old olive tree develops more character. The trunk becomes thicker, the bark takes on a gnarled appearance and the crown becomes fuller. This is precisely what makes old olive trees so popular in Mediterranean gardens.
Are you looking for a tree with a lot of character? Then take a look at our collection of old olive trees or large olive trees.
Why patience pays when growing an olive tree
How fast an olive tree grows varies greatly from tree to tree and from growing spot to growing spot.
Olive trees that receive enough sunlight, are planted in well-draining soil and are cared for properly during the growing season generally develop excellently. Especially olive trees planted in open ground often show more beautiful and even growth than trees that remain in a small pot for years.
Older olive trees grow more slowly in height, but they do develop more character every year. The trunk becomes more robust, the crown fuller and the tree takes on more of the authentic Mediterranean appearance for which olive trees are known.
A healthy olive tree does not need to grow quickly to develop into a beautiful centrepiece. With the right care, an olive tree can live for dozens, or even hundreds, of years.
Conclusion
An olive tree grows an average of 10 to 30 centimetres per year. Young trees generally grow faster than older specimens, while old olive trees develop more character.
The ultimate growth rate depends on several factors, such as sunlight, soil quality, watering, fertilisation and the space available for the roots. An olive tree planted in open ground usually grows faster than a tree in a pot, but an olive tree can also continue to grow healthily for years in a large olive tree pot.
By providing a sunny spot, well-draining soil and the right care, you give your olive tree the best chance to form new shoots every season and develop a full crown.
Are you looking for a strong Olea Europaea that is suitable for the Dutch climate? Then take a look at our range of olive trees or feel free to contact Olivera Garden. We are happy to help you with personal advice on the right growing spot, care and planting.
Frequently asked questions about the growth of an olive tree
Is an olive tree a fast or slow grower?
An olive tree is naturally a slow grower. In the Dutch climate, the tree grows an average of 10 to 30 centimetres per year, with young trees growing taller more quickly than older, more distinctive specimens. The tree invests its energy mainly in a sturdy trunk and a compact crown.
How can I make the trunk of my olive tree thicker?
The trunk becomes thicker as the tree gets older and can spread its roots wider. It is best to plant the olive tree in open ground or choose an extra-large outdoor pot so that the roots have room. In addition, regularly apply Mediterranean plant food during the growing season (April to September) to stimulate trunk development.
Why is my olive tree producing long, thin shoots?
Long, weak shoots are usually caused by a lack of direct sunlight or over-fertilisation. The tree then tries to grow towards the light too quickly, resulting in weak branches. Place the tree in a sunnier spot and prune these thin branches back in spring for a fuller, more compact crown.
Does an olive tree also grow during the winter?
No, as soon as temperatures drop in autumn, the olive tree enters winter dormancy. During this period (roughly from October to March), the sap flow almost stops and no growth takes place. This is a natural process that helps the tree survive during cold periods.
Does pruning an olive tree affect its growth rate?
Yes, pruning stimulates the growth of new, healthy shoots. By cutting away dead, inward-growing or overly long branches in early spring (March/April), you force the tree to focus its energy on making the remaining crown fuller.
Can poor drainage completely stop my tree's growth?
Absolutely. If an olive tree is too wet, the roots rot due to a lack of oxygen. This stops the uptake of nutrients, immediately halts growth and will eventually cause the tree to lose its leaves. Always ensure there are holes at the bottom of the pot, use drainage clay and a loose, well-draining Mediterranean potting mix.
