Olive tree 'KALAMON'
Olea europaea 'KALAMON' · Oleaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant olive tree 'kalamon': set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, silvery gray-green
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Fruits
- Black olives of medium size, excellent for table consumption
- Adult size
- 6 to 8 m in height, spreading habit
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- -12 to -15 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin (Greek variety)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, limestone accepted, dislikes waterlogging
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrose régulièrement la première année pour établir les racines, puis réduis progressivement : en pot, laisse sécher le terreau entre deux arrosages, en pleine terre en région méditerranéenne, tu peux cesser l'arrosage après 2-3 ans sauf sécheresse extrême. La Kalamon préfère un sol très bien drainé ; si tu cultives en pot, ajoute 30% de perlite ou pouzzolane au terreau.
The common mistake
Le piège classique est de trop arroser « par sécurité » : l'olivier meurt plus souvent d'excès d'eau que de manque, surtout en pot où l'eau stagne autour des racines et provoque des pourritures.
The pro's trick
Paille le pied en été (5 cm de mulch) : cela régule l'humidité du sol, maintient les racines plus fraîches et réduit les besoins en arrosage de 30 à 40%. En région froide, retire le paillis avant l'hiver pour éviter les pourritures du collet.
Seasonal watch
Surveille la mouche de l'olivier d'avril à octobre : les dégâts passent inaperçus jusqu'à la récolte. Inspecte régulièrement les fruits en été et automne ; si tu vois des piqûres, traite précocement au printemps suivant avant la ponte.
Care
Light exposure
Place your olive tree in full sun, with a minimum of 6 to 8 hours per day. The more light it receives, the better it fruits and the more its foliage colors up. Avoid areas with strong winds or excessive humidity that encourage fungal diseases.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting. Then gradually reduce watering: once established, the olive tree is tolerant of drought. In containers, let the substrate dry between waterings. In winter, water sparingly, just enough to prevent complete drying out.
Soil
Use potting soil or well-drained soil, ideally limestone-based or neutral. If your soil is too compact or clayey, improve it with sand or gravel. Absolutely avoid constantly moist soils that cause root asphyxiation.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage branching. On a young plant, structure the habit with three or four main branches. Remove dead or crossing branches. The olive tree tolerates pruning well and can even be trained as an espalier.
Fertilizing
Feed your olive tree in spring and early summer with balanced fertilizer or one slightly rich in potassium (promotes fruiting). In containers, apply diluted fertilizer every 15 days during the growing season. Reduce from September onwards.
Diseases and pests
Watch for the olive fruit fly (larvae settle in the fruits): treat preventively in summer if needed. Powdery mildew and anthracnose can appear in humid conditions; ensure good air circulation around the canopy and avoid excess leaf moisture. No serious problems if growing conditions are respected.
Did you know?
The 'Kalamon' variety originates from Greece, particularly from the Peloponnese region, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Its black olives, plump and fleshy, are among the most appreciated for table consumption in the Mediterranean. Some centenarian 'Kalamon' olive trees still produce generously, testifying to the extraordinary longevity and resilience of this noble variety.
Where to buy it
Best planted in spring or autumn, away from frost and heatwaves. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September, October.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Olive treeOlea europaea
- Wild privetLigustrum vulgare
- LilacSyringa vulgaris
- Green ashFraxinus pennsylvanica
- Narrow-leaved mock privetPhillyrea angustifolia
- California privetLigustrum ovalifolium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.