To sprout an olive seed, you need to prepare the seed properly before planting.
Preparing Olive Seeds for Sprouting
The key to sprouting an olive seed is to avoid damaging the inner seed while preparing the hull.
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Soaking:
- First, soak the olive pits in room-temperature water for 24 hours. This helps soften the hard outer shell. According to our reference, soaking them for 24 hours in room temperature water is essential before sowing.
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Sowing:
- Prepare a well-draining soil mix. A suitable mixture is half sand and half seed compost.
- Use individual 6-inch (15 cm) pots for each seed.
- Sow the soaked olive pits in the prepared pots.
Important Considerations:
- Avoid breaking all the way through the hard outer shell, as it will ruin the seed.
- Use a soil mix with good drainage to avoid waterlogging, as noted in our source, which mentions that you should use a well-draining soil mix of half sand and half seed compost.
Following these steps will help you successfully sprout olive seeds.
