- 1). Start transplants indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date
- 2). Select the proper site for the plant. Thorny olives are hardy and capable of withstanding adverse conditions, but they grow best in full sun to partial shade and sandy, well-draining soil, with a high proportion of organic material. Avoid planting thorny olives in low-light areas.
- 3). Plant thorny olive transplants in early spring, as soon as is practicable after the last frost date has passed. Perennials planted in the spring have more time to develop strong root systems, enabling them to withstand the low temperatures and frost heave that winter brings.
- 4). Dig a hole the same depth as the rootball, and twice as wide so that the plant rests at the same level it did in the container. High planting can result in excessive drying, while planting too low can make the plant more susceptible to rot.
- 5). Water thorny olives heavily before transplanting and soak for approximately one hour if planting from bare-root stock.
- 6). Insert the plant's rootball and water the transplant hole heavily, to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
- 7). Soak thorny olives soon after planting and water sparingly thereafter. Thorny olives are hardy and adaptable, tolerant of relatively dry conditions. They can often survive with no irrigation other than rainfall.
- 8). Mulch the area around the plant to prevent weed growth. Although applications of fertilizer will speed growth, Elaeagnus pungens are fast-growing plants and will thrive in marginal areas with little attention.
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