If you don’t have a garden or you’re short on space, you can still grow olives. They will happily grow in large pots – just make sure they have plenty of sunshine!
Can olive trees grow in pots outside?
Growing Olive Trees in Containers is a great way to keep olive trees! Even the smallest garden or balcony can accommodate a pot grown olive tree. The ability to place your plant in the best possible location regardless of soil conditions is perhaps the greatest advantage of pot growing.
How big do olive trees grow in pots?
Generally speaking, an olive tree planted in the ground can grow to a height of between 20 and 30 feet, while those grown in containers typically top out at around five or six feet.
Can potted olive trees survive winter?
Move potted plants indoors
Olive trees like to be frost-free, but they still need a cool, dry climate in winter to survive – and especially if you are planning on producing fruit, as they require two months of cold weather to improve flower and fruit production.
Do olive trees grow well in pots? – Related Questions
How do you winterize a potted olive tree?
The basic rules to protect your olive tree from the cold in winter are:
- excellent drainage (no soggy soil)
- shelter from wind (windbreakers)
- fleece or bubble wrap (insulation from the cold)
- moving the tree indoors if too cold (for potted olive)
What is the lowest temperature an olive tree can tolerate?
Olive trees require a Mediterranean-like climate to survive. They need a long, hot summer and a cool, not frigid, winter. A mature tree can survive temperatures down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit for a limited amount of time; sustained cold below 15 degrees can be fatal.
What do you do with a potted olive tree in the winter?
Olive trees need the right protection to survive the winter. Just wrap the pot with newspaper or bubble wrap and move it to a sheltered, frost-free but well-lit winter home. That said, do not overwinter your olive tree in a heated house.
When should I bring my potted olive tree inside?
When should I plant an indoor olive tree? Early spring and summer are the best times to plant an indoor olive tree. Since olive trees need full sun and almost 6+ hours direct sunlight to survive, winter is not ideal. The olive tree should be in front of an east or south-facing window.
How do you keep potted olive trees alive?
Water your tree thoroughly each week during its first year, and let the excess water drain through the bottom of the pot into a second container. Add more water when the top two inches of potting soil feel dry to the touch, but note that olive trees grow more slowly during the fall and winter months.
Can I plant my potted olive tree in the ground?
You can indeed plant your Olive Tree in the ground however, it needs good drainage. It will also need a lot of room to grow as the trunk will expand a lot over the years. You can always dig up you tree and re-locate it however, it is best to leave your Olive Tree where it is.
Do olive trees grow better in pots or ground?
Olives planted close to a warm wall where they can bask in the sunshine will be the happiest. The olive tree is slow-growing and is therefore ideal for pot-growing; it will thrive in a large pot in a bright spot on the patio or balcony, or in an unheated conservatory or greenhouse.
How long do potted olive trees live?
Olive trees can survive a number of years in a pot, although they will ultimately need to be planted in the ground to survive. As long as you have a sufficiently large pot, the tree can live up to eight or nine years in it. Keep the pot in full sun.
What kind of potting soil for olive tree?
Olive trees like extremely well-draining, rocky soil. Plant your tree in a mix of potting soil and perlite or small rocks. When selecting a container, opt for clay or wood. Plastic containers retain more water, which can be deadly for an olive tree.
What size planter do I need for an olive tree?
A tree pot that is approximately two feet deep by two feet wide is a suitable size. Ideally, you should select an ornamental planting pot featuring drainage holes and place a layer of lava rock or stone in its bottom to prevent root rot.
How do I know when my olive tree needs repotting?
Young, still rapidly growing trees sometimes require a new pot every year. Repot at the latest when the first roots peep through the drainage hole of the pot. Otherwise, olive trees get a larger pot every two to three years. This guarantees optimal growth of the plants.
What fertilizer is good for olive trees?
Established olive trees require fertilizer to stay healthy and produce every year. They need a balanced fertilizer with a 16-16-16 nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium ratio or similar.
Is Miracle Gro good for olive trees?
Feeding – Feed your olive trees with ‘Miracle-Gro All Purpose Slow Release’ plant food in spring. If your plant has lost leaves in winter and you want to give it a boost, apply ‘Maxicrop Complete Garden Feed’ fortnightly between May and August to ensure the tree stays healthy, vigorous and happy.
Is coffee grounds good for olive trees?
Coffee grounds are good for potted Olive trees. So, apply Coffee grounds, mulch, or pine needles to your Olive tree pot to help make the soil acid with low pH levels. Always check your soil, so you’re not adding too much acid.