Growing Conditions For Olive Trees

Where do olive trees grow best? Olive trees are native to the Mediterranean, so they thrive in a climate where the summer is long, hot and dry and the winter is cool (they're quite frost tolerant). Not suited to the tropics, they will grow well in temperate climates and even along coastal areas.

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.

What conditions does an olive tree need?

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.

Should olive trees be grown in pots?

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.

Do olive trees need a lot of water to grow?

Olive trees are very drought resistant; however, they still require water to survive. When establishing an olive tree, keep the soil moist, yet not saturated. Water an establishing olive tree once weekly for the first year or anytime the top 2” of soil becomes dry.

How many years does it take for an olive tree to bear fruit?

It takes around three years to produce its first fruit. Once the first olives appear, the olive tree's productivity increases considerably. It produces fruit constantly, meaning that it is a very fertile variety.

Do you need 2 olive trees?

Many varieties of olive trees require cross-pollination; that is, you need at least two different varieties to reliably get olive tree fruit. Perfect Plants offers the Arbequina olive variety (Olea europaea) which is self-fertile and a semi evergreen tree.

Is tomato feed good for olive trees?

Feeding your Olive tree will help it to thrive. In spring you can also give them a boost with a tomato feed. If the cold weather has led to your tree shedding some of its leaves, then a good soak, prune and feed will soon have it replacing them with new leaves.

How do I protect my olive trees in the winter?

Use fleece protection Wrapping your plant in horticultural fleece from December through to February (or longer if cold weather persists) will shield it from freezing temperatures and winds. As the fleece traps an air layer underneath it, it is kept a degree higher than the outside temperature, keeping your plant warm.

Are olive trees high maintenance?

Olive Trees are a low-maintenance tree when they get the care that they need, which typically boils down to plenty of direct sunshine and enough, but not too much, water. But any living plant can experience periods of stress or require occasional adjustments in care.

Do olive trees require a lot of maintenance?

Most aptly suited to areas which are prone to high heat and plenty of sunshine, the olive tree should be planted outside and once established is fairly low maintenance.

How often should olive trees be watered?

We advise watering newly planted olive trees every third day for the first two weeks. Then, cut back the watering to once weekly after the first two weeks. If you have a mature olive tree, in summer it will need watering every 3-5 Days if keeping in a pot.

Should olive trees be planted in the ground?

Can I plant my 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.

What month do you prune olive trees?

Always prune your olive tree in late spring or early summer. This is also the best time to thin out any crowded branches and allow as much light as possible into the centre of the tree. Make sure there's no chance of frost before you start.

What do you feed olive trees?

We at Olive Tree Growers prefer to use a premium slow-release fertilizer with essential minor elements (zinc, boron, calcium, etc.). Use a fertilizer that has a nitrogen analysis of at least ten percent.

How long can olive trees live in pots?

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.

How do you keep an olive tree bushy?

Olive trees are a slow growing variety and don't require much attention when it comes to pruning. If you would like to do a bit of maintenance we would recommend pinching back some of the new growth. This will encourage the tree to send out new shoots and in turn, this will create a lovely bushy tree.

Are olive trees easy to grow?

They are easy to care for. Olive trees are low maintenance plants. They are drought tolerant and prefer dry soil and air, regular watering, and six hours of daily sunlight. Their adaptability means that they are cold hardy, yet can handle warmer temperatures as well.

How tall is a 3 year old olive tree?

2-3 Year Old (Approx. 2-3 Ft) Arbequina Olive Tree.

How tall do olive trees grow?

Olive trees are evergreen and can grow to 25-30 feet tall, with a spread just as wide. Their oblong leaves are silverish and grow from branches emanating from a gnarled, twisted trunk. Some experts believe that more space between trees – about 16-20 feet – will yield better fruit production.