The A-Z of Potting Olive Trees at Home
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In the realm of gardening, the allure of the olive tree is undeniable.
Not only are these trees renowned for producing the beloved olive, a fruit that finds a home in countless dishes worldwide, but they are also prized for their attractive, silvery-green foliage and their symbolic ties to peace and longevity.
However, cultivating these magnificent trees can seem like a daunting prospect for many, especially if space or climatic conditions are a concern.
Enter the concept of potting olive trees - an approach that allows you to grow these delightful trees in containers, either in the comfort of your home or your garden, regardless of where you live.
This comprehensive guide is designed to take you through the journey of growing potted olive trees, from choosing the right variety and understanding their needs, to the actual process of planting and tending to their care.
Whether you're an experienced gardener looking to add to your botanical collection, or a novice eager to embark on a new gardening adventure, this guide offers practical advice, helpful tips, and answers to common questions about growing and maintaining olive trees in pots.
By the end of it, you'll be well-equipped to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your home or garden.
To learn more about growing in pots, check out my guides:
Selecting the Right Olive Tree
Choosing the right olive tree is a critical initial step towards successful cultivation.
While olive trees are largely known for their resilience, not all varieties are equally suited for pot cultivation, and some might be better adapted to your specific conditions.
Understanding Your Conditions
Before making your selection, it's important to understand your growing conditions.
Olive trees generally prefer a Mediterranean climate—warm, sunny, and dry.
If you plan on keeping the tree indoors or in a region with colder temperatures, you'll need a variety that can adapt to those conditions.
The size of the container, the available sunlight, and the indoor temperature should all play a role in your decision.
The Right Variety
The Arbequina olive tree is widely recognized as one of the best varieties for indoor cultivation and container growth.
Originating from Spain, this variety is appreciated for its compact size, hardiness, and its ability to adapt to pot cultivation.
It is also one of the quickest fruiting olives, often producing within 2-3 years of planting.
Here is my recommendation for where to buy the Arbequina Olive Tree:
Another suitable variety for pots is the Picholine olive tree.
This French variety is also relatively compact and hardy, and it produces excellent fruit for table olives.
If you're dealing with a smaller space, consider dwarf olive trees.
The 'Little Ollie' is a dwarf variety that has all the desirable features of an olive tree, but without the size or the fruit. It's a great option for those who are mainly interested in the ornamental aspect of the tree.
Mature or Young Trees
Another factor to consider is the age of the tree.
Mature olive trees in pots can make a stunning statement, providing an instantly established look.
However, they tend to be more expensive and can be heavier and harder to move around.
Young trees, on the other hand, require more time and care to reach maturity, but they tend to be less expensive, easier to handle, and can be more rewarding for those who enjoy the process of watching their trees grow.
For more tips, check out my guide:
Essential Requirements for Growing Olive Trees
While olive trees are known for their hardiness, they do have specific needs that must be met for them to thrive.
Understanding these essential requirements can help you successfully grow olive trees, whether they're potted olive trees indoors or olive trees outdoors.
Pot Size and Drainage Holes
One of the most important aspects to consider when growing an olive tree in a pot is the container itself. The pot should be large enough to comfortably accommodate the olive tree's root ball, with some additional space for growth.
Remember, a too-small pot can restrict the tree's growth and lead to problems such as water-logging and root rot. Generally, a pot with a diameter 10 cm larger than the tree's root ball is a good starting point.
Drainage is another crucial factor. Olive trees do not like to have their roots sitting in water, as it can cause root rot.
Ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes and consider placing a layer of gravel or broken pottery at the bottom of the pot to improve water flow.
Here is my recommended ceramic plant pot with drainage holes:
Sunlight Requirements
Olive trees are sun-lovers. They need at least six hours of sunlight each day, although they will appreciate more. If you are growing an olive tree indoors, ensure it's placed near a south-facing window or another area where it will receive plenty of light.
For outdoor potted trees, a spot in full sun in a south-facing garden is ideal. If you live in a hot, sunny climate, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent the tree from getting scorched.
Temperature and Humidity
While olive trees can tolerate a range of temperatures, they prefer a Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Indoor olive trees need to be kept in an area where the temperature is relatively stable, ideally between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Olive trees are hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be harmful.
As for humidity, olive trees are used to dry climates, so they generally do well in typical home conditions. However, if your home is particularly dry, you may need to provide additional humidity with a humidifier or by misting the tree with water occasionally.
Watering and Fertilizing
While olive trees are drought-tolerant, they still require regular watering, especially during dry spells.
The key is to water deeply but infrequently. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
In terms of nutrition, olive trees aren't heavy feeders, but they will benefit from a balanced slow-release fertilizer applied in spring and mid-summer. This will help provide the nutrients necessary for growth and fruit production.
Soil Needs
Olive trees prefer a well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. A commercial potting mix that includes perlite or vermiculite can work well. Some gardeners also have success with cactus or succulent mixes, which ensure good drainage.
Here is my recommended organic potting mix for olive trees:
In conclusion, while olive trees are relatively low-maintenance, understanding and meeting their basic needs for light, water, temperature, and nutrition will go a long way toward ensuring your tree's health and productivity.
How to Plant an Olive Tree in a Pot
Whether you're planting olive trees for the first time or repotting mature ones, the planting process can be a rewarding experience.
Here's a detailed step-by-step guide on how to plant an olive tree in a pot:
Step 1: Choose the Right Pot
Before you begin the planting process, make sure you've selected the right pot. As mentioned earlier, the pot should be large enough to accommodate the olive tree's root ball, and have enough room for growth. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Here is my recommended ceramic plant pot with drainage holes:
Step 2: Prepare Your Potting Mix
Olive trees prefer well-draining soil. The best soil for olive trees in pots often involves a mix of standard potting soil and a grittier material to improve drainage, such as cactus soil or perlite. A good rule of thumb is a 2:1 ratio of potting soil to the grittier material.
Here is my recommended organic potting mix:
And here is my recommended cactus soil to mix in:
Step 3: Place Some Soil in the Pot
Start by placing some of your prepared potting mix into the pot. This initial layer of soil provides a bed on which to place the olive tree.
Step 4: Remove the Tree from Its Current Container
Carefully remove the olive tree from its current container. If the tree is stubborn, gently tap the sides of the container to loosen the soil and roots.
Be careful not to damage the root ball during this process.
Step 5: Place the Tree in the New Pot
Place your olive tree in the center of the new pot. The top of the root ball should be level with the rim of the pot, or slightly lower.
Adjust the amount of soil under the root ball until the tree is at the correct height.
Step 6: Fill the Pot with Soil
Once the tree is in position, fill the rest of the pot with your soil mix.
Firm the soil gently around the base of the tree, but be careful not to compact it too much, as this could hinder water absorption and root growth.
Step 7: Water Thoroughly
After planting, water the tree thoroughly, allowing the water to drain out of the bottom of the pot.
For this, you could use rainwater collected from a water butt. This initial watering helps settle the soil around the roots and ensures that the tree gets off to a good start in its new home.
Step 8: Ongoing Care
After planting, place the pot in a sunny spot and care for it according to the olive tree's needs. This includes regular watering (but allowing the soil to dry out between waterings), maintaining an appropriate temperature, and providing the tree with a balanced slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
Here is the slow-release fertilizer I recommend:
By following these steps, you can successfully plant an olive tree in a pot and set it up for a healthy and productive life. Remember, olive trees are relatively hardy, but they still appreciate attention and care to thrive.
Indoor Olive Tree Care
Growing an olive tree indoors presents its own set of challenges, but with the right care and attention, your indoor olive tree can thrive. Here's what you need to know:
Light and Temperature
Sunlight is a non-negotiable requirement for olive trees. They need at least six hours of full sun each day.
If you're growing an olive tree indoors, place it near a south-facing window or a space where it can receive plenty of bright, indirect light. If you find that your indoor space can't provide enough light, consider using a grow light to supplement natural light.
Temperature-wise, olive trees prefer a stable climate with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing your tree near air vents, radiators, or drafty windows, as these can cause sudden temperature changes that can stress the tree.
Watering
Watering is a delicate balance. Olive trees do not like to sit in water, yet they also can't dry out completely.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. In the winter, when the tree is not actively growing, reduce watering frequency.
Here is the indoor watering can I love that makes watering a breeze:
Humidity
Indoor environments, especially those with heating or air conditioning, can be quite dry.
Olive trees can generally tolerate this, but if your home is exceptionally dry, consider increasing the humidity around the tree by misting it with water, placing a tray of water near the tree, or using a humidifier.
Fertilizing
Feed your olive tree with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in the spring and mid-summer.
This will provide the nutrients the tree needs to support leaf growth and potentially fruit production.
Here is the slow-release fertilizer I recommend.
Pruning
Pruning is important for indoor olive trees to control their size and to maintain a pleasing shape.
Generally, you can prune your tree in early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and trim back branches to maintain the tree's shape.
Repotting
Olive trees can remain in the same pot for several years, but eventually, they will outgrow their containers. When you see roots growing out of the drainage holes or the tree starts to look less healthy despite proper care, it's probably time to repot into a larger container.
Repotting olive trees should ideally be done in the spring. Be gentle when removing the tree from its old pot to prevent root damage.
Add fresh soil to the new pot and place the tree at the same depth it was in the old pot.
Dealing with Pests and Problems
Keep an eye out for common pests such as scale, aphids, and mealybugs. If you spot these, treat the tree with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. If you notice yellow leaves, this could be a sign of overwatering.
Brown leaf tips might indicate that the air is too dry. With the right care, an indoor olive tree can be a beautiful and rewarding addition to your home.
They might require a bit more attention than your average houseplant, but their elegant appearance and the potential for homegrown olives make them worth the effort.
Outdoor Olive Tree Care
Olive trees grown outdoors can be an impressive addition to your landscape.
They not only offer a Mediterranean aesthetic but also provide shade and potentially bountiful harvests of olives.
To ensure that your outdoor olive trees thrive, here are some crucial care tips:
Sunlight and Climate
Like their indoor counterparts, outdoor olive trees love sunlight. A location that gets full sun (at least 6 hours a day) is ideal for these trees, like a south-facing garden.
If you're living in a region with scorching summers, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the tree from extreme temperatures. Remember, olive trees naturally grow in Mediterranean climates, which feature hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
They can handle occasional cold snaps, even down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged freezing temperatures can be harmful.
Watering and Drainage
While olive trees are drought-tolerant once established, they still require regular watering, especially during dry periods or when newly planted. The key is to water deeply but infrequently to encourage the tree to develop a robust root system.
This means you should water until the soil is soaked, then wait until the top few inches of soil are dry before watering again. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to problems such as root rot.
Fertilizing
Feed your outdoor olive trees with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and mid-summer to support healthy growth and fruit production.
If the tree is growing in nutrient-poor soil, additional feedings might be necessary. Here is the slow-release fertilizer I recommend.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps maintain the tree's size, encourages productive growth, and keeps the tree healthy. For outdoor olive trees, pruning is usually done in late winter or early spring. This involves removing dead or diseased wood, thinning out overcrowded branches, and shaping the tree as desired.
Remember, heavy pruning can impact the next year's fruiting, so it's best to only remove about a third of the tree's branches each year.
Pot Size and Repotting
If your outdoor olive tree is in a pot, ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the tree's growth and has adequate drainage holes. As with indoor trees, outdoor potted olive trees will eventually require repotting when they outgrow their pots.
Pest and Disease Control
Monitor your olive trees for common pests like scale, olive fruit fly, and aphids. Treat infestations promptly with an appropriate method, such as insecticidal soap, neem oil, or biological controls.
For diseases like peacock spot or root rot, proper cultural practices like avoiding overwatering and ensuring good air circulation around the tree can help prevent problems.
Overwintering Potted Olive Trees
If you live in an area with harsh winters, potted olive trees should be moved indoors or to a sheltered spot during the coldest months to protect them from potential frost damage.
By providing the right care and growing conditions, your outdoor olive trees can be a beautiful and productive part of your garden for many years. With their attractive silver-green foliage, interesting gnarled bark, and delicious fruit, olive trees are a great choice for any gardener who wants to try something a little different.
Repotting Olive Trees
Over time, an olive tree will outgrow its pot, at which point it becomes necessary to transplant it to a larger container.
The process of repotting olive trees is crucial to their health and continued growth.
Here's how to effectively carry out this task:
When to Repot
Olive trees typically need to be repotted every 2-3 years, but this timeline can vary depending on the tree's growth rate and the size of its current container.
Signs that your olive tree may need repotting include:
The tree seems top-heavy or unstable in its pot.
The tree's growth has slowed significantly, despite proper care.
Roots are visible on the soil surface or growing out of the drainage holes.
The best time to repot olive trees is in the early spring, just before the new growth season starts.
At this time, the tree will be able to recover quickly from any root disturbance.
Choosing a New Pot
When choosing a new pot, opt for one that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
It should be sturdy and have ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
The Repotting Process
Follow these steps for a successful repotting:
Step 1: Water your olive tree thoroughly a day before repotting.
This will help reduce the shock to the roots and make the tree easier to remove from its current pot.
Step 2: Prepare your potting mix. A well-draining soil mix, such as a combination of standard potting soil and a grittier material like cactus soil or perlite, is ideal for olive trees.
Here is my recommended organic potting mix and here is my recommended cactus soil to mix in.
Step 3: Add a layer of your soil mix to the bottom of the new pot.
Step 4: Carefully remove the olive tree from its current pot.
Tilt the pot sideways and gently coax the tree out, being careful not to damage the root ball.
Step 5: Inspect the root ball. If the roots are densely packed and circling the root ball (a condition known as being root-bound), gently tease them apart to encourage them to grow outward once replanted.
Step 6: Place the tree in the new pot. The top of the root ball should be at the same level as the top of the pot or slightly lower.
Step 7: Fill in around the tree with your potting mix, firming it gently around the base of the tree.
Step 8: Water the tree thoroughly, ensuring the water drains out of the bottom of the pot.
Step 9: Place the pot in a sheltered location for a week or two to allow the tree to adjust before moving it back to its usual sunny spot.
Repotting can be a stressful process for plants, but with proper care, your olive tree will quickly recover and continue growing.
In its new, larger pot, the tree will have more room for root growth, which in turn will support healthier, more vigorous growth above ground.
Olive Trees and Winter Care
Despite their Mediterranean origins, olive trees can cope with colder temperatures to some degree.
However, they are not frost-hardy plants and need specific care when winter arrives, particularly in colder climates. Here's what you need to know about caring for your olive trees during the winter months:
Potted Olive Trees
Potted olive trees are more susceptible to cold damage because their root systems are less insulated.
Here's how to care for your potted olive trees during winter:
Moving Indoors: If possible, move your potted olive trees indoors during winter, particularly if temperatures in your area regularly drop below freezing.
Place the tree in a bright, sunny location, and remember that indoor olive tree care tips apply when the tree is kept inside.
Insulating the Pot: If moving the tree indoors is not an option, insulate the pot to protect the roots from freezing.
This can be done by wrapping the pot in bubble wrap or burlap or by burying the pot in the ground.
Sheltered Location: Place the pot in a sheltered location, such as against a wall, to protect the tree from cold winds and to take advantage of any heat radiating from the building.
General Winter Care
During winter, your olive tree will enter a dormant phase and its watering needs will reduce.
Be careful not to overwater at this time as it can lead to root rot, especially in cooler temperatures. Also, hold off on fertilizing until spring when the tree starts actively growing again. While olive trees can handle some degree of cold, harsh winters can cause significant damage.
However, with the right care and attention, you can help your olive trees, both in-ground and potted, weather the winter months and come back strong in the spring.
FAQs
What is the best potting mix for olive trees?
Olive trees thrive in well-draining soil. A good potting mix for olive trees is one that combines standard potting soil with a grittier material to improve drainage.
This could be coarse sand, perlite, or even a cactus or succulent mix. Some gardeners also like to add a bit of compost for added nutrients.
Here is my recommended organic potting mix and here is my recommended cactus soil to mix in.
Do olive trees like big pots?
Olive trees can adapt to a variety of pot sizes, but they do appreciate a bit of room to grow.
The size of the pot should be proportional to the size of the tree. A too-small pot can restrict the tree's growth and make it more susceptible to toppling over. As a general rule, choose a pot that is at least a few inches larger in diameter than the root ball of the tree.
Here is my recommended ceramic plant pot with drainage holes.
When to prune potted olive trees?
Potted olive trees should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before the new growth season starts. Regular pruning helps maintain the tree's size, encourages productive growth, and keeps the tree healthy.
When pruning, remove dead or diseased wood, thin out overcrowded branches, and shape the tree as desired.
When should you repot olive trees?
Olive trees typically need to be repotted every 2-3 years, but this can vary depending on the tree's growth rate and the size of its current pot.
Signs that your tree may need repotting include slowed growth, instability in its pot, or roots that are visible on the soil surface or growing out of the drainage holes.
The best time to repot is in early spring, just before the new growth season begins.
Olive trees in pots offer a Mediterranean touch to your home or garden.
With appropriate care, these trees can thrive, providing not only aesthetic value but also the unique pleasure of home-grown olives. Whether you're a beginner with a single potted olive tree or a seasoned gardener tending to a grove of container olive trees, this guide should help keep your olives in excellent condition.
Looking for more container gardening inspiration?