Olive tree care in the pot or in the garden – useful information and tips for hobby gardeners
The olive tree – it is no accident that it was one of the first trees cultivated by man. According to archaeological evidence, olives were first discovered in the third millennium BC. Cultivated on the island of Crete. The fruits and the oil that are extracted from them are among the most useful and popular foods ever! The olive tree is a favorite of many landscape gardeners these days. At the same time, unfortunately, it is one of the most demanding plants in terms of the conditions in which it is grown. Olive tree care is really not for everyone, but it is not impossible for hobby gardeners either.
Although the conditions in Western Europe are not ideal, there is still a good chance that you can grow a wonderful olive tree in your garden. Why not in your living room or on the balcony? Olives can even be grown as bonsai. Read on to learn more about proper olive tree care.
Olive trees are the perfect small container plants for southern terraces
Even this tiny bonsai is already bearing olives
Enrich your rock garden with a warmth-loving tree
Olive tree care in pots or as a bonsai
With its unique silvery leaves, the olive tree fulfills a wonderful decorative purpose. In combination with a suitable container, it immediately gives every area a piece of exoticism from the Mediterranean and attracts everyone’s attention. Typical colors here are of course white, blue and beige. Choose only natural materials such as clay, terracotta or wood and stay away from plastic. The care of bonsai olive trees is not that different from that of other bonsai species. Olea oleaster is the most suitable strain and is easy to train.
The elongated, silvery-green leaves of the olive tree go perfectly with shabby chic, vintage or Mediterranean furnishings
Choose a container that reflects the style of the room
It is better to make the soil mixture yourself from ordinary potting soil, granular clay, sand and peat. The soil should be light, well-drained, and gritty or chalky. The pH should be at and above 7.
Next, find a suitable spot for your olive tree. Please note that the plants are usually grown in warm regions with a lot of direct sunlight. It is therefore a good idea to place the flower pot next to a south-facing window, where it gets plenty of sun and warmth all year round.
When watering the olive tree, remember the rule of thumb that drought is better than too much watering. Damp soil can lead to root rot very quickly. It is better if the top soil layer is always completely dry between waterings. Feed your olive tree low-nitrogen fertilizer throughout the growing season from spring to mid-autumn.
Trimming and shaping is done annually in the spring and stimulates intense new growth and an attractive shape. Repotting is also done at the same time. Young olive trees should be transplanted into a new, larger pot about every 2-3 years until they reach the size you want.
With proper training, you too can have such a bonsai
The olive tree is a symbol of peace and friendship and is a great gift for any occasion
No room arrangement is complete without a potted plant or two
Cold soil and an olive tree are not a good combination – natural materials keep the roots warm
Olive tree care in the garden
If you are planning to plant an olive tree in your garden, hoping to even harvest fruit from it one day, it is advisable to first grow the plant in a pot to a height of at least one meter. Planting is best done in spring or autumn in the sunniest southern spot in the garden. Some types of olives are more cold-resistant and can withstand temperatures of up to -16 degrees. However, this only applies to large trees with a well-developed root system. If you want your olive tree to survive, temperatures can’t go below 5 degrees.
This old barrel has been creatively upcycled into a pot
Young saplings cannot withstand low temperatures and cold winds
Before planting, the selected area is fertilized with compost, superphosphate and potassium. Immediately after planting, the olive tree is abundantly watered. You can also attach and tie a stake for more stability. During the growing season, the plant should be fertilized and watered.
After the third year, olive trees begin to bear the first flowers and fruits. The olives ripen from November to March. Remember that fresh olives are not suitable for consumption and must ferment in brine first. The average lifespan of an olive tree is 500 years. Some reach an impressive age of 4,000 years. So if your tree grows well, it can remain a memorial for many generations.
This ancient tree is already 1,500 years old and can be seen in Croatia
Many people often forget that olive trees are in bloom too
In Italy, Spain and Greece the olive tree is part of culture and nutrition. In these regions it can therefore be seen in almost every garden, balcony or living room. However, it is not impossible to grow olive trees here too. You just need to give the ancient crop plant the right conditions. Follow our olive tree care tips and you will soon be able to admire your own piece of the Mediterranean.
Impressive idea even for small courtyards
Olive trees are totally pet-friendly and can be easily nibbled
Sara
Living ideas and decoration –
