Olive Tree Growing In England
Olea europaea sativa small white scented flowers in late spring and summer o.
Olive tree growing in england. In winter they cannot survive outside because of low temperatures in the northeast that range from 10 degrees fahrenheit to minus 25 f. Olive trees need at least three months a year of cold weather to flower and fruit. Growing olive trees in the uk. It will thrive in a large pot in a bright spot on the patio or balcony or in an unheated conservatory or greenhouse.
Europaea frantoio popular italian variety used for making olive oil. Some varieties of olive trees can grow up to 10 feet tall and while we are championing the notion of bigger is better a 10 foot olive tree might be pushing the boundary. However they make good street trees and garden trees in the uk with attractive pale green evergreen leaves slow growing habit and compact size. Despite being a mediterranean plant an olive tree needs at least two months cold weather to produce flower and fruit.
Olives are drought tolerant evergreen trees with shimmering silvery foliage that love to bask in a warm sunny and sheltered position. Picking the right olive tree. Temperatures below 10 degrees celsius along with a fluctuation in night and daytime temperatures initiates the fruiting process. They can be grown in borders but make good container plants too.
Africana smaller fruit and dark green glossy leaves o. While olive trees are very hardy and almost indestructible olive trees need to be ready for life in the british climate. The olive tree is slow growing and is therefore ideal for pot growing. The olive tree olea europaea is a classic mediterranean tree that we might associate more with holidays than our own back garden.
Whether you grow them in the ground or in a large container they will add an instant touch of the mediterranean and may sometimes in hot summers and southern gardens reward you with a heavy crop of attractive looking fruit that need special preparation to make them edible. Olives are hardy and frost resistant to 15c without the need to fleece. They are wind resistant and drought hardy a winning combination that means olive trees are truly easy to grow. The uk climate is surprisingly well suited to growing olives.
The english climate is perfect for growing an olive tree. Olive trees thrive in the northeast where they can live outside in containers from spring through early fall but then they must be moved inside.