Olive Tree In Container Care
Plant into the new container gently pack down the soil and then water in well.
Olive tree in container care. In general water your olive tree deeply once the top 2 3 inches of soil has been allowed to dry. Olive trees are tough and adaptable but they are native to the mediterranean tropical and central asia and parts of africa where winters are mild and there is some humidity. You can still own a fruiting olive tree grown in a container. Place your container grown olive trees in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of full sunlight each day.
Watering the frequency of water needed will depend on the size and type of container you chose to plant in. Slide the tree out and gently separate the roots. Plant your tree in a mix of potting soil and perlite or small rocks. Follow our tips on growing and caring for beautiful olive trees.
Plastic containers retain more water which can be deadly for an olive tree. Leave it in a cool room away from a heater or furnace near a south or west facing window. A sunny balcony and the right climate are the essential things. Choose a location for the potted tree having at least 6 hours of full sun and plant in well draining loamy to gritty potting soil.
Caring pruning and watering all take a part in letting potted olive trees grow well and bear olives. Italians have grown fruit trees in containers for centuries keeping them protected in special sheds during the winter. Choose a pot or garden box that is large enough for roots to freely develop. Olives are wind pollinated and generally self fertile.
Make sure not to overwater. When selecting a container opt for clay or wood. Dig a hole the size of the olive tree s container. Leave about an inch between the soil and the rim of the container so you ll have room to water.
A good quality plastic pot however has the benefit of being more lightweight and less prone to breakage. Container grown plants thrive in clay and unglazed pots that can evaporate excess moisture. Repotting an olive tree. Olive trees like extremely well draining rocky soil.
Do not add soil medium compost or fertilizer to the newly planted olive tree. If you live in zone 7 or lower bring your tree inside for the winter. As with most pot grown plants olive trees do not like frozen roots. It is best for the young olive tree to acclimate to its soil.
If it s outside during the warm months bring the container in for the winter before the first frost. If your tree is in a nursery container turn it upside down and tap the bottom. Also avoid adding gravel or drainage tubing. The best time to start growing olive trees in containers is spring after all threat of frost has passed.
Olive trees need little care once established. The tree thrives in full sun whether indoors or out. When growing olive trees in containers terracotta or wood is a preferable choice as these are more breathable and will help with drainage and insulation. Place the tree in the container and add more soil planting it no deeper than it was growing in its original pot.
Growing olive trees in pots is perfectly possible since they adapt well.