The quick and simple answer to this question is: no. Olive trees are Mediterranean natives, where they’ve been cultivated since ancient times. Because of those sunny roots, they aren’t naturally built for the harsh winters we see in many parts of North America. If they face long periods of freezing temperatures, they’re going to run into some serious trouble. This means we have to be a bit more strategic about how we care for them during the chilly months.
It’s All About the Variety
Even in places like Greece or Italy, you’ll see a dusting of snow every now and then. However, it usually doesn’t stick around for long. Because of this, most olive trees can handle a brief frost just fine. That said, there’s a big difference between varieties. When you’re shopping for your tree, make sure to look for one labeled as “cold-hardy” to give yourself a head start.
Potting is Your Best Bet
Even if your olive tree is considered somewhat winter-hardy, I almost always recommend growing olive trees in pots. This makes it so much easier to move them into a protected winter shelter once late fall hits. The only time you should really consider planting them directly in the ground is if you live in a region with a very mild climate—think parts of California or the South. If you’re in a warmer zone, you can certainly try planting your olive trees outdoors year-round.
Setting Up a Winter Home
For those of us with potted trees, the goal is to get them into a safe spot before the first frost hits. To keep your tree happy while it’s overwintering, try to provide these conditions:
- A room with as much natural light as possible
- Cool, steady temperatures (around 50°F is the sweet spot)
- A spot away from drafty doors or windows
The Trouble with Staying Too Toasty
Olive trees are incredibly tough, but they need a winter “dormancy” period to maintain that strength. Because they are slow growers, they won’t enter this resting phase if they stay in a warm room all winter. If you keep your olive tree in a heated living space, it might struggle when spring rolls around. They often have a hard time re-adjusting to the cooler outdoor air after being pampered in a warm house.
Protecting Your Outdoor Trees
Even if you live somewhere where deep freezes are rare, you still need to give your outdoor trees some TLC. Move your pots to a sheltered spot, ideally tucked against a south-facing house wall to block the wind. Wrap the trunk with garden fleece or burlap, and don’t forget to wrap the pots too! This helps insulate the roots and prevents them from freezing, which is the most common way these beautiful trees get damaged in the winter.
