The olive tree’s natural home is the sunny Mediterranean. People have been growing them there since ancient times, mostly for that liquid gold we call olive oil. Because they’re used to such a mild climate, they aren’t exactly fans of a deep freeze—harsh frost will usually spell the end for these silver-leafed beauties.
In the US, pots are usually the way to go
Unless you live in a place with a Mediterranean-like climate (think parts of California or the Southwest), you’ll likely want to grow your olive tree in a container. The big perk of a pot is mobility; when a cold snap hits, you can quickly hustle your tree into a sheltered winter spot. In most other regions, olive trees planted in the ground only survive if they’re in a very sheltered microclimate.
Young trees need extra TLC
Olive trees can live for hundreds of years, but they never quite lose their dislike for the cold. That said, they do get a bit hardier as they age. An older, established tree can handle a chill much better than a “baby” tree. You’ll also find that some varieties are tougher than others. Take those labels claiming they can survive -2°F with a grain of salt—that’s usually wishful thinking—but many can definitely handle short bursts of freezing weather once they’re established.
Hardening off your tree
Whether your olive tree lives on the balcony or the patio, it’s usually sitting pretty close to a door. This is great because it makes it easy to bring inside on short notice. I actually recommend letting your tree experience a little bit of the early cold before moving it to its permanent winter quarters. This helps the plant “toughen up” and get used to lower temperatures over time. Just remember, this acclimation process takes patience, so don’t rush it!
Avoid the “temperature shock”
When a long freeze forces you to bring your tree indoors, try to avoid giving it a total shock to the system. Even in the Mediterranean, winters get cool. Olive trees are happiest in the winter when temperatures stay around 50°F (10°C). Find a bright, sunny room that stays relatively cool rather than sticking it right next to a heater.
Protecting outdoor containers
If your potted olive tree has to stay outside, your main mission is protecting the root system. Roots in a pot are way more vulnerable to freezing than roots deep in the ground. You’ll want to wrap the container to give it some insulation against the bite of the frost. Some great materials for this include:
- Garden fleece or frost blankets
- Burlap
- Old blankets
