For many of us, the Mediterranean is the ultimate dream destination. Whether it’s the rolling hills of Tuscany, the rugged Greek islands, or the sunny coasts of Spain, there’s just something about that vibe. The good news? You can bring a little piece of that vacation feeling right to your own backyard by growing an olive tree. However, before you run out to the nursery, there are a few things you need to know to keep your Mediterranean beauty happy.
Skip the In-Ground Planting
First things first: in most parts of the country, an olive tree is going to be much happier in a pot than planted directly in the ground. Olive trees are used to the mild winters of their homeland. While it does occasionally snow in places like Spain or Greece, it usually melts away in a flash. Our long, freezing winters are a different story entirely, so keeping them mobile in containers is the way to go.
Cold-Hardy Varieties to Look For
The biggest challenge for olive trees is sustained, deep frost. That said, some varieties are definitely tougher than others when the temperature drops. If you’re looking for a hardy option, keep an eye out for these:
- Leccino
- Aglandaou
- Coratina
- Arbequina
- Picual
- Bouteillan
Giving Your Tree the Right Care
It’s important to remember that potted olive trees are a bit more prone to pests and diseases than those growing in the wild. Why? It mostly comes down to the roots. In nature, an olive tree’s root system can reach 20 feet deep and spread just as wide. In a pot, those roots are confined to a tiny space but still have to do all the heavy lifting for the tree’s nutrition. To keep them thriving, make sure you’re fertilizing regularly and refreshing the potting soil every now and then.
Mastering the Watering Routine
Watering follows the same logic as nutrients. In the wild, olive trees are incredibly drought-tolerant because their deep roots find water far underground. In a container, they rely entirely on you. Generally, a good soak once a week is plenty. If you’re hitting a major summer heatwave, you might need to bump that up to twice a week. Just a heads-up: make sure your pot has great drainage. Olive trees hate “wet feet,” and standing water in the bottom of the pot is a fast track to root rot.
