The olive tree’s true home is along the sunny, warm coasts of the Mediterranean. Because of those roots, these trees aren’t exactly built for harsh winters. Unless you live in a region with an exceptionally mild climate, planting an olive tree directly in the ground can be risky. For most of us, keeping them in containers is the way to go—but that brings up the big question: how do you get your potted olive tree through the winter safely?
Avoid Overheating Your Tree
One of the biggest mistakes you can make with a potted olive tree is bringing it inside your cozy, heated living room for the winter. While it might get enough light near a window, it’s simply way too warm in there. Olive trees need a period of dormancy to stay healthy; if they don’t get that “winter nap,” you’ll likely run into issues once you move them back outside in the spring.
Keep it Bright and Chilly
When looking for the perfect winter spot for your olive tree, keep these two keywords in mind:
- Bright
- Cool
Without enough light, your olive tree will struggle just as much as it would if it were too hot or too cold. Ideally, you want to find a spot where the temperature stays consistently around 50°F (10°C). This “sweet spot” ensures the plant rests properly so it can bounce back quickly when spring arrives. Also, don’t forget the water! You shouldn’t soak it, but don’t let the soil dry out completely, or you might end up with a dried-out tree.
Wintering Outdoors
As I mentioned earlier, planting an olive tree permanently in the ground isn’t the best move for most northern climates. However, if you live in a very mild area (like a protected wine-growing region), some frost-hardy varieties might survive the winter outside. If you go this route, you’ve got to give them some serious protection. This means mulching the base with leaves or brush to protect the roots and wrapping the trunk and main branches in high-quality garden fleece to shield them from the bite of the frost.
