The best-known tree of the olive tree genus, which comprises around 40 to 50 species, is certainly the olive tree (Olea europaea). It is probably also the most common in the home garden or as a houseplant. Olive trees are evergreen shrubs or trees.

There are about 50 species of the olive tree

location and soil

The olive tree is also known as the "real olive tree". It is not hardy and is therefore particularly suitable as a container plant. The ideal location is sunny, warm and sheltered. Otherwise, the olive tree is not very demanding. It gets along well with commercially available potting soil, but not at all with waterlogging. For the cold season, it needs a suitable winter quarters with as much light as possible. The temperature there should be around 10 °C.

The olive tree is only repotted if the planter is too small. You can tell by the roots beginning to grow out of the pot. In principle, the new bucket should be about the same size as the crown of the tree.

Water and fertilize the olive tree properly

The olive tree is very frugal and easy to care for. It is quite sufficient to fertilize it in spring at the beginning of the growing season. Use commercially available liquid fertilizer for potted plants. The olive tree does not need large amounts of water either. How often it should be watered is difficult to say as it depends very much on the environmental conditions.

It is best to water this plant "by feel". Use your finger to test how dry or moist the soil is. It should be slightly dry at least a few centimeters deep. In high heat, the tree needs more water than in cooler temperatures. To avoid waterlogging, create a drainage layer in the plant pot and do not give too much water at once.

The most important things about the olive tree in brief:

  • most famous olive tree
  • intensely colored bark, silver-grey or rust-colored
  • evergreen
  • very slow growing
  • sunny warm location
  • best to pour by feel
  • Absolutely avoid waterlogging
  • fertilize in spring
  • not hardy
  • ideal hibernation temperature: around 10 °C
  • grows to a height of 10 to 20 meters in nature
  • Flowering time, depending on location: from April to early June

tips

If you do not live in a wine region or a similarly mild region, then you should keep your olive tree as a container plant.

Category:

Trees