As a Mediterranean plant, the olive is not used to the German winter. Long periods of frost, sometimes with deep frosts, snowfall and prolonged darkness cause problems for the olive tree. But hibernation even outside is quite possible with the right winter protection.

Olives need hibernation

Although olives are not necessarily frost hardy and freeze very quickly in a Central European winter climate, they are still quite robust when it comes to low temperatures. The plants are familiar with temperatures around freezing point, even frost, from their Mediterranean home - and they also need them to overwinter in accordance with their species. Olive trees should

  • outdoors for as long as possible
  • as bright as possible
  • in a protected location
  • and at temperatures just above freezing

hibernate. If this does not happen, the olive tree cannot start the next vegetation period properly, and it is also increasingly attacked by pests such as e.g. B. scale insects are attacked.

Overwinter olive tree outside

If possible, keep olives in a bucket so that the plant remains transportable and can be moved to a more suitable location. If it's not extremely cold, the tree should stay outside. A sheltered spot such as a heat-emitting house wall is ideal. Think about the appropriate winter protection in good time

  • a thick layer of bark mulch or brushwood over the soil
  • a warm protective covering around trunk and crown
  • and possibly consists of root heating.

Young trees are more sensitive

On the other hand, it is better to bring young olives into the house; but never let them overwinter in the heated living room, but in a bright and cool place. The (dark) basement is less suitable, while little or no heated stairwells or bedrooms are. Older trees, on the other hand, are more robust and can stay outside longer.

tips and tricks

Don't forget to water your olive tree! Although the tree needs much less water now than during the vegetation period, it dries up without any water at all.

Category:

Trees