The home of the olive tree is characterized by a lot of sun and dryness as well as warmth. In our Central European climate, the Mediterranean plant is usually too cold and too rainy, at least in winter. But since olives are relatively robust, they can still be cultivated in buckets.
Optimum conditions for bucket olives
The main reason for keeping olives in pots is that they can be transported: While you cannot simply dig up an olive tree dug in the garden in bad weather conditions and put it in a more suitable place, this is easily possible with a pot olive - depending on the size. This enables you to react quickly and appropriately to the prevailing weather and place your olive in the best place for it.
Olives are ideal for balconies and terraces
In addition, olives are ideal for keeping on the balcony or terrace due to their robustness and extremely slow growth. The tree can even be raised relatively easily into a pretty bonsai - olives are the perfect bonsai plants for beginners. However, it is important to ensure the best possible conditions, especially when keeping them in pots, because potted plants are particularly susceptible to diseases and pest infestation.
Olives want to be outside
Olives are not suitable for keeping indoors, they want to be outdoors all year round if possible. Indoor olives usually do not grow optimally and often shed their leaves. In principle, you could also overwinter your olive tree outdoors, temperatures around freezing are perfect for the hibernation period. You should only bring in your potted olives or pack them up for the winter if there are prolonged and/or deep frosts. However, do not put your olive tree in the heated living room in winter, olives need a hibernation with temperatures just above freezing point.
Water pot olives regularly
Olives planted in the garden usually do not need to be watered. Their roots grow very deep and wide - olive tree roots can reach up to six meters deep - and can draw even the slightest traces of moisture from the soil. Pot olives, however, have to be watered regularly, avoiding waterlogging. The right time to pour is when the substrate has dried on the surface. From time to time you can also spray the tree all over with room-warm water.
It depends on good drainage
In order to avoid waterlogging and thus root rot, you must ensure good pot drainage. A layer of pebbles or shards of pottery belongs at the bottom of the pot, and the bucket should also have a drainage hole. Do not place the plant pot directly on a base or a plant pot, but on "feet". This ensures sufficient drainage of excess water.
tips and tricks
Most olives are in a sunny and sheltered corner, i. H. one side receives more sun than the other. To keep the tree growing evenly all around, turn it around from time to time.