Meanwhile, the Mediterranean olive trees are no longer a rare sight in Germany. In most cases, olives are kept in buckets in this country, as they then remain transportable and can be overwintered more easily. In mild regions, however, olive trees can also be planted directly in the garden.

Keeping buckets is usually recommended

From its homeland, the olive tree has been accustomed to a mild and sunny climate for thousands of years. However, since it is a very robust and easy-care plant - in contrast to many tropical plants such as the avocado - its cultivation in Germany does not pose a problem. The only problem is the species-appropriate overwintering of the olive tree, because it does not like a warm resting place still deep below zero. For this reason, the Mediterranean plant is usually kept in a bucket in order to be able to put it in a more favorable place when the weather is too bad or cold.

Can you plant an olive tree in the garden?

In some regions of Germany, however, it is also possible to plant olive trees directly in the garden. To ensure that this endeavor is successful and that the tree does not die after a short time, you should note the following points:

  • Only plant out in a region with a mild climate and equally mild winters
  • classic wine-growing regions such as B. Moselle, Baden-Württemberg, Baden or the Palatinate are often suitable
  • Regions in which snowy and cold winters are to be expected (Northern Germany, Allgäu) are not really suitable
  • only plant particularly hardy, robust olive varieties
  • the soil must be suitable for olives (i.e. not heavy clay soil, but loose, rather sandy soil)
  • long hours of sunshine in the region
  • Properly prepare the olive tree for the winter and protect it from frost

In the Kraichgau, between Heidelberg and Karlsruhe, there has been a small, experimental olive grove for several years. Other plantations (e.g. near Cologne or in Saxony), on the other hand, froze completely in the severe winters between 2008 and 2010 and were not reforested.

Keeping olives in the garden

Olives need a lot of space: the plant needs a distance of about seven meters to other plantings such as trees, shrubs or vegetable and flower beds. The roots spread not only in depth but also in width and should be kept free of vegetation. You should also ensure very good soil drainage to avoid waterlogging.

tips and tricks

If you would like to keep an olive tree in the garden, get extensive help on board. The olive grove in the Kraichgau offers numerous tips and advice as well as well-founded background knowledge on its website.

Category:

Trees