There is something deeply exotic about the olive plant, with its beautiful pale green leaves and versatile fruit. Grown in the Mediterranean for thousands of years, it is strongly associated with warm sun, gentle breezes, as well as ancient cultures rich in history and myth.
Yet the olive tree can be grown successfully in Britain, if given the right conditions and care and has, over the years, become increasingly popular. It is a small tree with attractive flowers and fruit, making it ideal for those with limited space.
Basic Conditions for Growing Olive Trees
An olive tree grown in the south of Britain will be able to survive most winters outside. However, it would be wise to ensure it is placed in a sunny spot, sheltered from the cold, winter winds. A patio, safe from the elements, or a south or south-west facing wall are the ideal situations.
Further north conditions can be much harsher in the winter. Because of these northern extremes, an olive tree is best grown in a container because this means it can be moved into a covered area for protection. Keep an eye on young olive trees which tend to be more vulnerable than older, more well-established trees.
Olive trees can be bought at varying heights, and the larger ones can be quite pricey. If economy is a factor, start out with a small tree in a plant pot as pictured above, and watch it grow (instructions below).
Planting an Olive Tree in the Ground
An olive tree that is planted straight into the ground should have well-drained soil. However, olive trees are obliging and don't mind poor or limy soil. Think of those dusty, rocky hillsides their ancestors grew on.
Remove any weeds, and then dig in some well-rotted garden compost or leaf mould. The planting hole should be large enough so that the top of the root ball of the olive tree is just below the soil surface. Make sure it's covered though, but it doesn't have to be extremely deep.The soil should be firmed ensuring good contact with the olive tree roots. Water well and, in dry spells, continue keeping the olive tree well watered.
Olive trees that are planted against a wall should be approximately 18 inches (45 cm) away from the base of the tree.
Planting an Olive Tree in a Container
Olive trees do well in containers that aren’t too large, where the roots are slightly constricted. As mentioned above, olive trees hate a fuss! The pot should take the root system easily, but one that is about 2 inches (5 cm) larger than its present container will be sufficient. Naturally, in subsequent years the olive tree will need to be lovingly potted on as it grows. Perhaps a terracotta, Mediterranean-type pot or one with a nice glaze and beautiful colours will help the olive tree remember its ancestral roots.
For container-grown olive trees a loam-based compost, such as John Innes No. 3 or equivalent, is recommended.
A container-grown olive tree may need to be protected in the winter months, especially in the north of Britain. This will give fruits that may be forming a chance to develop and ripen. A gently heated greenhouse would be ideal, but failing that a slightly heated conservatory or another area of the home that isn’t too warm and would be light and frost-free, would be perfect.
In mild areas, such as southern Britain, container-grown olive trees can be left outside during the winter months. However, ensure they are moved to a sheltered position and that pots are wrapped in bubble wrap or fleece jackets to ensure they don’t freeze.
Olive Trees Bring a Touch of the Mediterranean
Once an olive tree is established it will require very little pruning. Every spring check the olive tree over for overcrowded shoots and any dead wood and remove these. It’s useful to trim any branches back that might be overlong. Apart from these simple tasks, and ensuring the olive tree is watered well in dry spells, the plant is easy to care for.
However, remember the olive tree is a Latin plant and therefore craves love and companionship. Remember how houseplants love to be talked to? Perhaps the olive tree might appreciate being read to - a little Homer might not go amiss. Or gazing at pictures of Renaissance Italy whilst in its presence can only ensure it grows to its full potential.
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