From their silvery-grey leaves that shimmer in the sunlight to the Mediterranean charm they radiate, potted olive trees are an irresistible addition to any garden, patio, or balcony. Known for being tough yet elegant, these versatile plants thrive in pots, making them a perfect choice for both beginner and seasoned gardeners looking to bring a slice of the Mediterranean home.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about selecting, caring for, and enjoying a potted olive tree. Along the way, you’ll discover their unique benefits, best practices for growing them, and how to make olives a fruitful part of your garden.

Choosing the Right Olive Tree Variety

When it comes to olive trees, not all varieties are created equal. Some are self-fertile, meaning they can bear fruit alone, while others require a different variety nearby for cross-pollination. If you’re aiming for fruit, knowing which type you have is essential.

A few popular self-fertile varieties include ‘Arbequina’ and ‘Frantoio.’ These are low-maintenance, making them a fantastic starting point for enthusiasts. If you have space for multiple trees, introducing a second variety can boost pollination and yield.

Potting and Soil Requirements

Choosing the right soil for olive trees is paramount. These trees thrive in permeable, well-draining, and nutrient-balanced soil. A high-quality olive tree potting mix is ideal, but a premium potting mix will also suffice as specialised Olive mixes are hard to come by

Make sure to select a pot with adequate drainage holes. 

If you’re just starting, try the our Indoor Mix. Despite the name, its ideal combination of organic matter and structure makes it perfect for potted olives.

Light and Location

Olive trees love basking in the sun. Place your pot in a sunny spot where the tree can soak up at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. They also thrive best outdoors, so keep them in a ventilated area to enjoy fresh air.

Avoid placing olive trees in overly draughty locations or shaded corners, as they’ll struggle to flourish without ample sunlight. During the hotter months, rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even light distribution across all branches.

Watering Olive Trees

While olive trees are drought tolerant, potted ones require a little more care to stay healthy. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid waterlogging at all costs.

The rule of thumb? Keep the soil on the slightly dry side of moist. Allow the top layer to dry out in between waterings, and always ensure excess water can escape freely from the pot. Saucers are fine, but make sure the pot doesn’t stand in pooled water for extended periods.

Feeding Your Olive Tree

Feed your olive tree during its active growing season, which runs from spring to summer. Use an all-purpose liquid fertilizer or one tailored to Mediterranean plants to keep it nourished. Fertilizing every two weeks during this period will encourage healthy growth and better fruiting potential.

Come autumn and winter, stop the liquid your tree to allow it to rest. We recommend switching to a slow release, low npk organic soil booster over this period to keep your olive happy over the cooler season. This seasonal pause closely mimics its natural lifecycle in the Mediterranean climate.

Winter Care

Olive trees in pots need special attention during the colder months. While they can tolerate occasional light frosts, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures is a no-go for their roots.

There are several ways to care for your Olive Tree over winter:

Indoors: Consider a cool, bright location like a sunroom or insulated garage, keeping temperatures between 5–10°C.
Outdoors: Wrap your pot in bubble wrap for insulation and move it to a sheltered, frost-free area.

Tip: Olive trees thrive on “winter chill” to encourage flowering. Avoid placing them in warm, centrally heated rooms during winter to ensure they bloom the following spring.

Pruning Techniques

Pruning is essential not only for keeping your potted olive tree in shape but also for encouraging fruit production. Follow these simple pruning tips:

• Remove any inward-growing or crossing branches to increase airflow.
• Focus on shaping the tree to your desired size and height.
• Avoid heavy pruning during early stages; instead, focus on encouraging a few strong scaffold branches.

Perform major pruning in early spring, just before the growing season resumes. Consistent maintenance pruning throughout the year will also go a long way in keeping your tree healthy.

Repotting Your Olive Tree

Potted olive trees grow slowly, but they do outgrow their containers. Repotting every two to three years is recommended for young plants, but more mature ones can go longer. Signs it’s time to repot include roots growing out the bottom of the pot or slowed growth despite adequate care.

When repotting, choose a pot slightly larger than the previous one to allow for root expansion. Replace old soil with fresh, nutrient-rich potting mix, and water the tree thoroughly after repotting to help it settle into its new home.

Tip: Larger trees in heavy pots can skip repotting by replacing just the top layer of soil mixed with compost.

Harvesting Olives

The joy of growing an olive tree is, of course, the promise of your own olive harvest. But knowing when to pick is key. Olives can be harvested at various stages:

• Green when their juice turns milky
• Half-ripe as they start to color
• Fully ripe for their richest flavor

Remember, fresh olives are bitter and need curing before they’re edible. Details on brining methods can be found in olive-curing guides tailored to your taste!

Growing Olive Trees Indoors

It is possible to grow olive trees indoors, but it’s not ideal. Olive trees thrive in direct sunlight and will often struggle with the limited light levels inside most homes. These Mediterranean plants are accustomed to warm climates and plenty of natural light, so recreating these conditions as closely as possible is key to their success indoors. However, if you’re determined to grow an olive tree inside, here are some tips to help it stay healthy:

1. Position the tree by a south-facing window, where it can get as much direct sunlight as possible. Olive trees need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily to thrive.
2. Use grow lights during short winter days or in rooms where natural light is insufficient. This will help prevent the tree from becoming leggy or weak due to lack of light.
3. Mist the tree occasionally to combat the dry indoor air, which can invite pests like spider mites. Placing a humidifier nearby or using a pebble tray with water can also help maintain a healthier level of humidity.
4. Ensure the tree is planted in a well-draining potting mix and a container with drainage holes to avoid waterlogging, which can harm the roots. Water the tree when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering.

With the right care and attention, your indoor olive tree can add a touch of Mediterranean charm to your home, but be prepared that it may not grow as vigorously as it would outdoors.

Enjoying the Beauty and Benefits of Your Olive Tree

Potted olive trees are more than just a gardening triumph; they bring a slice of Mediterranean beauty to your living space, along with the promise of fresh, homegrown olives. With their silvery leaves, versatility, and relatively low maintenance, they’re a little piece of paradise for your home or garden.

For those just starting their olive-growing adventure, good soil, sunlight, and care are paramount. And if you’ve got any questions along the way, we’re here to help.

Start your Mediterranean garden today with a potted olive tree and experience the joy of watching it thrive season after season!