Last updated on June 12th, 2022 at 02:24 pm
If you want to overwinter your olive tree, there are a few things to consider: Depending on the location, it has different requirements for its winter quarters. With the following tips, your tree will make it through the winter in good health.
The olive tree, with the scientific name Olea europaea, grows in South Africa, the Middle East and in some Mediterranean countries. Accordingly, it is used to warm to hot temperatures throughout the year and can withstand temperatures down to minus ten degrees Celsius. Since it can get colder here, you should take certain precautions for the winter.
The optimal wintering conditions for your olive tree depend on whether it is in a pot or planted out in the garden.
How to properly overwinter olive tree in a tub
Olive trees in tubs are usually wintered indoors. The evergreen tree is quite flexible, but still has a few requirements for its ideal winter quarters:
- The olive tree needs a lot of light and should therefore not be placed in a dark cellar. If you have no other option, you must expect the leaves to fall off. Normally, however, the olive tree will sprout again in the spring.
- The tree does not necessarily have to be placed in a heated living room, but the temperature should be at least around ten degrees Celsius. An unheated conservatory, a cool bedroom or a bright stairwell are good options. A garage with a window is also a possible wintering location.
- Leave the tree outside as long as possible in the fall. Bring it inside only when it freezes outside.
- In spring, bring the tree back outside as early as possible. As soon as the temperature is constantly between five and ten degrees Celsius, you can put it outside again without hesitation.
Care tip: Water the olive tree even in winter, but not so often and use less water than usual. The root ball should never dry out completely, but the tree does not tolerate waterlogging either. You should not fertilize in winter.
Winter planted olive tree
Young olive trees that have not been outdoors for long are less able to withstand winter temperatures than older specimens. But even if your olive tree has been in the garden for a few years, you should also protect and pack it well in winter.
- Pack your planted tree, whether old or young, completely in the winter. In addition to the crown, do not forget the trunk and roots.
- Put a large fleece or jute blanket over the crown of the olive tree.
- For the trunk, for example, straw or coconut mats are suitable. You can simply wrap them around and then fix them.
- Be sure to use air-permeable materials for both the crown and trunk. Condensation can form under air-impermeable plastic sheeting, which then cannot escape and can cause damage.
- It is best to cover the root area generously with autumn leaves, mulch or straw and weigh the layer down with stones.
- Care tip: The olive tree must continue to be watered in winter. However, you can greatly reduce the amount, because it needs less water in the winter months.