Olive trees: a Mediterranean symbol for your terrace or balcony

Olive trees are not only a symbol of the Mediterranean basin, they are also elegant and easy-to-maintain plants that can enhance your terrace or balcony. If you do not have a garden or if you live in a region with colder winters, growing an olive tree in a pot is an excellent potting soilution. Here are our tips for successful cultivation.

1. Choosing the right olive tree

Not all olive tree varieties are suitable for growing in a pot. We recommend choosing dwarf or small-sized varieties, such as:

• Olea europaea ‘Cipressino’ – a compact variety ideal for pots.
• Olea europaea ‘Arbequina’ – a small olive tree that produces fruit even in a pot.

These varieties easily adapt to limited spaces and are highly decorative.

2.Choose the right pot

Olive trees need a quality pot that offers both stability and enough space for their roots. Pots made of ceramic are particularly recommended, because:

• They are stable and heavy, which prevents them from tipping over.
• They allow good aeration of the roots.
• Frost-resistant pots, such as those from Provencelia, allow you to grow olive trees even in regions with cold winters.

We recommend a pot with a diameter of at least 40 to 50 cm for young plants, and a larger pot as the olive tree grows.

3. Suitable substrate and drainage

Olive trees require well-drained potting soil to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged.Here is an ideal mix:

• 1 part garden soil
• 1 part sand or perlite
• 1 part quality compost

Add a drainage layer (for example, clay pebbles or small stones) at the bottom of the pot to allow excess water to drain easily.

4. Location and care

potting soilsun and warmth

Olive trees love potting soilsun. Place them in a spot where they will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They tolerate drought well, but do not thrive in shade.

Watering

Olive trees are adapted to dry conditions. Therefore, it is important not to overwater them.Water when the surface of the potting soil is dry, about once a week in summer and less frequently in winter.

Fertilizer

In spring and summer, add a fertilizer rich in potassium to promote healthy growth and fruit formation. In winter, reduce fertilizer applications.

5. Wintering

Olive trees can tolerate short periods of frost, but for prolonged low temperatures, it is best to move the pot to a sheltered location, such as:

• A veranda
• A cool room with a temperature of around 5 to 10 °C

If you cannot move the plant, protect it by wrapping the pot and foliage with a winter protection cover.

6.Size and Pruning

Olive trees tolerate pruning well, which helps maintain their compact shape. The best time to prune is in the spring. Remove damaged or unnecessary branches so that the canopy benefits from good light and ventilation.

7. Repotting

Repot young olive trees every 2 to 3 years, and older ones less frequently. Repotting should be done in spring, using a pot that is slightly larger each time.

8. The fruits, is it possible?

Yes, olive trees in pots can produce fruit, but they need plenty of potting soil and regular fertilizer. The fruits generally ripen in autumn, but be aware that young plants only produce olives after a few years.

Conclusion

Growing an olive tree in a pot is a wonderful way to bring a Mediterranean touch to your home. With a quality pot, such as those from Provencelia, and proper care, your olive tree can thrive even in colder climates. Not only will it enhance your space, but over time, it may also provide you with a homegrown olive harvest!