How do you best care for an olive tree? Tips & Tricks for a healthy tree

The olive tree is not only a beautiful eye-catcher for your garden or patio, but also a strong and durable outdoor plant. With its Mediterranean appearance, it instantly adds ambiance to your outdoor space. But how do you ensure your olive tree stays healthy and beautiful? In this article, we share practical tips for caring for your olive tree and refer you to our extensive outdoor plant collection and dedicated page for olive trees at XXLPlant.com.

1. Location: sun, sun and more sun

Olive trees love the sun! So place your tree in a sunny spot in the garden or on the patio. An olive tree needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The more sun, the better the tree will grow and bloom.

Tip: Check out our outdoor plants page for other sun-loving plants that combine well with the olive tree.

2. Pot or open ground?

You can easily keep an olive tree in a pot, especially if you're placing it on a patio or balcony. Just make sure it's a spacious pot with good drainage. The tree also thrives in the ground, especially in well-drained, chalky soil.

3. Watering: better too little than too much

A common mistake is overwatering. Olive trees are accustomed to dry conditions and hate wet feet. Let the topsoil dry out before watering again. Watering is virtually unnecessary in winter.

4. Pruning for healthy growth

Prune your olive tree in spring, after the last frost. Remove dead or diseased branches and thin out the crown to allow more light and airflow. This stimulates growth and keeps the tree in shape.

5. Protect from frost

Although olive trees are fairly hardy, they don't tolerate severe frost well. At temperatures below -5°C, it's wise to protect the tree with fleece or, if it's in a pot, temporarily place it in a sheltered spot.

6. Fertilize for a boost

Feed your olive tree with Mediterranean plant food in spring and mid-summer. This supports growth and strengthens the tree.

Choose your perfect olive tree at XXLPlant

Looking for a beautiful, strong olive tree for your garden or patio? Then be sure to browse our olive tree collection. Or get inspired by the complete outdoor plant collection at XXLPlant.com—perfect for creating a complete Mediterranean ambiance.