Planting olive trees outdoors is a challenging undertaking. After all, the Mediterranean plant does not tolerate frosty temperatures. However, planting out is possible in mild regions.
In mild regions you can see olive trees on almost every street corner. In this country, however, it is not that easy to grow an olive tree outdoors. Especially in northern Germany it is simply too cold for the Mediterranean plant in the winter months.
However, the situation is different in warmer regions, such as some wine-growing regions. Here you can try it. But beware: olive trees not only need a lot of space, other important conditions must also be created for them.
Create the optimal conditions
Age:
Young olive trees are not suitable for planting out in Germany. The frost sensitivity of the trees is too high. Older specimens usually survive the cold season unscathed, provided you do everything right with winter protection.
Location:
The olive tree feels most comfortable in a light-flooded location. A building in the immediate vicinity is advantageous as a windbreak, but the shadow of the house must not fall on the olive tree. When faced with a choice between wind protection and regular sun exposure, choose the sun.
Floor:
Olive trees do well in almost all soil types. Lime tolerance is good, acidic and alkaline soil is equally accepted and even nutrient-poor soils are no obstacle to growth. Only very firm, loamy soil can become a problem because it inhibits water drainage. As a result, waterlogging can form, which often leads to root rot.
Planting hole and drainage:
The planting hole for the olive tree should be significantly deeper than the root ball in moist, loamy soil. The extra space is for drainage. You can use coarse gravel, but also rubble in the form of broken bricks, roof tiles or remains of walls. If the soil is rather dry and permeable to water, a shallower planting hole is sufficient.After planting the root ball and topping up with soil, stabilize the tree with a support stake. It takes about two years for the roots to become firmly anchored in the ground.
Water and fertilize:
Freshly planted olive trees need to be watered regularly and fertilized occasionally. In specimens with developed roots, the water requirement is significantly reduced and the plants can cope well with longer dry periods in summer. Olive trees of all ages gratefully accept a short, fresh shower with the lawn sprinkler.
Hibernate:
Fertilize your olive tree several times starting in September with Kalimagnesia (such as this one). As a result, green shoots lignify faster and are better protected from frost in winter. As soon as the first minus degrees are to be expected, cover the tree disc with leaves or bark mulch and weigh it down with a second protective layer of fir, spruce or pine branches. Also, wrap the log with fiber mats made from organic materials like jute or coir.
If the weather forecast announces temperatures below -10 °C, also wrap the branches of the tree with a light linen cloth or strips of gauze. Now it's time to wait and hope a little. However, the chances are good that your well-protected olive tree will survive the winter safe and sound.