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Olive tree
lynne j
Posts: 6
When is it okay to move my olive tree from a container and replant in the garden? I live in south east England, London. Not that many frosts, as I have a walled garden, south west facing. The tree did produce olives in the summer, but container too small now.
Last edited: 21 January 2018 00:53:45
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Posts
You can plant it any time as long as it is dry and conditions not too cold. Make sure the ground is well prepared with plenty of grit for free drainage if your soil is quite heavy. Position it as close to a wall so there is protection to minimise frost.
Thank you so much. Want to get it planted as soon as possible, but should maybe wait a couple of months?
It's totally up to you. I think wait a couple of months. There may be some very cold and wet weather between now and March. They are quite slow growing and can be planted more or less any time of year.
Thank you Borderline. We have sleet coming down now, so won't be doing it just yet! Friend bought hers the same time as me, same size etc. she planted hers direct into garden and it is now four times the size of mine with lots of olives in the summer. We bought them about 4 years ago
Yes, I can see sleet here too....they definitely do better in the ground. I have seen so many growing taller than 10 ft. I have mine in a pot and that is not through choice. I have friends growing them in cold north facing gardens, and they are looking so healthy and producing olives.
I think the important factor in growing olive trees successfully in the UK is good drainage ... they can cope with low temperatures if their feet aren't too wet
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Always check drainage as we have London clay here. Thank you for all your help everyone. Will plant as soon as there are no more frosts.