There’s no better way to grow olive trees than in a pot.
You can grow them indoors, outdoors, on a patio, or terrace, and you have total control of the soil and conditions.
Let’s face it, when you have an olive tree, you can enjoy it anytime you want, and you can take it with you if you move.
Choosing the right pot for your olive tree means the pot should be at least 25% larger than the size of your olive tree’s root ball. Once you plant the tree, you will want to check back each spring to see if your tree needs a larger pot.
Generally, you will plant a three-year-old olive tree in a pot that has a diameter between 12 to 15 inches. If it is younger than that, you plant in a 6 to 10 inch pot.
Keep reading to learn all about the best size pots to use for your olive trees.
How Do You Decide the Right Pot Size for an Olive Tree?
When deciding what pot to put your olive tree in, size is important. The size of tree can determine how the olive tree will grow and you may have to transferee into an even larger pot as it grows.
You need to make sure that the pot is at least 25% larger than the root ball of the tree. It won’t matter what size you have to start out if you don’t have a pot where it has space to grow. You need to evaluate the size of the tree once a year and if necessary, change the pot.
Generally, an olive tree younger than three years will go into a pot between 6 and 10 inches in diameter. The next size is typically between 12 and 15 inches.
Don’t Forget: You should also make sure that the pot drains, because if it retains too much moisture the roots can rot.
What Type of Pot Is Best for Olive Trees?
When you’re picking a pot for your olive tree, there are a variety of choices.
It’s still important because certain materials affect your olive tree growth.
You can choose from clay, wood, plastic and ceramic pots. With each material, there are several pros and cons. I have noted that the best pot for olives is a larger clay pot.
Here’s the rundown:
- Ceramic pots are a favorite pot for olive trees because they look great. They contribute to home decor, have great drainage, are durable and can last decades.
- Clay pots are durable and often referred to as terracotta pots. They have great drainage, work well for indoors or outdoors and are cheaper!
- Wooden pots have a natural appeal and do well outdoors. They belong with the beauty of the outdoors. Year round outdoors these pots can withstand the elements and are the most durable pot.
- Plastic pots are okay too because they are inexpensive, light weight and can be attractive. They are easier to move, so you can keep your olive tree indoors or outdoors. The downside is you will not get the longevity with these pots, and they do not drain as well.
Can You Keep Your Potted Olive Tree Indoors and Outdoors?
Planting your olive tree indoors or outdoors is all up to you. Just remember to keep it out of harm’s way during winds and freezing weather, and pick it up and plant it inside if conditions are too harsh. Also, be sure to position the ideal amount of sunlight overall throughout the day.
Your olive tree can live outside when it’s cooler but bring it in if the weather turns freezing. You can grow it inside in the winter and plant it back outside in the spring.
Also be sure that your olive tree can receive anywhere from six to eight hours of light.
Your olive tree loves full sunlight.
How to Plant Your Olive Tree in a Pot
So, when you’re planting your olive tree, make sure you got the right pot size.
It needs to be a big enough pot so that we can let the tree’s roots grow, ideally with good drainage, so it won’t rot the roots.
You will want to plant your tree in a potting mix, so the roots can not be compacted around – that is, if you won’t to make sure it has room to grow.
Make sure you water your tree, but just add some water if the potting mix is dry down to an inch below the surface.
Just make sure you aren’t watering too much, because if it is too wet, it will rot the roots and cause other problems.
Just be cautious of how the olive tree is growing in the pot, because as it grows, it could become root-bound. Being root-bound will limit the growth and your trees ability to produce fruit.
When Is the Best Time to Repot Olive Trees?
You should check your olive tree once a year to see if you need to go to a bigger pot. If you find that you do, you’ll want to re-pot the olive tree in the spring.
Make sure winter and frost have passed; the olive tree will be much happier in warm, sunny conditions.
Take your new pot and cover the bottom with your potting mix. Place the olive tree in the pot. You can fill the pot with potting mix until it is stable in the container. You will then want to water it.
Conclusion
If you’re gonna pot an olive tree, it’s important to use the right size. Too small a pot can cause rot at the roots.
You have to be attentive to the olive tree and move it to a bigger pot when it’s outgrown the one it is in.
You should always provide a pot at least 25% larger than the root ball of the olive tree.
You can keep it indoors or outside as long as it does not freeze and gets plenty of sunshine.