Olive trees and terracotta pots are a natural pairing. With their silvery foliage, sculptural shape and Mediterranean character, they make a brilliant feature on a patio, beside an entrance or within a larger collection of planted pots.
They are also surprisingly easy to grow in containers, provided you get a few basics right.
Choose the Right Pot
Olive trees are well suited to container growing, but the pot needs to be large enough to comfortably hold the rootball and allow some room for growth.
For larger trees, a substantial pot also gives useful weight and stability.
Our terracotta pots for trees are particularly well suited to larger planting, while the warm tones of terracotta complement the silvery leaves of an olive beautifully.
Most importantly, make sure the pot has a good drainage hole. Olive trees do not like sitting in wet soil.
Planting an Olive Tree in a Pot
Use a free-draining compost and position the tree so the top of the rootball sits just below the rim of the pot.
Fill around the roots, gently firm the compost and water thoroughly once planted.
It is also worth deciding exactly where the pot is going before planting. A large terracotta planter filled with compost and an olive tree quickly becomes very heavy.
Where to Position Your Olive Tree
Olive trees enjoy sunshine, so choose a bright, sheltered spot if you can.
A sunny patio, courtyard or south-facing area of the garden works particularly well.
Although we associate olives with warmer Mediterranean climates, established olive trees are tougher than many people expect and can grow very successfully here.
You can find more detailed seasonal advice in my Olive Tree Care Guide.
Watering Olive Trees in Pots
Olive trees are drought tolerant, but a tree growing in a pot still needs regular watering during warm, dry weather.
Unlike a tree growing in the ground, its roots can only access the moisture held within the container.
Water thoroughly when needed, then allow excess water to drain away rather than keeping the compost permanently wet.
Feeding Olive Trees
Container-grown olive trees can also benefit from feeding during the growing season.
Our Olive Tree Feed Liquid Concentrate has been formulated specifically for olive trees and can be added when watering during the warmer months.
Once autumn arrives and growth begins to slow, feeding can stop until spring.
A Classic Choice for Terracotta
Olive trees are wonderfully rewarding container plants and, once established, need relatively little fuss.
Give them sunshine, good drainage, enough water during dry spells and a suitable pot and they should provide structure and interest throughout the year.
Explore our terracotta pots for trees, or get in touch if you need help choosing the right size for your olive tree.
