Olive Tree Conditions Uk
So in colder areas of the country you can grow olives in large 60cm 2ft diameter and depth containers.
Olive tree conditions uk. Olive trees are very hardy and can withstand temperatures of 10 c but when combined with a cold wind can ruin younger trees. Xylella fastidiosa has wreaked havoc on olive plantations in parts of italy and has also been found in france and spain. To prevent the disease spreading to the uk imports of olive trees and. Olives are drought tolerant evergreen trees with shimmering silvery foliage that love to bask in a warm sunny and sheltered position.
The uk may be sun challenged but we do get enough sunlight to keep olive trees in suitable conditions therefore it s best to position your tree in the sunniest spot in your garden. Olives are large trees 25 50 ft. While olive trees are hardy down to 10 c a frigid wind can be devastating to young olive trees. Serious cold damage to olive tree branches mainly starts at 5 c though lesser damage to fast growing branch tips could occur at 3 c if frost is present.
They are wind resistant and drought hardy a winning combination that means olive trees are truly easy to grow. It needs regular watering to thrive. The olive tree thrives in areas with mediterranean climate where mild winters are followed by sunny springs and hot summers. Potting your tree will keep it a manageable size.
Despite being a mediterranean plant an olive tree needs at least two months cold weather to produce flower and fruit. Olive trees need at least three months a year of cold weather to flower and fruit. Whether you grow them in the ground or in a large container they will add an instant touch of the mediterranean and may sometimes in hot summers and southern gardens reward you with a heavy crop of attractive looking fruit that need special preparation to make them edible. Avoid sites where water stands during rainy periods or where ground water seeps into a hole two feet deep.
If you do not have the space or climate to plant an olive tree in your yard you can always grow one in a container indoors or out. Olives are not entirely hardy in the uk and will be damaged by temperatures below 10 c 14 f with young plants suffering after lighter frosts. The absolute maximum temperature can reach 104 f 40 c without causing damage but the minimum should not fall below 20 f 7 c. The uk climate is surprisingly well suited to growing olives.
The english climate is perfect for growing an olive tree. Temperatures below 10 degrees celsius along with a fluctuation in night and daytime temperatures initiates the fruiting process. Olives are hardy and frost resistant to 15c without the need to fleece. Do not however confuse the olive for a desert plant.