Overwintering an olive tree: bright, cool and dry
A mature olive tree tolerates short frosts down to about −10 °C – cold winter nights are not unusual in its homeland. In a container it is a different story: the root ball is exposed to frost from all sides and freezes through quickly. That is why a sheltered winter spot is crucial for container olives.
− 10 °C
briefly in the ground
− 5 °C
in a container
5– 10 °C
ideal winter quarters
The ideal winter quarters
- Bright and cool at 5–10 °C, for example in a stairwell or conservatory
- Water sparingly – just enough to keep the root ball from drying out
- Do not feed
- Air regularly but avoid draughts
- From March, slowly get it used to the sun again
Overwintering outdoors
In mild regions the tree can stay outside if it is well wrapped: stand the pot on wood or polystyrene, wrap it all round in jute or coir mats and protect the crown with breathable fleece during frost. Plastic film is taboo – condensation forms underneath and the plant rots.
Brown leaves in winter are usually a sign of too much water, not too little.
Other Mediterranean plants compared
| Plant | Hardiness in a container | Winter quarters |
|---|---|---|
| Olive tree | to −5 °C | bright, 5–10 °C |
| Lemon tree | to 0 °C | bright, 5–12 °C |
| Fig | to −5 °C | dark, 0–8 °C |
| Lavender | to −15 °C | outdoors, sheltered |
| Rosemary “Arp” | to −15 °C | outdoors, dry |
More about location and care on the page of the olive tree “Olea europaea”.
Mediterranean plants
When night frosts below −5 °C are forecast, usually mid to late November. Light frosts harden it off.
Only in a very bright spot. Warmth with little light weakens it and attracts pests.
In spring after moving it out, not in autumn.
