Growing Olive Trees in Pots and Containers

Growing olive trees in pots and containers is a simple and attractive way to enjoy these beautiful Mediterranean trees, even if you only have a patio, balcony or small garden. Olive trees adapt very well to container growing as long as they are planted in free-draining soil and positioned somewhere sunny. Container growing also makes it easier to move the tree when needed and place it in the best possible location.

Any olive tree from our olive tree range can do well in a pot or in the ground. The main things that matter are choosing the right container, using the right compost and making sure the tree is cared for properly throughout the year. In this guide, we explain how to choose the best pot, pick the right tree, plant it correctly and look after it in the UK climate.

Choosing the Right Pot for Your Olive Tree

The first thing to think about when growing olive trees in containers is the pot itself. Almost any pot can work, but the most important factor is that the tree is planted in free-draining soil. Olive trees do not like sitting in damp compost for long periods, so the pot and compost need to work together to keep the roots healthy.

Every pot should have drainage holes at the bottom so excess water can escape easily. It also helps if the pot is lifted slightly off the ground, as this improves drainage further and reduces the risk of water building up around the base.

A strong plastic pot is often one of the most practical choices for growing olive trees in containers, especially for larger trees that may need to be moved.

1) Choose a pot with good drainage

Drainage is the most important part of growing olive trees in pots. Without it, the compost can stay too wet and the roots may suffer. Olive trees are very tolerant plants, but they still need free-draining conditions to stay healthy and perform well over time.

2) Pick a pot that is the right size

When moving an olive tree into a new container, it is usually best to choose a pot that is at least 20% larger than the current nursery or delivery container. This gives the roots more room to grow while keeping the tree stable. Going too large too quickly can sometimes make watering harder to manage, so a sensible step up in size is usually best.

3) Think about weight before you choose

Large olive trees can become very heavy, especially once they are planted into large clay or terracotta pots. This can make them difficult to move later, so it is worth thinking ahead if the tree may need repositioning or if access is limited. For many customers, plastic pots are often the better choice because they are strong, lightweight and much easier to handle.

• They are durable and practical for everyday use
• They are lighter than clay or terracotta pots
• They are often easier to move if the tree needs repositioning
• They can be a very good option for larger olive trees

We supply jumbo plastic pots which are particularly popular for large olive trees. These have built-in feet which lift them off the ground to improve drainage, and they can be moved more easily with pump trucks or forklifts if required.

4) Make sure the pot is stable

Shape matters as much as size. Pots that are wider at the top than at the base can be less stable, especially if the tree is tall or positioned in an exposed area where strong wind can catch the canopy. A pot with a wider, more stable base is usually the safer option and helps reduce the chance of the tree blowing over.

Terracotta and clay pots can look beautiful with olive trees, but they are much heavier, so it is worth planning ahead before choosing one for a larger specimen.

If you would prefer to avoid the work of potting your tree yourself, we also offer a selection of olive trees already planted in decorative pots, ready to place straight into your garden. Another option is to choose from our main range of olive trees and then select a container from our range of pots and containers. Our team can pot the tree for you before delivery.

Choosing the Right Olive Tree for Your Space

Once you have chosen the right pot, the next step is picking the right tree for the space you have available. Any olive tree we sell can grow well in a pot, but some shapes and sizes will be easier to manage depending on where the tree is going and how much room you have.

5) Smaller spaces often suit pollarded trees

If you are planting an olive tree on a patio, terrace or balcony, a pollarded olive tree can be a very good option. A pollarded tree has been cut at a certain height, which means the trunk will not continue growing taller. Instead, the trunk slowly thickens over time while the crown continues to grow and spread.

This makes pollarded trees easier to manage in smaller spaces, and the crown can be kept neat with occasional pruning. They are often a practical choice where height needs to be controlled but you still want the character of a mature olive tree.

6) Larger trees need access planning

If you are buying a larger specimen olive tree, think carefully about how it will reach its final position. Some larger trees are extremely heavy and may require machinery to move them safely, especially once potted. Narrow gates, steps, gravel paths and tight corners can all make access more difficult, so it is always worth planning this in advance.

If you are unsure, our team can advise on access, handling and whether a certain tree is likely to need specialist moving equipment.

Planting Compost for Olive Trees in Pots

Olive trees are quite adaptable when it comes to soil type, but drainage is extremely important. A loam based compost such as John Innes No.3 works very well and is often a reliable choice for potted olive trees.

Adding around 20% grit will help improve drainage further and also make the container more stable. This heavier compost mix can be especially useful for larger trees, as it helps prevent the pot from becoming too light and top heavy compared with lighter peat-based composts.

Choosing the Best Spot for a Potted Olive Tree

Olive trees love as much sun as possible, so the ideal position is the sunniest part of your garden, courtyard or patio. They will tolerate wind, but it is better if they are protected from very harsh northerly or easterly winter winds, particularly in colder parts of the UK.

A warm wall, sheltered corner or bright open patio can all work well. The more light the tree receives, the better it is likely to perform, both in terms of healthy growth and overall appearance.

A wooden planter can work well for an olive tree, especially in a sunny and sheltered position where the tree will get plenty of light.

Watering and Feeding Olive Trees in Pots

Olive trees planted in containers need regular watering throughout the year because their roots cannot spread out in search of moisture as they would in the ground. Exactly how much water is needed will depend on the size of the tree, the size of the pot, the type of compost and the weather conditions, but potted olive trees should never be left to sit in waterlogged soil.

7) Water more in warm weather

During summer, particularly when temperatures are above 20°C, you may need to water your olive tree two or three times per week. Larger trees in smaller pots can dry out more quickly, while very large containers may hold moisture for longer, so it is always worth checking the compost rather than watering to a strict schedule.

8) Start feeding in spring

As spring arrives and temperatures begin to rise, olive trees start to become more active. This is the right time to increase watering and begin feeding, so the tree has enough nutrients for healthy new growth. If temperatures are above 16°C, feeding once or twice per week with a liquid fertiliser or seaweed feed can work very well.

9) Reduce watering in winter

In autumn, continue watering while temperatures remain mild, then reduce as the weather cools. In winter, a potted olive tree may only need watering a couple of times each month. The key thing is to make sure the compost does not stay constantly wet, as damp soil in cold weather is more of a problem than the cold itself.

If you are unsure how much water your olive tree needs, our team is always happy to help and can advise based on the size of your tree and the container it is planted in.