Olive trees

[Storming Norman]

Hi Alys,

I wonder do you have any experience of growing olive trees?

I have one that has out grown its substantial pot on my patio and am considering putting it in the ground at the edge of the patio. Its just one from the garden centre - possible a common variety, but unnamed.

Its survived five winters so far in its pot - how do you think it will do in the ground and will it grow very large or can I safely prune occasionally to manage its size.

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

[Alys Fowler]

You can’t over prune an olive (well you probably can, but you get the idea) you need to prune early on in spring so that any new growth has enough time to harden up before winter. IF you prune say in July (when it always looks like in needs a haircut), it will send a second flush of growth that will get knocked by the first cold nights. You need exceptionally good drainage if it’s going to go in the ground. If it has wet feet overwinter the ghost will fly very quickly. Hope that helps?