When you think of olive trees, your mind probably jumps to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany or the breezy coastlines of Greece. But guess what? Olive trees can actually thrive here in the UK too.
Whether you’ve just brought one home from Hildreth’s or you’ve had one for years, here’s how to keep your olive tree happy, healthy, and (hopefully) producing those little green gems…
Location, location, location
Olive trees love the sun. They’re basically solar-powered. In the UK, that means choosing the sunniest, most sheltered spot you’ve got—ideally south-facing and protected from cold winds. If you’re growing yours in a pot, it’s even easier to move it around to catch those rays.
Top Tip: A spot near a sunny wall can give your olive tree a boost—the wall stores heat during the day and releases it at night, helping to keep temperatures a little more stable.
Container vs. Ground—What’s Best?
You can grow olive trees both in the ground and in containers in the UK. But for most people—especially if you’re not in the warmest part of the country—a pot gives you more control. You can move it indoors or into a greenhouse if a nasty frost is on the way.
- In pots: Use a large container with good drainage holes. Terracotta is ideal as it allows the soil to breathe.
- In the ground: Make sure the soil is free-draining. If you’ve got heavy clay soil, you’ll need to improve it with grit or compost—or consider sticking to containers.
Water wisely
Here’s the trick: olive trees are drought-tolerant but not drought-proof. In summer, especially if it’s hot and dry (we can dream), you’ll need to water regularly. But let the soil dry out between waterings. In winter, water much less—but don’t let it completely dry out either.
Watch out for: Yellowing leaves can mean you’re overwatering.
Feeding your olive tree
Feed your tree with a balanced liquid fertiliser (like a tomato feed) during the growing season—March to October. This helps it produce strong, healthy growth. In winter, your tree goes semi-dormant, so it doesn’t need any food.
Pro tip: In spring, you can also add some slow-release fertiliser pellets to the soil.
Winter protection
Olive trees are surprisingly hardy. Mature trees can withstand temperatures down to around -7°C, but young ones are a bit more sensitive. If temperatures are set to dip lower than that:
- Move potted trees into a conservatory, unheated greenhouse, or sheltered porch.
- Wrap the pot and trunk in horticultural fleece or bubble wrap.
- Mulch around the base of ground-planted trees to protect the roots.
Pruning and maintenance
Pruning isn’t essential, but it helps keep your tree looking good and can encourage airflow and new growth.
- Prune in late spring, after the risk of frost has passed.
- Remove any dead, crossing or crowded branches.
- Shape it to suit your space – olive trees can be trained into small trees, topiary, or even hedges.
Will in bear fruit in the UK?
Short answer: maybe. Olive trees need a long, hot summer followed by a mild winter to produce fruit, so fruiting can be hit or miss here. However, if the weather lines up – and you’re lucky – you could see fruit in a good year. Just don’t hold your breath!
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