Will Olive Tree Stay Small in a Planter?

Many people believe that growing an olive tree in a planter will keep their tree small, and it is true to some extent. However, you need to consider a few things before deciding to grow an olive tree in a planter, and whether it will stay small or not largely depends on these factors.

The Right Variety

If you want your olive tree to stay small in a planter, you need to choose the right variety. Some olive tree varieties are naturally smaller than others, and these are the ones you should consider. For instance, the 'Little Ollie' is a dwarf variety that grows up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Similarly, the 'Arbequina' variety is also small and can be grown in a container.

The Right Container

The container you choose for your olive tree will impact its growth. If the container is too small, the olive tree's roots will become crowded, and it will stunt the tree's growth. Ideally, the container should be at least 20 inches deep and 20 inches wide for a small olive tree. A larger tree will need a bigger container to grow.

The Right Soil

The soil you use for your potted olive tree should be well-draining and nutrient-rich. Olive trees like a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. You can make your own potting mix by combining equal parts of sand, perlite, and peat moss. Alternatively, you can buy a pre-made potting mix specifically designed for olive trees.

The Right Care

Even with the right variety, container, and soil, your olive tree will need proper care to stay small. Olive trees need at least 6 hours of sunlight every day, so make sure to place your container in a sunny location. Avoid overwatering your olive tree, as this can cause root rot. Water your tree only when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Fertilize your olive tree twice a year in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 8-8-8.

The Right Expectations

It is essential to have the right expectations when growing an olive tree in a planter. While the right variety, container, soil, and care can help keep your tree small, it will still grow. It may take longer to reach its full potential than a tree planted in the ground, but it will still grow. So, if you want a small olive tree that will stay small, make sure to choose a small variety, plant it in a spacious container, and provide it with the right care.

Conclusion

Growing an olive tree in a planter can be a great way to enjoy fresh olives or use them in cooking, even if you have limited space. While an olive tree can stay small in a planter, it will still grow and produce olives if provided with the right variety, container, soil, care, and expectations. Remember to research your variety, choose a spacious container, use well-draining soil, and provide your tree with plenty of sunlight, water, and fertilizer.