Planting an olive tree in the garden »Is that possible?

Keeping in a bucket is usually better

The olive tree has been used to a mild and sunny climate from its homeland for thousands of years. However, since it is still a very robust and easy to care fore plant acts - in contrast to many tropical plants such as for example the avocado - its cultivation in Germany is not a problem. The only problem is the species-appropriate wintering of the olive tree, because it neither likes a warm resting place nor deep freezing temperatures. Because of this, the Mediterranean plant becomes mostly kept in a bucketto deal with it if it is too bad or to be able to put it in a cheaper place in cold weather.

Can you plant olive trees in the garden?

In some regions of Germany However, it is also possible to plant olive trees directly in the garden. In order for this venture to be successful and the tree not to die after a short time, you should consider the following points:

• Plant out only in a region with a mild climate and equally mild winters
• classic wine-growing regions such as B. The Moselle, Baden-Württemberg, Baden or the Palatinate are often suitable
• Regions in which snowy and cold winters are to be expected (Northern Germany, Allgäu) are rather unsuitable
• just special hardy, robust olive varieties plant out
• the soil must be suitable for olives (i.e. H. not a difficult one Clay soil, but a loose, rather sandy soil)
• long hours of sunshine in the region
• Prepare the olive tree properly for winter and protect from frost

In the Kraichgau, between Heidelberg and Karlsruhe, there has been a small, experimental olive grove for several years. Other plantings (e.g. B. near Cologne or in Saxony), on the other hand, froze completely in the severe winters between 2008 and 2010 and were not reforested.

Keeping olives in the garden

Olives need a lot of space: the plant needs a distance of about seven meters from other plantings such as trees, bushes or vegetable and flower beds. The roots spread not only in depth, but also in width and should be kept free from vegetation. You should also ensure very good floor drainage to avoid waterlogging.

Tips & Tricks

If you'd like to keep an olive tree in your garden, get comprehensive help on board. The olive grove in Kraichgau offers numerous tips and on its website advices as well as in-depth background knowledge.