Oil trees - or olive trees - have been at home in the Mediterranean region for thousands of years and are perfectly adapted to the prevailing climate there. The gnarled, very impressive trees need a dry and sunny climate, which should neither be permanently hot nor frosty.
Which location is best for an olive tree?
The ideal location for an olive tree is sunny and dry, with consistent weather without extreme temperature fluctuations. Olive trees prefer locations without high humidity and moisture, but in some cases they can also tolerate partially shaded places.
Olive trees love constant weather
It is no coincidence that olives do not thrive in tropical and subtropical areas, despite numerous attempts to the contrary. Firstly, it is too hot for them there and secondly, it is far too humid. The undemanding plants tolerate moisture and high humidity poorly. Even larger plantations north of the Mediterranean have so far only been able to last for a few years. Olive groves in Germany, for example, froze during harsh winter periods. Olives are not sensitive to frost per se; their resistance to cold depends on the variety. Some olive varieties tolerate cold better than others, but all of them need to be protected from drastic cold snaps and constant temperature fluctuations. Olives love constant weather without too much difference between day and night.
The more sun the better
The sunnier the location of the olive tree, the better it will develop. As a rule, however, olive trees also accept partially shaded locations. However, you should make sure that the tree is as free as possible and that the roots are not overgrown, for example by creeping plants or other plants.
Tips & Tricks
For olive trees kept in your apartment or greenhouse, make sure that they have as sunny a place as possible. The olive responds to a lack of light by shedding more leaves.