Mediterranean olive trees are no longer a rare sight in Germany either. In most cases, olives in this country are kept in buckets because they are then transportable and can be wintered more easily. In mild regions, olive trees can also be planted directly in the garden.
Can you plant an olive tree in the garden?
An olive tree can be planted in the garden in mild regions of Germany, such as wine-growing regions. Hardy olive varieties, loose, sandy soil, sufficient sunshine and frost protection in winter are crucial for the successful growth of the tree.
Pot keeping is usually recommended
From its homeland, the olive tree has been used to a mild and sunny climate for thousands of years. However, since it is still a very robust and easy-care plant - in contrast to many tropical plants such as the avocado - its cultivation in Germany is not a problem. The only problem is the species-appropriate overwintering of the olive tree, because it does not like a warm resting place still low temperatures below zero. For this reason, the Mediterranean plant is usually kept in a pot so that it can be moved to a more favorable location when the weather is too bad or cold.
Planting an olive tree in the garden is possible?
In some regions of Germany, however, it is also possible to plant olive trees directly in the garden. To ensure that this venture is successful and the tree does not die after a short time, you should note the following points:
- Plant only in a region with a mild climate and mild winters
- classic wine-growing regions such as. B. Moselle, Baden-Württemberg, Baden or the Palatinate are often suitable
- Regions where snowy and cold winters are expected (Northern Germany, Allgäu) are rather unsuitable
- only plant particularly winter-hardy, robust olive varieties
- the soil must be suitable for olives (i.e. not heavy clay soil, but a loose, rather sandy soil)
- long duration of sunshine in the region
- Prepare the olive tree properly for the winter and protect it from frost
In Kraichgau, between Heidelberg and Karlsruhe, there has been a small, experimental olive grove for several years. Other plantations (e.g. near Cologne or in Saxony), however, completely froze to death in the harsh 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 around seven meters from other plants 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 of growth. You should also ensure very good soil drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Tips & Tricks
If you would like to keep an olive tree in your garden, get comprehensive help on board. The olive grove in Kraichgau offers numerous tips and advice as well as in-depth background knowledge on its website.