The olive tree, also referred to as the “olive tree” in ancient writings such as the Bible, has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region for several thousand years. For this reason, the plant is perfectly adapted to the climatic conditions prevailing there.
What temperatures does the olive tree prefer?
Olive trees prefer temperatures between 30 and 40 °C in summer and 8 to 10 °C in winter. They are hardy to some extent and will tolerate light frosts near freezing. However, long periods of frost should be avoided.
Olives love it warm and sunny
The Mediterranean climate is characterized by long, hot summers and short, mild winters with little frost. In most Mediterranean regions, the sun shines an average of eight to ten hours per day during the summer months, with temperatures between 30 and 40 °C not uncommon. Even in winter, five to six hours of sunshine a day is not unusual. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that olives love it warm and sunny - hot temperatures don't bother them much.
Olives are only partially winter-proof
While heat is not a problem, olives do not thrive at all in freezing temperatures. In winter, the rustic plants prefer temperatures between eight and ten degrees Celsius, although they can also tolerate light frosts around freezing point for a short time. However, olives do not like deep frosts and long periods of frost and should therefore be protected by appropriate measures.
Tips & Tricks
When you prepare your olive tree for winter, reduce the watering slowly. If you suddenly start watering less, the tree will drop its leaves due to lack of water.
