Olive Trees In Pots Nz

Potted olive tree key facts.

Olive trees in pots nz. Olive trees have been cultivated for more than 5000 years in the mediterranean. Potted olive trees are a great idea to decorate a terrace or balcony. Name olea europea family oleaceae type fruit tree. In new zealand our oldest trees date back to the 1830s when charles darwin observed them growing at waimate north.

Olives are relatively hardy to pests and diseases. Plastic containers retain more water which can be deadly for an. These wind salt and frost hardy trees will grow almost anywhere in new zealand. Olives pollinate by wind from trees located within 20 30m so it is ideal to plant at least one other variety to help.

The olive is not only a highly regarded feature tree in new zealand landscape schemes it is now becoming an important horticulture crop for both the fruits and high quality virgin olive oil. When selecting a container opt for clay or wood. Olive trees like extremely well draining rocky soil. Salty tangy olives served with falafel and hummus as a tapenade on bruschetta pizza is not the same without them and they are even perfect just straight from the jar.

Top 5 fruit trees for pots. Both sir george grey and logan campbell were responsible for planting large numbers of olive trees in new zealand from about 1860 onwards. Pruning an olive tree while it is in bloom allows you to assess the probable crop before you trim. The best time to start growing olive trees in containers is spring after all threat of frost has passed.

Growing fruit trees for pots also allows those who live in the colder areas of the country to enjoy citrus and other subtropicals by moving the plants under cover or inside during winter. Olive trees will grow well in most areas of new zealand as long as the right variety is selected for the climate conditions. Growing fruit trees for pots is becoming popular particularly as more of us are living on smaller sections and in apartments. Plant your tree in a mix of potting soil and perlite or small rocks.

A lot of the olive varieties need to be pollinated with a different variety. Olive trees show a marked preference for calcareous soils flourishing best on limestone slopes and crags and coastal climate conditions. These heavy soils also tend to hold trace elements better than many of new zealand s lighter soils so trace element requirements need to be considered on a site by site basis in new zealand. You can prune olive trees in spring or in early summer once the tree begins to open its flower buds.

It almost doesn t matter where you live. Height 3 to 10 feet 1 to 3 m exposure full sun soil soil mix. Foliage evergreen harvest september to december.