When to Plant an Olive Tree?

When can you plant an olive tree in open ground?

Planting an olive tree in your garden sounds like the perfect blend of southern charm and Flemish stubbornness. But it does require the right timing. The best time to plant an olive tree in the ground is from April to June. Then the risk of night frost is minimal, the soil has warmed up, and your tree gets a gentle start.

Ideally, choose a day when the sun isn't shining brightly and it's slightly cloudy, or even raining. The combination of moist air and no direct sunlight prevents the young roots from drying out. So avoid bone-dry days or extreme heat. Do you have a greenhouse? Then you can start a few weeks earlier, even as early as March, as long as the indoor temperature remains consistently above 10°C and it's not too humid.

How do you plant an olive tree correctly in open ground?

It's best to start with a well-dug planting hole about twice as wide as the root ball. Ensure well-draining soil, as wet feet aren't exactly your olive tree's favorite holiday feeling. Add some pumice or hydroponic stones, such as these from De Plantrekkers, for better drainage.

Then, place the olive tree in the hole and fill it with a mix of potting soil and some compost. Press it down firmly and water immediately, even if it just rains. Want to give your tree an extra boost? Add perlite to your mix to loosen the soil. This gives the roots room to breathe.

Planting an olive tree in a greenhouse: when and how?

In a greenhouse, you naturally have more control. You can plant your olive tree as early as March, as long as nighttime temperatures don't drop below 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. Ideally, choose a day when the indoor temperature remains stable, without extreme fluctuations. Don't place the tree in full sun right away; let it gradually acclimate to the light by first providing additional shade, for example, with a sheet or shade cloth.

The same advice applies to the soil inside the greenhouse: airiness and drainage are essential. Combine regular potting soil with an airy addition like coconut husk or vermiculite to better regulate moisture. An olive tree likes it dry between its toes.

Where in the garden is the best place to place your olive tree?

Olive trees are natural sun worshippers. So choose a spot where they'll get at least six hours of sun a day and are sheltered from the cold northeasterly wind. Consider a south-facing wall or a corner of your garden where the heat is retained. This way, you can also benefit from a natural buffer against the cold during the colder months.

Tip: If you have a smaller garden, you can also choose to keep your tree in a pot initially. This way, you can easily move it as the weather changes. You're sure to find something suitable in our range of pots .

What about frost and winter protection?

Although olive trees can handle some conditions, they aren't completely winter-hardy in Belgium. Young specimens, in particular, are sensitive to frost. After planting in the open ground, it's important to provide protection in temperatures below -5°C. This can be easily achieved with fleece or a special winter cover.

A layer of peat moss mulch around the trunk also helps protect the roots from deep frost. However, make sure this layer doesn't touch the trunk to prevent mold growth.

Alternatives for pots? You can also go southern

If open ground or a greenhouse aren't an option, there are plenty of attractive alternatives that can give you that Mediterranean feel indoors. Consider, for example, a Ficus Elastica 'Tineke' with its striking leaves, or the Yucca , which also thrives in plenty of light and minimal watering.

Or how about a Ficus Lyrata ? It's called the fiddle-leaf plant for a reason, and it instantly brings jungle vibes to your living room. And for those who are truly short on time: the ZZ plant can survive practically anything, even your forgetfulness.

Summary: When to plant an olive tree?

• Best time for open ground: April to June
• In the greenhouse: possible from March at temperatures above 10°C
• Choose a day with cloudy/changeable weather, no full sun or dry wind
• Avoid wet clay soil, improve if necessary with the appropriate potting soil additions
• Don't forget to protect your tree in winter!

With the tips above, it's perfectly possible to make that Mediterranean dream a reality in your garden or conservatory. And if you have any questions or are still looking for plant companions for your olive tree, browse our collection of green friends page .