Olive Tree - A Tree with Soul

In short: Grow an olive tree in a deep pot with light, sandy, well-drained soil, such as substrate mixed 1:1 with sand or expanded clay, and water only when the leaves slightly wilt. The olive tree is not frost-resistant, so overwinter it in a bright spot at around 15 °C. Trees over 5 years old tolerate frost down to -10 °C.

Olive Tree - A Tree with Soul

The olive tree (lat. Olea) belongs to the evergreen trees and shrubs from the Oleaceae family. It is classified among higher dicotyledonous plants. There are only a few species of olive trees in the world, approximately 40. In Australia and the Canary Islands, there is only one unique native species that does not exist anywhere else in the world. In China, about 12 species of olive tree grow. In Madagascar, 4 species.

Olive trees prefer sandy substrate. Light, well-permeable soil. You can mix the substrate in a 1:1 ratio with sand or expanded clay. The drainage layer can consist of pebbles, stones or expanded clay. Choose a deeper/taller pot.

Olive trees are not demanding when it comes to watering. Water only when the tree has slightly wilted leaves. Never overwater the olive tree. The olive tree can tolerate drought. Even from dried stumps, new branches often sprout. When growing in a pot, don't underestimate watering - it can dry out very quickly. In nature, the roots can draw moisture from groundwater. In a pot, provide watering into a saucer.

Olive trees bloom for about one week in early summer. They can have countless small flowers that don't have a pleasant fragrance.

Olive Tree as Bonsai

Olive trees are suitable for shaping as bonsai. They have interesting shapes. Twisted trunks and silvery-green leaves immediately look like a hundred-year-old bonsai. With an olive tree, you have a great aged appearance guaranteed very quickly.

Even if you don't want to make a bonsai from your olive tree, it needs to be shaped. The plant grows very quickly at first. With proper crown shaping and pruning of shading branches, you'll achieve the desired effect. The olive tree will thus have a good foundation for its growth.

Olive Tree and Frost Resistance

The olive tree is not frost-resistant. Plant it in portable deep containers on wheels. Olive trees don't tolerate being moved from place to place well. They overwinter at temperatures around 15°C. Find them a spot in a winter garden or on a sunny terrace. They are also suitable for growing in greenhouses. We recommend a sunny and sheltered corner where they can also overwinter. Olive trees are not an ideal plant for dry apartment blocks. They could thrive well on a sunny balcony.

Olive trees can withstand frost down to -10°C. This applies to trees older than 5 years. However, their branches will get frost damage and may not recover in spring. Definitely don't expose the tree to frost unnecessarily!

Olive trees are trees that will remind you of holidays. Grow them and shape them according to your preferences. You don't have to shape them only as bonsai. It's possible to shape, for example, a crown on a longer stem. The highest quality olive oil is extra virgin olive oil cold-pressed. It is valued not only for its taste properties but also for its other uses. We recommend preparing dishes with olive oil for children - olive oil has a good influence on bone development and growth.

Uses of Olive Trees

Olives and olive oil are among the essential components of a healthy diet. Pitted olives are pressed into juice, which is separated into water and oil by centrifugal force. The oil is cold-pressed and contains 80% unsaturated fatty acids.

Dishes that include olive oil help with good digestion and support overall body function. They improve mental well-being and promote positive thinking. Substances contained in olive oil - antioxidants - reduce the risk of heart and cancer diseases. It is also generally known that nations around the Mediterranean suffer from these diseases less.

Olive oil does not contain cholesterol. Unsaturated fatty acids in olive oil can reduce blood cholesterol levels. One teaspoon of olive oil daily is a remedy.

Recommendation: Always carefully read the information on the olive oil packaging about how it was processed and the country of origin. The bottle should be tinted, as sunlight reduces the quality of the oil. Olive oil has a shelf life of 18 months. Choose olive oil according to taste and aroma. According to the sunny country where you spent your holiday. The dishes you prepare will remind you of your vacation.

Olive wood has wide uses. It is used for making wooden utensils - bowls, mortars... Wooden floors are also made from it, which will enchant you with their unique design. Olive wood from the African olive tree is very hard and can be used for carpentry elements in the construction of houses and bridges.

Have you been longing to grow an olive tree? Do you cover plants with textile for winter?

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Author: Hana Michalíková