Olive tree

Hello gardeners,

I thought my olive tree had perished but there are 3 shoots coming up from its base. What do I do with it now? Cut the trunk down? I thought that I might replant it in a smaller container and grow it on and then bring it inside if the weather turns bad. Any advice greatly appreciated.

Chicken.

 

Hello Chicken

I'm no expert on olives but I do have one growing in a container. It has survived several harsh winters outside with no protection at all, so you've been a little unlucky. Still, at least you've now got some nice new shoots!

I'm not sure you'll be able to trade down in container size as I imagine the root system will be quite large by now. Perhaps it would be better to give it a bit of protection in situ next winter. It won't need much - just something to keep the worst of the weather at bay. I have a friend who puts bubble wrap around all her outdoor containers during the winter to protect her plants' roots. You could easily cover the leaves with something like horticultural fleece.

 

Is it shooting from the lower trunk or the rootstock? If from the trunk, cut back to a couple of inches above the shoots. If from the rootstock, cut about 2 to 3 inches above ground level.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. It's shooting from the lower trunk so I'll cut down as suggested and leave it in the sun.

Cheers Chicken