Are you the proud owner of a Mediterranean olive tree? Then of course you want it to last as long as possible and to be protected during the harsh winter months. Therefore, we would like to give you some tips and facts about olive trees in winter. So you dont have to worry about it not surviving the winter and you can enjoy your beautiful tree for longer.
Although most trees can withstand a light frost, in the event of moderate to severe frost your tree definitely needs protection. Read on about how you can best do this and when it is necessary. Do you have a specific question or would you like to know more about our range of olive trees? Then feel free to contact us via [email protected] or (+34) 966 611 878. Our specialists are at your service.
Olive trees are synonymous with the sunny Mediterranean climate, producing their iconic fruit on hot, dry summer days. But what happens when winter arrives and temperatures drop? Can these iconic trees actually survive the cold?
The answer is yes, olive trees can survive winter with the right care and protection. Even in colder climates, olives can thrive if basic precautions are taken In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about overwintering your olive trees, including optimal conditions, cold hardiness, effective protection methods, and suitable varieties.
Olive Tree Winter Hardiness
Olive trees grow best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8-10, where winters are mild. However they can tolerate cooler temperatures of around 15-20°F (-9 to -7°C) for short periods. Prolonged freezing under 15°F can damage or kill the trees. The cold tolerance depends on factors like
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Tree age – Mature trees survive better than younger ones. Trees over 5 years old are most resilient.
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Health – Strong vigorous trees withstand cold better than weakened ones.
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Variety – Some cultivars like Arbequina and Koroneiki are more cold-hardy.
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Conditions – Dry, gradual cold is preferable to wet and sudden freezing.
So in areas with occasional deep freezes, olive trees need special winter protection. But in zones 8 and warmer, they can handle light winter conditions with minimal help.
Protecting Olive Trees from Winter Damage
Here are the best ways to protect your olive trees and help them survive winter:
Site Selection
Choose a warm microclimate sheltered from cold winds. South-facing slopes or areas near buildings retain more heat. Avoid low areas where frost collects.
Mulching
Apply 4-6 inches of organic mulch like straw, leaves, or wood chips around the base to insulate the roots from freezing.
Wrapping
Wrap the canopy in horticultural fleece or plastic to protect from icy winds. Secure it loosely at the base.
Temporary Structures
Build temporary wooden enclosures or tents around small trees for added insulation.
Trunk Wraps
Wrap tree trunks with insulation like pipe wrap or burlap to prevent freeze damage on tender bark.
Moving Potted Trees
Bring potted olives into an unheated garage or greenhouse over winter. Burying pots in mulch also provides insulation.
Suitable Olive Varieties for Colder Climates
Some olive cultivars are better choices if you live in an area with harsh winters:
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Arbequina – The most cold-hardy variety, tolerating temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C). Small trees produce a classic olive oil.
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Koroneiki – Withstands cold to 5°F (-15°C). Used to make intensely flavored Greek olive oil.
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Barnea – Israeli variety hardy to 10°F (-12°C). Produces a fruity, pungent oil.
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Mission – Tolerates light freezes. The variety grown by Spanish missionaries in California.
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Picual – Moderately hardy with excellent cold tolerance once established. High oil content.
Colder Region Success Stories
With proper care, olive trees can survive and even thrive in some surprising climates:
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Northern Texas – Farmers successfully grow Arbequina despite winter lows of 15°F (-9°C) using mulch and south-facing sites.
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Oregon’s Willamette Valley – Olives here endure winter temperatures dropping to the single digits by using frost blankets and windbreaks.
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Northeastern Spain – Harsh winters and occasional snow don’t stop olive production in Catalonia’s rugged terrain. Hardy local varieties resist the cold.
While olive trees prefer warm Mediterranean conditions, they can adapt to survive surprisingly cold winters. Factors like tree health, protection methods, and variety selection all make a difference. With strategic planting and proper care, your olive trees can bear the brunt of winter and live to produce for many years to come. Just provide them shelter from icy winds, insulate vulnerable roots and trunks, and choose cold-tolerant cultivars suitable for your climate. With some preparation and TLC, you can have thriving olive trees even in cold places!
Protecting your olive tree against frost
Most of the olive trees in our range are hardywhich means that they can withstand frost as low as -15 degrees. This applies especially to older olive trees which are in the open ground. For smaller and younger olive trees the temperature is around -5 degrees. If the weather is cold for a long period of time and you want to be on the safe side, it is best to get the right protection. For olive trees in the ground you can use a winter cover. Do open the zip of the cover every now and then to prevent mould. You can also wrap the trunk with a lightning tube or heat cable. During long periods of frost it is best to wrap the trunk in fleece or jute.
Protecting a potted olive tree in winter
If you have an olive tree in a pot or planter, it is best to cover the pot with several layers of bubble wrap. The insulating material will prevent the cold from reaching the roots of the olive tree. If you have to deal with long periods of frost, it is also best to wrap the trunk with fleece or jute and protect the olive tree with a winter cover. Its not wise to leave the cover on the tree all winter, take it off as soon as the temperature is above zero again.
Olive Tree Winter Care. Olive Plant Winter Protection
FAQ
What do you do with an olive tree in the winter?
Over the winter, you’ll want to keep the olive tree cool without freezing, and do not allow it to completely dry out. You could keep it in the garage if your garage has a window for light, or you could put it in the house–a “cool” room with closed heat vents would be best.
What temperature is too cold for an olive tree?
Sudden cold snaps below 20°F can cause damage to young olive trees and new growth.Jan 20, 2025
Should I leave my olive tree outside in winter?
Even though olive trees aren’t cold hardy, they still require a period of cooler weather for 3 months of a year, even if it is just 5° cooler. Only leave it indoors in the coldest nights, or just wrap it with horticultural fleece and put it in a place that gets protected from harsh winds.
Do olive trees come back after a freeze?
Most olive trees won’t survive temperatures of 20°F or below, but if the soil didn’t froze completely (being covered in snow helps) there’s a chance some roots survived and will regrow the plant.
Can olive trees survive winter?
The simple answer is yes! The coldest climate areas where mature olive trees can survive are with temperatures down to 15° F (- 9°C) for a limited time during winter. However, the air must be dry with a cold hit gradually.
Can olive trees resist the Cold?
Plants can learn! It is possible to “teach” an olive tree to resist the cold. However, this requires incremental steps. Getting your olive tree used to the cold is a long process. Most important is to ensure that transitions are slow. This occurs naturally when autumn slowly turns into winter.
Can you grow olive trees in cold weather?
It’s possible to reduce damage by freezing to olive trees by winterizing them. Another solution if your area gets too cold is to grow olive trees in containers, so you can bring them indoors during cold waves. The olive tree grows all along the Mediterranean area, and in modern times has spread to North and South America, Northern Africa, and more.
Can a mature olive tree survive a nighttime frost?
Mature olive trees will not be damaged by nighttime frost as long as it is not accompanied by extreme cold. Established olive trees can survive nighttime frosts followed by above-freezing days. A mature olive tree is not likely to be damaged by frost as long as temperatures do not go below 27℉ (-3℃).
Should I Cover my Olive Tree in winter?
If you can’t move the pot inside, Steve Chilton, garden expert at LeisureBench, recommends protecting your olive tree with a plant cover for winter like horticultural fleece. ‘When there’s particularly cold or frosty weather forecasted, I recommend covering your olive tree in winter with a plant fleece,’ he says.
Do olive trees need protection from frost?
Most varieties of olive trees benefit from protection from frost. This is especially true of young olive trees. A tree that is less than 3 years old can be seriously damaged by a hard frost. If you see that nighttime temperatures will dip below freezing, it’s time to consider protecting your trees.