Olive trees are known for their Mediterranean flair, and many gardeners dream of cultivating their own olive tree – even in regions where winter are colder. With the right varieties and some preparations, this is actually also possible in Germany.
What distinguishes hardy olive trees?
Hardy olive trees are better prepared for temperatures below freezing than classic olive varieties. While many olive types are damaged at -5 ° C at temperatures, there are special varieties that can withstand up to -10 ° C or even -12 ° C. Such olive trees usually have a denser leaf structure and are built somewhat more compact, which protects them against cold winds and frost. However, it should be noted that long -lasting strong frost periods can also harm the plants.
Popular varieties for colder regions
The choice of variety is crucial. Here are some of the tried and tested olive varieties that also thrive well in our latitudes.
BEquine: This Spanish variety comes from Catalonia and is known for its resistance. Arbequina olive trees are relatively small and compact and can withstand temperatures up to about -10 ° C. They are well suited for small gardens or planting in the bucket.
Leccino: The Italian variety Leccino comes from Tuscany and is particularly robust. It is about -12 ° C Frosthart and can grow well in somewhat colder regions.
Picual: Is one of the most robust types of olive from Spain and is mainly grown in Andalusia. It is hardy up to about -10 ° C and resistant to many diseases.
Cornicabra: This Spanish variety is also frost -resistant and can survive temperatures up to about -12 ° C.
Find the optimal location in the garden
The location plays a central role in the frost hardness of an olive tree. Ideal is a place that gets as much sun as possible and is also protected from cold wind. A protected corner near a wall that stores heat during the day and releases it again can be advantageous. A slightly increased area is also cheap, as the cold air accumulates less.
In very cold regions, it is often advisable to keep olive trees in large buckets. In this way, the plants can be brought more easily to a protected place in winter if the temperatures fall too much.
The correct preparation of the soil
Olive trees prefer a permeable soil. Waterlogging should be avoided because it damages the roots and can affect the plant's frost resistance. It is advisable to mix some sand or gravel to improve drainage. A loose floor makes the roots breathe better and ensures that water can flow well.
Before planting, it can make sense to put some compost or organic fertilizer in the plant hole. This ensures a good nutrient basis and promotes the growth of the tree.
You should consider that in winter
Hardy olive trees also benefit from additional protection if the temperatures drop below freezing. Preparations should be made, especially for young plants or in the first winters after planting:
Mulch
A thick layer of mulch around the trunk protects the roots and prevents the soil from cooling too quickly. Bark mulch, leaves or straw is suitable for this. However, make sure that the mulch is not directly on the trunk to avoid fungal attack.
Frostschutzvlies
A breathable fleece that is loosely wrapped around the tree can protect the tree from icy winds and offer slight insulation. It is important that the fleece is not too tight and the plant can still “breathe” and dry, otherwise it will be susceptible to fungal diseases.
Jute bags around the trunk
Jute bags are a simple but effective method to protect the tribe of young olive trees from cold damage. Especially at very low temperatures, the Jute Guide prevents frost through the sensitive bark.
Protect trees in the bucket
It is particularly important for olive trees in the bucket to protect the roots from frost, since they are more sensitive to the cold than growing roots in the ground. In the event of strong frost, these plants should be brought to a cool but frost -free place – an unheated winter garden or a garage is ideal. Alternatively, the bucket can be wrapped with insulating materials such as air cub film.
Care during the winter months
Olive trees also need some water in winter. Long dry periods weaken the plants and make them more susceptible to frost damage. On frost -free days, the plants should therefore be poured occasionally, although waterlogging should be avoided.
Fertilize
A potassium -containing winter protection fertilizer strengthens the cells and improves the frost resistance of the plant. In spring, the trees can then be supported with a fertilizer -rich fertilizer to stimulate the new shoot.
