Potted Olive Tree: Care Tips for Its Well-being

Symbol of longevity, light, and peace, the olive tree is an emblematic plant of the Mediterranean. In a pot, it can live for many years, provided that a few simple principles are respected. Here are our tips for planting it in a pot, considering that it appreciates dry soils.

The right pot: choose a terracotta container, pierced at the bottom to ensure good drainage. The models Cycas Lisse, Camellia, Rinceaux, Laurel or Jac are particularly suitable: stable, deep, and breathable. Opt for a pot with a diameter greater than 50 cm for a young tree.

The substrate: use a draining mix, composed mostly of garden soil, potting soil, and sand. Place a layer of clay pebbles or gravel at the bottom of the pot to prevent excess water.

Exposure: the olive tree loves full sun. Place it in a well-exposed spot, sheltered from cold winds. In winter, it can withstand frost down to -5/-8°C, but in a pot, its roots are more vulnerable: protect them with a winter fleece or bring the pot indoors if necessary.

Watering: moderate! Water every 10 to 15 days in summer (more if it's very hot), almost none in winter. Allow the soil to dry well between waterings.

Pruning: light, once a year in spring. Remove dead wood and thin out the center of the tree.

Fertilizer: in spring and summer, an application of organic fertilizer will promote good growth.

Citrus in pots: tips for keeping them healthy

Growing a citrus in a pot is like bringing the freshness of the South, winter scents, and the beauty of shiny foliage into your daily life. Lemon tree, orange tree, kumquat, or calamondin... all citrus like being grown in pots, provided that a few essential rules are followed.

The right pot: choose a pot in natural terracotta, which promotes root aeration. The Pot Cycas Lisse, the Pot Laurel, the Jasmine collection or Rinceaux which give an Italian flair, are perfect for their stability and nice depth. Plan for a diameter of at least 45 to 60 cm, and especially, a drainage hole at the bottom.

The substrate: citrus are demanding. Use a specific "citrus" mix or make your own: rich potting soil, light garden soil, sand, and well-ripened compost. Always place a draining layer (gravel, clay pebbles) at the bottom.

Exposure: citrus love full sun and warmth, sheltered from drafts. Ideally, a south or southeast-facing terrace. In winter, protect them from frost (a light frost-free shelter or winter fleece if the temperature drops below 0°C).

Watering: regular in summer (twice a week), reduced in winter. The soil should remain slightly moist but never soggy. Always empty the saucer after watering.

Pruning: prune lightly after fruiting to maintain a balanced shape. Remove dead wood and crossing branches.

Fertilizer: from March to September, a special citrus fertilizer every 15 days will promote blooming and fruiting.