Olive tree

[chattykathy]

I've bought two lovely 'standard' olive trees in pots from Aldi today - only £15 each!
Now all I need to know is where to put them while the weather is still cold. I plan to put them on my south facing patio in the summer but I'm worried the frost will kill them off in winter.
TIA

[DaisyNonna]

Mine has come through the winter so far, but I do live on the south coast. Yes we had quite a lot of snow here. Tremendous winds, olive in a pot got blown over a few times but still thriving.

[Buenchico]

A certain amount of cold weather is good for olive trees!
Quote 1:
"In order to initiate flowers and fruit, olive trees need a two-month period of cold weather (with temperatures below 10°C (50°F). They also need a fluctuation between day and night time temperatures. Plants kept indoors are therefore unlikely to flower".

Further, a mild frost is unlikely to do them any harm.
Quote 2:
"Olives are not entirely hardy in the UK, and will be damaged by temperatures below -10C (14F)".

Source (the Royal Horticultural Society, who ought to know what they're talking about!):
http://apps.rhs.org.u.../profile.aspx?pid=138

Chris

[chattykathy]

Thank you, both! I'll be brave and put them outside tomorrow and why didn't I think of the RHS??
Cheers!

[jomifl]

olive trees can tolerate sub zero temperatures but they don't like cold and wet so in the winter make sure the soil does not get waterlogged.

[AlBags]

Keep under porch or similar .. that will help.
Otherwise, like Bay .. burned leaves.