Olive Tree in a Pot: Which Pot to Choose and Overwinter It
Which pot suits an olive tree in a pot? Choose frost resistant pottery with drainage: practical advice on size, material and overwintering outdoors.
An olive tree in a pot does best in a frost resistant pot with a drainage hole that is clearly larger than the root ball, so the roots have room and excess water can drain away.
What kind of pot does a potted olive tree need?
Olive trees naturally grow in dry, free draining soil, which means the pot needs to let moisture escape rather than hold onto it. A drainage hole is not optional: without one the root ball stays soggy and the tree risks root rot. Choose a pot that is clearly wider than the root ball, with room for a few years of growth, so you are not repotting every season.
- Drainage hole: essential, otherwise the root ball stays waterlogged after rain or watering.
- Size: allow a few centimetres of space around the root ball, plus room to grow.
- Material: terracotta and pottery breathe, plastic holds moisture much longer.
- Weight: a heavier pot gives a mature olive tree more stability against wind.
Can a potted olive tree stay outside over winter?
Olive trees tolerate a few degrees of frost, but the pot itself is often the vulnerable part: not every terracotta pot is frost resistant, and moisture that freezes inside the wall can cause it to crack. If you want the tree to stay outdoors year round, choose a frost resistant pot with a drainage hole. For the practical steps to bring such a pot through winter safely, see our article on how to overwinter a mosaic pot without damage. During a stretch of hard frost, check current minimum temperatures with the
Dutch national weather service KNMI so you can decide in time whether the tree needs temporary shelter.
What pot size suits an olive tree?
A young olive tree is fine in a compact pot, but a mature one needs more volume and a stable base. Our collection ranges from compact bowls to amphorae of around 120 centimetres, enough choice to grow along with the tree. If you are unsure about sizing, our article on how to choose the right plant pot size covers rules of thumb that apply just as well to a potted olive tree.
Terracotta or glaze: which is better for an olive tree?
Terracotta and pottery are naturally porous: they breathe and let moisture evaporate faster than a smooth glazed pot or a plastic one. For an olive tree, which does not like wet feet, that is an advantage. Our pots are handmade, with tesserae, hand cut pieces of glass mosaic, laid and grouted one by one, inspired by the Egyptian mosaic tradition. No two pieces are identical, and small colour variation is a mark of handwork rather than a flaw. Curious how that process works? Read about the craft behind a handmade mosaic pot.
Custom sizing for a large olive tree pot
Want to give an olive tree a prominent spot by the entrance or on the terrace? A custom piece is possible, in the colour, shape and size you want, with a company logo worked into the mosaic if you like. A custom piece typically takes six to ten weeks from approval to delivery, with progress photos along the way. The collection starts at around €135, and a no obligation quote for a larger or custom size arrives within two working days. Browse the collection of pots and vases for the standard sizes available, or request a free quote for something custom made.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best pot for a potted olive tree?
Choose a frost resistant pot with a drainage hole, clearly wider than the root ball. Terracotta or pottery breathes and lets moisture evaporate faster than plastic, which suits the dry soil an olive tree naturally grows in. A heavier pot also gives a mature tree more stability against wind.
Can my potted olive tree overwinter outside?
Yes, as long as the pot is frost resistant and has a drainage hole, so moisture does not sit in the wall and freeze. During prolonged hard frost, a sheltered spot against a wall or temporary cover is a good idea. Our article on overwintering mosaic pots covers the practical steps.
How often should I water a potted olive tree?
Less often than you might think: olive trees handle drought better than wet feet. Let the top layer of potting soil dry out between waterings, and always make sure there is a drainage hole, so excess water runs off instead of sitting around the roots.
An olive tree in a handmade mosaic pot from Masr Potten & Vazen combines practical protection with a piece of Egyptian craft that is never quite the same twice. Not sure about size, colour or a custom option? Feel free to request a free, no obligation quote.
