Topic: young olive "tree"

[gwynnethmary]

Hi!
we have been given a young olive in a pot that has been been grown from seed.  It is now about one metre tall but only has a couple of side shoots about half-way up the main stem. I have several questions...

Where indoors should we keep it?(presuming the garden would be too cold-it's been indoors on a window sill for about three years)
Can it grow indefinitely in a container as we don't have a suitable garden for a tree?
Can we prune it to try and achieve more side branches, and if so, when?

[Linnea]

Can't advise on the pruning but Yes they seem to grow happily in pots. just re-pot into larger ones as it outgrows the smaller one.
If it's always been inside the house then keep it inside for now. away from drafts (so not directly infront of a window) but in as sunny a spot as possible.

[Ian Pearson]

I have an olive tree planted outdoors on the allotment. It's about 6ft tall, and has produced a few olives for the last couple of years. It's been subjected to at least -10°C without any signs of harm.
I don't do any formal pruning - just snip back any branches that are in the way. I tend to do this in winter.

[gwynnethmary]

Are you somewhere sheltered?  I googled how to grow them and for pruning it seems that mid-spring is the favoured time, but if it works for you.........

[ceres]

Same as Ian except mine is in a pot and has survived freezing temps, snow etc. with no protection and it produces a few olives.  I don't formally prune either - just snip off  anything straying or looking untidy.

[gwynnethmary]

This all sounds very encouraging.....