Allotments 4 All
Produce => Non Edible Plants => Topic started by: pumkinlover on January 29, 2023, 16:09:32
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Has anyone bought one of these?
I would like one in a large container I have but they seem to vary from too small (but affordable) or large and very expensive.
Also is there an ethical supply problem? there was some mention of sustainability when I was googling a while ago, obviously don't want something lifted from the environment.
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Olives are basically a cultivated plant, grown from cuttings. I doubt they are being lifted from the wild. There may be an issue with groves being bought up for redevelopment but you could regard your purchase as a rescue then. The biggest threat is a disease (xylella) that is a very big problem on the continent.
I have a couple in deep 12" pots that are about 3' 6" tall - more like bushes than trees, I need to prune them into the right shape really.
I bought them some ten years ago when they were about 12" tall and looking rather sad on the remaindered bench at the garden centre. I couldn't leave them to go into the bin. Just a few quid the pair. They flower and produce a few small olives in hot summers though the blackbirds take them as they ripen.
Yes, something that is more finished will cost you from £50 up to really silly money!
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I saw a large old one in a huge pot at a local Garden Centre , reduced! to £999....
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Also is there an ethical supply problem?
When ever we needed an olive or any exotic for our show gardens. We would insist on a 'plant passport'. Which should have country of origin, growers credentials, etc.