Can You Plant Olive Trees in Winter? (UK Guide)
Many UK gardeners ask the same question: “Can you plant olive trees in winter?” The answer is yes — in certain parts of the country. Olive trees are evergreen, drought-tolerant, and surprisingly hardy. With the right conditions and care, you can successfully plant them in winter and enjoy their Mediterranean charm for years to come.
Where in the UK Can You Plant Olive Trees in Winter?
If you live in a mild region such as the South of England, East Anglia, or coastal areas, winter planting is entirely possible. In these climates, the soil rarely freezes, allowing olive trees to establish their roots even during colder months.
However, in Northern England, Scotland, or frost-prone inland valleys, it’s best to wait until spring. Prolonged freezes can damage young roots before they’ve had time to establish, putting your new tree under unnecessary stress.
Why Winter Planting Works in Mild Areas
Even in winter, soil in the South of the UK often holds residual warmth from autumn. This helps new olive trees form root systems before spring growth begins. By planting in winter, you give your tree a head start: by the time warmer weather arrives, it will already be established and ready to thrive.
Tips for Planting Olive Trees in Winter
🌿 Choose a sheltered, sunny spot – South-facing walls or courtyards are perfect.
🌿 Protect from strong winds – use fencing or nearby planting to reduce wind chill.
🌿 Mulch well – add bark or gravel at the base to insulate roots.
🌿 Use fleece for young trees – wrap the crown if hard frosts are forecast.
🌿 Check drainage – olives hate sitting in waterlogged soil, especially in winter.
Which Olive Trees to Plant Now?
At The Norfolk Olive Tree Company, we hand-select hardy, authentic Tuscan and Spanish varieties ideal for UK gardens.
- Leccino Olive Tree – One of the hardiest olives, perfect for mild southern gardens.
- Frantoio Olive Tree – Upright and elegant, thrives when paired with Leccino.
- Olive Grove Bundle – A trio of complementary varieties, ideal for creating your own mini-olive grove.
- Mature & Ancient Olive Trees – Larger specimens with established root systems, robust enough to handle winter planting.
Each tree is hardy to around –15°C once established, making them reliable choices for year-round planting in the right conditions.
The Human Touch: Hand-Selected in Tuscany
Every tree we sell has been personally chosen by our family during visits to our trusted growers in Tuscany and Spain. We look for character, health, and form so that your olive tree not only thrives but also brings timeless Mediterranean style to your garden from day one.
Final Thoughts
Yes — you can plant olive trees in winter in the UK, but only in mild regions where the soil doesn’t freeze. With the right care, protection, and choice of variety, winter planting allows your olive tree to establish early and flourish when spring arrives.
If you’re in Northern England or colder areas, we recommend waiting until spring for the best results.
Either way, an olive tree is an investment in beauty, resilience, and a slice of the Mediterranean that lasts for generations.
FAQs
Can olive trees survive UK winters?
Yes. Once established, olive trees are hardy down to around –15°C. Young trees may need fleece protection during severe cold spells.
Is it safe to plant olive trees in December or January?
Yes, in mild parts of the UK where the soil doesn’t freeze. In colder regions, wait until spring.
Do olive trees need special soil in winter?
They need well-draining soil year-round. In winter, free-draining soil is especially important to avoid root rot.
Which olive trees are best for UK gardens?
Hardy Tuscan varieties like Leccino and Frantoio are excellent choices. Arbequina also adapts well to pots in sheltered areas.
Can I grow an olive tree in a pot through winter?
Yes. Container-grown olives should be raised on pot feet for drainage and moved to a sheltered position in severe weather.
