Can You Grow Olive Trees Indoors or in Pots?

Olive trees are traditionally seen as hardy outdoor plants, but many gardeners wonder if they can be successfully grown in pots or even kept indoors. The answer is yes — with the right care, olive trees thrive in containers, making them suitable for balconies, patios, courtyards, and temporary indoor display. However, their light, soil, and nutrition needs must be carefully managed to ensure long-term success.

Growing olives in pots is a popular choice for Australian gardeners with limited space. Container-grown olive trees remain more compact, can be moved to follow sunlight, and are easier to protect from frost or extreme weather. Indoors, they can be kept as ornamental plants for part of the year, but it’s important to remember that olive trees need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight to remain healthy and productive. Without adequate light, indoor olive trees may survive but rarely fruit.

By providing the correct container, soil, watering schedule, and fertiliser, olives can be just as productive in pots as they are in the ground. This makes them ideal for urban growers, renters, or those seeking a stylish Mediterranean touch in small gardens.

535876044_17890354452321858_3945429411610606218_n (1)

521842425_18066299906153161_4570499868725622081_n (1)

How to Grow Olive Trees in Pots Successfully

Choose the Right Container: Start with a large pot, at least 40–60 cm in diameter, with good drainage holes. Terracotta or ceramic pots are preferred for breathability.
Soil: Use a free-draining mix with sand or perlite added. Avoid heavy, water-retentive garden soil that leads to root rot.
Position: Place pots in full sun outdoors — balconies, patios, and courtyards are perfect. Indoors, keep them near a north-facing window or supplement with grow lights.
Watering: Water deeply but infrequently. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering is the main cause of failure in container olives.
Fertilising: Container-grown olives need more frequent feeding as nutrients leach from the soil. Use Complete Grow NPK 20-20-20 every 3–4 weeks during spring and summer to promote strong growth and fruiting.
Pruning: Light pruning keeps the tree compact and encourages airflow, reducing the risk of fungal issues.

With the right container and care, olives adapt well to pot culture and can still produce high-quality fruit. Their manageable size also makes them easier to move indoors for protection during frosty winters in cooler regions.

523426736_18471986230075197_2627598866204468041_n (1)

535294461_18284485120257838_1926463262091564804_n (1)

FAQs About Growing Olive Trees in Pots or Indoors

Can olive trees be grown indoors year-round?
Not ideally. They can be kept indoors temporarily but require full sun outdoors for long-term health and fruit production.

Do potted olive trees produce fruit?
Yes, with enough sunlight and regular feeding. Expect smaller yields than in-ground trees, but container olives can still provide usable harvests.

How long can olive trees live in pots?
With good care and regular repotting every 5–7 years, olive trees can live for decades in containers.

What fertiliser is best for potted olive trees?
Use a balanced feed like Complete Grow 20-20-20 Liquid or Powder every few weeks during the growing season to replenish nutrients lost through watering.