olive tree bonsai

[bunzI]

Hey all!

So after spending a week in Florence, I've decided that I want to try growing an olive tree bonsai (olea). I've been looking at some websites etc., but I was wondering if any of the members here knew of a good place to get an affordable prebonsai.

Thanks!
bunzI

 

[tnaz71]

I would try Ebay, prices are reasonable. Just watch for outrageous shipping charges.

 

[Bill S]

Do you realize that this would not be able to stay outside at your place for the winter?

 

[rockm]

As Bill says, unless you have access to a cold greenhouse (frost-free) in the winter, you might want to think a bit more about this species. It is not Michigan winter-hardy and keeping it in the house during the winter probably isn't a sustainable plan...

 

[Attila Soos]

As Bill says, unless you have access to a cold greenhouse (frost-free) in the winter, you might want to think a bit more about this species. It is not Michigan winter-hardy and keeping it in the house during the winter probably isn't a sustainable plan...

Yes. Michigan is a terrible place for an olive. And growing them indoors is not good either, because they can't get enough light. Your tree will have a slow and steady decline, total waste of time.

 

[bunzI]

hey so yea I was doing some research as well and you're concerns are right. I do have access to an unheated greenhouse for winter storage though, so that was what I was planning to do during the colder months. I should've stated that in the beginning!

 

[Attila Soos]

hey so yea I was doing some research as well and you're concerns are right. I do have access to an unheated greenhouse for winter storage though, so that was what I was planning to do during the colder months. I should've stated that in the beginning!

That can take care of the cold season, but olives also need a long and hot summer, to grow. When it's too cool, they stop growing alltogether, and just languish for months. A couple of months of warm summer may not be enough.

 

[bunzI]

hm good point. i think i'll maybe try it in the green house for a period and outside for a period to try and give it what it needs. if it doesn't work it was worth a try. n e ways, I really just posted this thread to see if people knew some sources for olive bonsai. again, thanks!

 

[Attila Soos]

hm good point. i think i'll maybe try it in the green house for a period and outside for a period to try and give it what it needs. if it doesn't work it was worth a try. n e ways, I really just posted this thread to see if people knew some sources for olive bonsai. again, thanks!

Yes, you will need to keep it in the greenhouse longer than just the winter months. When spring comes, the greenhouse gets warmer than the air outside, so that may help.

 

[AKNicolle]

Sounds like an unheated garage in Illinois wouldn't cut it, either? I'm guessing not, since I lost a Pyracantha and two Chinese Elms in the garage over the years...

 

[Barry]

I have 2 olives that I have kept in a greenhouse (which I keep heated to 34 degrees in the winter) for two years and they are doing well.

 

[Speedy]

Have you tried www.forestfarm.com or www.evergreengardenworks.com ?

Make sure you have something to wipe up the drool.

 

[bunzI]

yea I think i'll go through one of those two. thanks a lot speedy!