How to Grow Olive Trees in Small Spaces (Even on a Balcony!)

I know how frustrating it can be to want an olive tree to improve your yard, balcony, or home but feel like you just don’t have the space.

Olive trees are perfect for landscaping, but if your space is tight, it’s easy to think they’re out of reach.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a large garden to enjoy the beauty of an olive tree. I’ve learned that with the right dwarf, fruitless olive tree varieties, you can create stunning landscapes even in small spaces.

If you want to add some greenery to your patio, spruce up a balcony, or create a focal point in a small yard, there’s a way to make it work.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to grow olive trees, no matter how limited your space is.

Full-Sized Olive Trees Aren’t the Best Idea for Small Spaces

Full-sized olive trees can grow much larger than many people realize. These trees typically reach around 20 feet (6 meters) in height, but they can spread just as wide. In ideal conditions, some olive trees may even grow up to 35 or 50 feet (10 to 15 meters) tall.

You can find more details on olive tree heights in my full guide here.

While it’s possible to keep full-sized varieties like Arbequina or Koroneiki smaller by growing them in pots, the conditions won’t be ideal. These trees are naturally larger, and confined spaces can lead to poor canopy (treetop) development.

Eventually, your tree may struggle because it needs a bigger pot or to be planted in the ground, and if you don’t have that extra space, the tree could stop thriving—or even start dying.

Dwarf Olive Trees Are the Ideal Choice for Small Spaces

Dwarf olive trees are perfect for small spaces, typically reaching up to 10 feet (3 meters) in height and about 6 feet (1.8 meters) in width.

However, with regular pruning, you can keep them even smaller, making them ideal for patios, balconies, or as indoor decor where you’re limited with space.

Some varieties, like Little Ollie, naturally stay smaller (around 8 feet), while others may grow taller if not maintained properly. You can even prune them to stay as small as 1 foot if shaping them into bonsai.

The Most Popular Dwarf Olive Tree Varieties for Small Spaces

From my experience, two of the best dwarf olive trees for small spaces are Little Ollie and Montra, especially if you’re looking for compact, fruitless varieties that thrive in tight areas.

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• Little Ollie: This variety grows up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and wide, making it perfect for patios or small yards. It has dense, bushy foliage, thrives in full sun, and is easy to maintain. Learn more about Little Ollie here.

• Montra (Little Olive): A compact, multi-stemmed, sterile dwarf variety that reaches 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) tall and wide. It’s highly drought-tolerant, thrives in full sun, and can be pruned into a rounded shape. Find more details here.

Both trees are perfect for landscaping in small spaces, providing Mediterranean beauty without the mess of fruit.

How Much Space You’ll Actually Need

Even though dwarf olive trees are compact, they still need a bit of room to thrive. I recommend allowing at least 3 feet (1 meter) in width and around 5 feet (1.5 meters) in height.

This gives the tree enough space to develop its canopy without feeling crowded.

If space is tight, proper pruning can help maintain a smaller size. However, the more space you can provide, the better.

Olive trees don’t like being pushed directly against walls or squeezed by other plants.

Caring for Dwarf Olive Trees in Small Spaces

Here are simple tips and tricks that will help you care for dwarf olive trees once you finally plant them in your smaller yard or use pots on the balcony or interior.

1. Sunlight Requirements

Dwarf olive trees, like their full-sized counterparts, thrive in Mediterranean-like climates with plenty of sun. They perform best in USDA zones 8-11, preferring hot summers and mild winters.

For optimal growth, aim to give your tree at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, though 8+ hours is ideal. If your tree is indoors or in a shaded spot, consider relocating it to maximize sun exposure.

The more sunlight, the healthier and more vibrant your olive tree will be.

2. Watering Tips

Young dwarf olive trees need a bit more attention when it comes to watering. In the summer, water them twice a week, and in the winter, reduce it to once every two weeks.

Once they mature (about 3 years old), you can ease up—watering twice a month in summer and once a month in winter is enough, as they get moisture from rain.

If you’re growing them indoors, stick to watering once every two weeks year-round, regardless of the season.

3. Fertilization and Soil Requirements

To keep dwarf olive trees healthy and growing strong, regular fertilization is essential. I recommend applying fertilizer twice a year—once in spring to support new growth and again in mid-summer to maintain vigor through the hotter months.

Organic fertilizers are ideal because they enrich the soil without the use of harsh chemicals.

If you’re growing your tree indoors, a cactus potting mix can provide a good balance of drainage and moisture retention. For even better results, consider using a specialized olive tree soil mix (check above).

Dwarf olive trees also prefer a sandy-loamy soil, which provides excellent drainage without retaining too much water near the surface. This type of soil prevents root rot while allowing roots to access necessary nutrients deeper down.

4. Pruning for Small Spaces

Pruning is essential for maintaining dwarf olive trees, especially when space is limited. Proper pruning keeps your tree compact, making it ideal for patios, balconies, or tight garden areas. The goal is to shape your tree so it fits your landscape without taking up too much space.

Using the right tools for pruning ensures precise cuts, helping your tree thrive in small spaces.

5. Potting and repotting considerations

For dwarf olive trees, repotting is best done every 2-3 years (compared to 3-4 years for standard varieties). This ensures the tree gets fresh soil and adequate room for root development.

I recommend using natural containers like terracotta, ceramic, or wood, which promote better airflow and are more environmentally friendly than plastic.

For a detailed potting guide, check out my article here.