Arbequina Olive Tree

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

15-30 Feet

Mature Spread

15-30 Feet

Growing Zones

8 to 10

Arbequina Olive Tree produces early, oil-rich olives on a compact tree, reaching 12–20 feet tall and roughly 12–15 feet wide in the ground. Its silvery green leaves look good even when it’s not fruiting. The small fruit shifts from green to pinkish tones and finally dark purple-brown as it ripens for a fall harvest. The flavor leans mild and buttery for oil or curing. We usually recommend Olea europaea ‘Arbequina’ to customers who want a productive Mediterranean tree that can live in a big pot for years.

Arbequina Olive Tree Care

Plant Arbequina Olive Tree in early spring or fall, setting it in a spot with full sun outdoors or direct sun on a patio. Provide alkaline-leaning soil (pH 7.0–8.0) and sharp drainage, away from soggy pockets where water collects. Space in-ground trees about 8–12 feet apart if you’re planting more than one. Prune lightly after bloom to shape and open the canopy, and avoid hard trimming that removes last season’s growth since olives form on old wood.

Growing Arbequina Olive Tree

Fruit production typically starts in 2–4 years, with olives maturing in late fall. Arbequina Olive Tree tolerates drought once established, but it requires steady, thoughtful watering the first two growing seasons. If you’re in a colder climate, start growing it outdoors once nights stay reliably above 50°F and move it to a bright indoor spot before hard cold arrives so it can hold foliage and keep growing.

Growing Arbequina Olive Tree in Containers

Use a pot in the 20–25 gallon range (at least 18–24 inches wide) with excellent drainage, and step up a size every 2–3 years or root-prune and refresh the mix to keep it healthy and upright. In containers it plays the thriller role, with a strong trunk and airy canopy that look good with rosemary and thyme for a dry-soil pairing. In the landscape, pair Arbequina Olive Tree with lavender and sedum to match the same sun-and-drainage preferences.

Watering Arbequina Olive Tree

Water deeply, and let the top couple inches of soil dry before watering again, because constantly wet roots will stress an olive. If leaves start to dull and curl slightly, the tree needs water. Yellowing leaves with persistently damp soil are a sign of overwatering and poor drainage.

Feeding Arbequina Olive Tree

Feed in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer that’s a bit higher in nitrogen, and follow with a second lighter feeding in early summer if growth looks weak. Skip late-season fertilizer, since tender new growth going into cool weather can reduce cold tolerance and set the tree back.

SKU:

EDB-OLI-ARB-LGL