Arbequina Olive Tree

Arbequina Olive Tree – Compact & Cold-Hardy Spanish Classic

Arbequina is one of the most popular olive varieties for home growers, celebrated for its compact size, heavy production, and exceptionally smooth, buttery oil. The Arbequina Olive (Olea europaea ‘Arbequina’) produces small, brownish-purple fruit with a mild, fruity flavor that is ideal for olive oil pressing, curing, and table use. Known for its naturally high oil content and rich aroma, Arbequina is prized for producing premium, low-acidity olive oil with notes of almond, apple, and fresh herbs.

This cold-tolerant, self-fruitful olive tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of climates—including regions cooler than those traditionally associated with olives. Its naturally compact and rounded growth habit makes it perfect for patios, containers, and small gardens, while still delivering generous yields once established. Arbequina shows impressive drought tolerance, and its adaptability to various soil types makes it a strong performer in Mediterranean-style landscapes, xeriscaping, and edible gardens.

In spring, the Arbequina Olive Tree produces clusters of fragrant, creamy-white blooms that attract pollinators and give way to a reliable fall harvest. Its evergreen foliage—narrow, gray-green leaves with a subtle silvery sheen—adds ornamental beauty year-round, enhancing courtyards, walkways, and garden borders.

Highly productive, easy to grow, and visually striking, Arbequina is the perfect choice for gardeners seeking a premium olive tree that combines elegance and performance. Whether you’re crafting homemade olive oil or curing your own olives, Arbequina offers exceptional flavor and dependable yields in almost any setting.

For full care instructions, check out our Olive Tree Growing Guide.

Learn more about growing and caring for olives in the blogs and videos below.

• Country of Origin: Spain
• Zones: 8–9
• Looks: Weeping-shaped tree with shiny dark green leaves. Good resistance to frosts and highly adaptable to diverse climates and soils.
• Personality: Fruit turns black at maturation in late November, but does not mature all at once. Small fruit has a rounded top and produces a good, soft Spanish oil.
• Facts of note: High oil content, very productive, grows 12–15', and fast growing.
• Pollenizer: Self-fruitful
• Chill Hours:300 or less

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