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Arbequina Olive Tree with silvery-green foliage
Arbequina Olive Tree with silvery-green foliage
Arbequina Olive Tree Fruiting Perfect for Edible Gardens
Arbequina Olive Tree Flowering
Arbequina Olive Tree
Arbequina Olive Tree
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Olive Tree

Arbequina Olive Tree

4.9/5 70 reviews
Will it grow where you live?

Zones 8-11; or Zones 4–7 if overwintered indoors.

Size: 2-3 ft
$90
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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Soil secured so it stays put in transit
  • Packed so the plant stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
When the top 2–3" of soil is dry
Growth & size
Moderate growth rate; mature height of 10-15 feet and width of 6-10 feet.

Sizing: Our fruit and citrus trees are primarily utilized as outdoor patio or indoor plants and are potted. Accordingly, we measure our fruit and citrus trees from the bottom of the pot to the top of the tree for accuracy.
Botanical name
Olea europaea 'Arbequina'
Hardiness
Zones 8-11; or Zones 4–7 if overwintered indoors.
Tolerates
Heat tolerantCold hardyDrought tolerantCoastal tolerantDesert tolerantWind tolerant
USDA zone map for Arbequina Olive Tree

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

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What customers are saying

4.9
out of 5 · 70 verified reviews

Why customers love it

Arbequina Olive Tree with silvery-green foliage

Healthy, well-rooted plants

Hand-selected and shipped in its nursery pot.

Arbequina Olive Tree with silvery-green foliage

Delivered to your door

Skip the nursery trip. Very little car Tetris required.

Arbequina Olive Tree Fruiting Perfect for Edible Gardens

Real plant experts

Ask us anything before or after planting.

Arbequina Olive Tree Flowering

1-year guarantee

If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.

Care made simple

Plant it right once and it does the rest.

Sun
Full Sun

Pick the spot before you dig.

Water
When the top 2–3" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Check more often in its first summer.

Grows in
Zones 8-11; or Zones 4–7 if overwintered indoors.

Enter your ZIP above to check your zone.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Plant it, then water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    Keep the soil evenly moist while new roots settle in.

  3. 3First summer

    Water deeply during hot, dry spells.

  4. 4Next spring

    New growth starts. Feed as it wakes up.

Planting instructions
Plant the Arbequina Olive Tree in a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the rootball and no deeper than the rootball itself. Position the top of the rootball level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, then backfill with the native soil. Water deeply after planting to help settle the soil around the roots, and apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk.
Watering & sunlight
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.

Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.

Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.

Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

Arbequina Olive Trees grow best outdoors in full sun, where they receive at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If grown indoors, they must be placed in the sunniest south-facing window available and receive at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Most areas in homes do not provide enough natural light for long-term indoor success without supplemental grow lights.
Care guide

PRUNING:
Prune to shape and open the canopy for light and air circulation, which promotes healthy growth and fruiting. Annual pruning is recommended in late winter or early spring.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage vigorous growth. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Arbequina Olive trees are cold-hardy once established but benefit from protection during hard freezes. In colder zones, mulch around the base to insulate roots and use frost cloth or burlap during extreme cold. Container-grown trees should be moved to a sheltered location or indoors when temperatures drop below freezing, and watering should be reduced in winter.

What does "Jumbo" mean?

Our Jumbo olive trees are grown in 7-gallon nursery pots, while regular sizes are grown in 3-gallon pots. Jumbo olives are more mature and fuller than regular sizes, with a wider canopy, thicker trunk (caliper), and a more developed root system.

While the overall height may be similar between regular and Jumbo sizes, the difference is in container size, fullness, and maturity. Jumbo olive trees feel more substantial on arrival and are a great option if you’re looking for a fuller look right away.

Shipping:
For shipping, the rootball remains in the nursery pot and is wrapped with a protective plastic liner, then secured with a zip tie around the trunk. This keeps the soil contained, the tree stable, and the box clean during transit, so your tree arrives intact and ready for planting.

Shipping & what's inside

Your plant ships in its nursery pot with the soil secured, packed so it stays steady on the way to you.

1-year guarantee

Every plant is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
How big does the Arbequina Olive Tree get?
The Arbequina Olive Tree can grow to a mature height of 15 to 20 feet with a spread of 12 to 15 feet. When grown in containers, it tends to stay smaller, usually reaching 4 to 6 feet in height. Regular pruning can help manage its size and shape, especially if space is limited or if you prefer a more compact tree.
How fast does the Arbequina Olive Tree grow?
The Arbequina Olive Tree has a moderate growth rate, typically growing 12 to 24 inches per year under optimal conditions. Growth can be influenced by factors such as sunlight, soil quality, watering, and overall care. Ensure the tree receives adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients to promote healthy and consistent growth.
Where is the best place to plant the Arbequina Olive Tree?
The best place to plant the Arbequina Olive Tree is in a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot with well-draining soil to prevent root rot, ideally sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.5. Ensure the area is protected from strong winds and has good air circulation. If you live in a colder climate, consider planting the tree in a location with some winter protection or in a container that can be moved indoors during freezing temperatures.
Can I put my Arbequina Olive Tree indoors?
Yes, the Arbequina Olive Tree can be grown indoors if provided with proper care. Place it in a location with plenty of direct sunlight, such as a south-facing window, to ensure it receives at least 6-8 hours of strong direct sunlight daily. Use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (don't fertilize for the first 2-3 months after planting). Ensure the indoor environment is warm and not exposed to cold drafts.
How do I care for the Arbequina Olive Tree?
Sunlight: Plant in full sun, ensuring the tree receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.

Watering: Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry before watering again. Arbequina Olive Trees prefer well-draining soil and do not like consistently wet roots. Water deeply when needed, then allow the soil to partially dry between waterings. Once established, they become drought tolerant and typically require less frequent watering. Keep in mind that watering needs will vary depending on climate, sunlight exposure, soil type, container size, and whether the tree is grown indoors or outdoors.

Soil: Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.5. Sandy or loamy soil types are ideal.

Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in late summer to provide essential nutrients.

Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches and thin out the canopy for better air circulation.

Cold Protection: Protect the tree from temperatures below 20°F (-6°C) by using frost blankets or moving potted trees indoors.

Pest Control: Regularly inspect for pests such as scale and treat with appropriate organic or chemical controls if necessary.

Proper care ensures your Arbequina Olive Tree remains healthy and productive.
What is the coldest temperature the Arbequina Olive Tree can tolerate?
The Arbequina Olive Tree can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F (-6°C). However, prolonged exposure to temperatures below this threshold can damage or kill the tree. To protect your olive tree during cold weather, consider using frost blankets or moving potted trees indoors. Ensure the tree is planted in a location with good winter protection if you live in a colder climate.
Do I need to prune the Arbequina Olive Tree?
Yes, pruning is beneficial for the Arbequina Olive Tree. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Additionally, thin out the canopy to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, which promotes healthy growth and fruit production. Regular pruning helps maintain the tree's shape and encourages vigorous new growth.
How thick is the trunk on the Arbequina Olive Tree?
The trunk thickness (caliper) of the Arbequina Olive Tree depends on the size you choose. Our 4–5 ft and 5–6 ft trees have a trunk caliper of about 1 inch, while our 5–6 ft (Jumbo) and 6–7 ft (Jumbo) trees have a thicker trunk at about 1.25 inches. Caliper is measured just above the root flare and is the standard way growers measure tree thickness. As your olive tree matures, the trunk will continue to thicken over time with proper care.
How long does it take for Arbequina Olive Trees to bear fruit?
Arbequina Olive Trees typically begin to bear fruit within 3 to 4 years of planting. However, optimal fruit production usually occurs after 5 to 7 years. Ensure the tree receives full sun and proper care, including regular watering and fertilization, to promote healthy growth and fruiting.
What size pot should I get for the Arbequina Olive tree?
The recommended pot size for an Arbequina Olive Tree depends on the size you choose, as larger trees need more root space for stability and healthy growth.
• 4–5 ft and 5–6 ft (3-gallon nursery pot, ~11 inches wide and tall):
We recommend a container that is 16–18 inches wide and deep. This provides enough room for the roots to establish without overpotting, which olive trees do not tolerate well.
• 5–6 ft Jumbo and 6–7 ft Jumbo (10-gallon nursery pot, ~15–17 inches wide and tall):
We recommend a container that is 22–24 inches wide and deep to support the larger root system and provide proper stability for the tree’s height.

Important potting note:
Olive trees must be planted in containers with drainage holes. They prefer well-draining soil and do not tolerate sitting in excess moisture. Choosing the correct pot size helps prevent overwatering, promotes strong root development, and supports long-term container success.
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