Extending an olive branch is easier when you have the tree in your own backyard, but if that's not possible, a container will do just fine. Arbequina olive trees are heavy producers when mature and easy to grow, either in the ground or in a large patio container.
These statuesque beauties thrive in Mediterranean climates where sun is plentiful and adapt to periods of drought once established. With proper olive tree care, you can count on a bumper crop of antioxidant-rich olives.
What Makes the Arbequina Olive Tree Special?
Arbequina olives are self-fruiting trees prized for their dark brown, tart fruits. This is a fast-bearing olive tree that can produce within one year if propagated by cuttings.
The plant gets 12 to 20 feet (3.5 to 6 m) tall with a spread of up to 15 feet (4.5 m). Over time, the plant will develop a charming gnarled appearance with an aged character, while still providing heavy harvests annually. The tree is semi-deciduous, but will keep its narrow blue-gray leaves in warmer climates.
In springtime, the plant produces dainty white flowers that develop into the fruit. The thumb-sized fruits are green initially, but gradually ripen to purple, and finally a deep glossy black. The effect is quite enchanting during its late summer fruiting.
The Arbequina olive tree comes from Arbeca, Spain. It has been in cultivation since the 17th century, showing how beloved this variety of olive has been historically.
How to Grow Arbequina Olives
Olive trees need little care once established. Heat and sun are necessary for the tree to flower and fruit. Choose a location with at least 6 hours of full sun and plant in well-draining, loamy to gritty soil.
The Arbequina variety is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11, but can be grown in zone 7 with some protection. Arbequina is one of the more cold-tolerant olives, withstanding short freezing temperatures as low as 22°F (-5°C.).
Growing Arbequina Olives in Containers
Even northern gardeners can grow this tree if it is planted in a container and brought indoors for winter. When overwintered indoors, the plant will typically keep its narrow blue-gray leaves. Trees thrive in containers for years and will even fruit in such a confined space with careful pruning.
For a potted tree, choose a location with at least 6 hours of full sun. Use a well-draining, loamy to gritty potting soil. Container-grown plants thrive in clay and unglazed pots, which can evaporate excess moisture.
Arbequina Olive Tree Care
Although young plants need to be watered deeply for the first few years to help establish a vigorous root system, it is best to keep an olive tree a bit on the dry side once established. Soggy roots can damage tree health.
Prune trees near the end of winter, but before flowering. Pruning olive trees is only necessary to open the canopy, remove dead or diseased wood, and enhance light penetration. You can also prune to contain the size of the plant, but be careful to preserve fruiting shoots.
Harvesting and Preparing Your Olives
Harvest time for ripe fruits is in autumn, usually around October to November. Harvest only deeply colored fruits, as olives will not ripen off the tree.
In order to enjoy your olives, you must brine them. Place them in a salt and water solution for a month, replacing the brine weekly. Add lemon, bay leaves, or other flavorings, and preserve them in a half-strength brine solution until the flavor is at its peak. Then bring out the charcuterie board and enjoy!
