Arbequina Olive Tree — Compact Fruiting Olive

Description

Arbequina olive is a small fruiting tree with silver-green leaves. It fits well in sunny yards, patios, and large pots. The tree can bear small olives that are used for curing or oil.

Why Grow Arbequina Olive?

Arbequina has a neat shape and a soft gray-green look. It grows best in full sun. It also works well for gardeners who want a fruit tree in a smaller space. Our guide to growing olive trees covers light, soil, water, and cold care in more detail.

Light and Soil

Give this tree at least six hours of direct sun each day. Use soil that drains fast. Wet soil can harm the roots. In a pot, use a large container with drain holes. Keep the root ball at the same depth it had in the nursery pot.

Water and Feeding

Water often while the tree is new. After it has grown strong roots, water deeply and let the soil dry a bit before you water again. Feed with care. Too much plant food can cause weak growth. See our guide to fertilizer basics before you add extra nutrients.

Growing in Pots

A large pot makes it easy to move the tree when cold weather comes. Place the pot in a bright spot. Check the soil often, since pots can dry fast. Bring the tree to a protected place when hard freezes are likely.

Fruit and Harvest

The olives start green and turn dark as they ripen. Fresh olives are very bitter, so they need to be cured before they are eaten. The fruit can also be pressed for oil. If you enjoy cooking with olive oil, try it in our fresh tomato sauce recipe.

Simple Care Tips

• Grow in full sun.
• Use fast-draining soil.
• Water deeply, then let the soil dry a little.
• Prune dead or crowded wood as needed.
• Protect potted trees from hard freezes.