Yes, olives are technically fruits that develop from the tree's flowers. The Arbequina produces small, fleshy olives that transition from green to purple to black, ready for harvest in late November. Harvest them at any color stage depending on your taste preference.

Arbequina Olive Tree

Olea europaea 'Arbequina'

Nature Hills Nursery

Self-Fertile Arbequina Olive Tree Produces Abundant Harvests Without a Pollinator Tree Required
Heat Tolerant: Thrives in Zones 8-10 Outside 4-7 Patio Tree
Showy White Blooms in Early Spring
Excellent Small Space Tree or Flowering Specimen
Pollinator-Friendly Tree

$81²⁵

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Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Evergreen, Self-pollinating, Edible, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Flowering, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Container Friendly, Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Disease resistant, Fragrant
Hardiness Zone	8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	12-15 ft
Width	15-20 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Botanical Name	Olea europaea 'Arbequina'
Species	europaea
Cultivar	Arbequina
Class	Lamiales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR

Never pay for fresh olives again when you plant our super-fast-growing Arbequina Olive Tree (Olea europaea 'Arbequina')! This tree produces delicious olive fruit and you'll love having an exceptional harvest of your own olives for fresh eating, brining and milling into oil.

This small Olive begins produces small, fleshy olives with small pits, so they're just perfect for snacking, adding to drinks, and slicing for use as a topping on pizza. These high-quality olives also produce high-quality olive oil.

Arbequina Olive begins as a green fruit that makes a slow transition to purple before turning black, indicating it's time for harvesting. This happens sometime in late November, just in time for holiday parties and get-togethers!

Planting and Application:

This highly adaptable Olive variety does well both in the ground and in containers, making it easy to keep one near the kitchen for your culinary masterpieces. Tuck a potted Arbequina onto your porch, patio or even a balcony or rooftop garden - any place where they can bask in the full sun.

The Arbequina flowers early on, with petite creamy white blooms that are nearly hidden by the tree's dark green leaves, but your pollinators will find them in swarms! These small flowers are beloved for their wonderful fragrance. The exotic foliage makes these fantastic specimen trees and petite shade trees!

High-Quality Fruit - Olive Oil, Snacks, Drinks & Brined
Prolific Harvest
Self-Pollinating
Early Flowering & Fragrant Flowers
Specimen & Container Plant & Great for Edible Landscaping

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Arbequina Olive Tree is ideal for the home grower because it is small and hardy, able to endure the cold and requires very little maintenance to turn out a bumper crop of olives. Outdoors, the Arbequina is adaptable to a variety of conditions, even doing well in poor soils or drought. If you decide to shape it, it's also amenable to pruning.

Highly Adaptable
Full Sun, Low Moisture Needs & Moderate Fertility
Prune smaller for use as an ornamental Container Tree
Pest & Disease Resistant & Loves Heat - USDA zones 8 - 10 Outdoors
Drought tolerant & thrives in coastal conditions

Since ancient times, the Olive tree has been prized for its fruit, wood, oil and the overall health benefits it provides! The Arbequina Olive Tree has so much to offer so see how easy it can be to grow! These are so popular, please make your selection now by heading over to NatureHills.com today!

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Very impressed so far.

I received my Arbequina Olive Tree from Nature Hills this week, which was a gift. I'm an avid gardener and have purchased often both online and at nurseries. I have to say that Nature Hills did the most amazing job getting this plant to me, the best I have ever experienced. The plant was package so well, with such care, that it arrived with not a leaf out of place, and looking fresh - better even than most plants I see in the nursery, which gives me great confidence in the quality of the plant itself. I will let you know how my Olive-ya does!

Dear Marguerite,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with your Arbequina Olive Tree delivery! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that the care we put into packaging exceeded your expectations, especially from such a seasoned gardener. Knowing the plant arrived in such great condition and looking fresher than those in nurseries truly means a lot to our whole team.

As you nurture your Olive-ya, feel free to reach out if you have any questions about watering, pruning, or ideal growing conditions—we’re always here to help ensure your tree thrives beautifully. We’d love to hear updates as it flourishes!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Very impressed so far.

Dear Marguerite,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your new Arbequina Olive Tree! We’re delighted to hear that our careful packaging and quality plant exceeded your expectations—especially coming from such an avid gardener like yourself. It means a lot to us that your gift arrived looking fresh and healthy; that kind of customer satisfaction is exactly what we strive for.

As your olive tree settles in, if you have any questions about care or tips to help it thrive, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to support you along the way and hear updates—from “Olive-ya” rooting itself to producing that first harvest.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Growing well

The tree is growing well so far in a pot. I had it for a month now. Will eventually put it outside for the summer, hope that it will produce olives.

Dear Elod K.,

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful update about your tree! We’re delighted to hear that it’s thriving well in its pot after a month. That’s a great start! When you move it outdoors for the summer, make sure to gradually acclimate it to the increased sunlight to avoid any shock. Also, maintaining consistent watering and providing a balanced fertilizer can encourage healthy growth and help with olive production in the future.

If you want to learn more about olive tree care or get tips for preparing your tree for outdoor conditions, feel free to check our Olive Tree Care Guide on the NatureHills website or reach out to us anytime—we’re more than happy to assist.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Growing well

The tree is growing well so far in a pot. I had it for a month now. Will eventually put it outside for the summer, hope that it will produce olives.

Hello Elod,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with your Arbequina Olive Tree! We’re delighted to hear it’s growing well in its pot after just a month—and it sounds like you’re giving it a wonderful start. Moving it outside for the summer is an excellent idea, as Arbequina Olives thrive with plenty of sunlight and good air circulation.

When you do place it outside, just be sure to acclimate the tree gradually to prevent any shock from the change in environment. Also, keep an eye on watering—these trees prefer well-drained soil, so allowing the top inch to dry before watering again works best. With a little patience and care, your olive tree should be on track to bless you with some fruit down the line!

If you need more tips on olive tree care or fruiting expectations, feel free to reach out—we’re always here to help support your gardening journey.

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Good oil producer

I chose this tree because a neighbor told me that Arbequina is one of the best olive oil producers. Hoping they will begin producing this year.

Hello Digger,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Arbequina Olive Tree! It’s wonderful to hear that you chose this variety for its excellent oil-producing qualities—your neighbor gave well-informed advice. Arbequinas are indeed known for their early fruiting and prolific oil yield, so there’s a good chance you’ll see some green olives turning soon, especially if your tree has been well cared for.

To help ensure a bountiful harvest this year, here are a few tips: make sure your olive tree is planted in full sun with well-draining soil, water it regularly but avoid overwatering, and consider light fertilization in the early growing season. Also, since Arbequina trees sometimes cross-pollinate better with other olive varieties nearby, if it seems your tree is not setting fruit come late summer, those could be factors to evaluate.

If you need additional planting or maintenance advice down the road, don’t hesitate to reach out! We love seeing nature thrive in your garden.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is olive a fruit?

Yes, olives are technically fruits that develop from the tree's flowers. The Arbequina produces small, fleshy olives that transition from green to purple to black, ready for harvest in late November. Harvest them at any color stage depending on your taste preference.

How much sun does an olive tree need?

Olive trees need full sun to produce their best fruit harvest. The Arbequina variety thrives when it can "bask in the full sun" whether planted in-ground or in containers on patios and balconies. Place your olive tree in the sunniest spot available.

When to bring olive tree inside?

Bring your containerized olive tree indoors when temperatures consistently drop below 20°F. Arbequina olives are cold-hardy but benefit from winter protection in harsh climates. Move containers to an unheated garage or bright indoor space before the first hard freeze.

What USDA hardiness zones can Arbequina Olive Trees survive in?

Arbequina Olive Trees are hardy in USDA zones 8-10, though they can tolerate brief cold snaps in zone 7 with protection. Their cold hardiness makes them more adaptable than many olive varieties. In borderline zones, plant in a protected location or grow in containers to move indoors during harsh winters.

How tall and wide will my Arbequina Olive Tree grow at maturity?

Arbequina Olive Trees reach 8-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide at maturity, making them perfect for small spaces. Their compact size works beautifully in containers or as specimen trees in the landscape. Shop at Nature Hills for this productive, space-saving variety.

What type of soil does an Arbequina Olive Tree prefer for optimal growth?

Arbequina Olive Trees are highly adaptable and actually thrive in poor soils where other plants struggle. They prefer well-draining soil and are remarkably drought-tolerant once established. For best results, avoid overly rich or constantly moist conditions.

Are Arbequina Olive Trees deer resistant?

Olive trees are generally deer resistant due to their bitter, aromatic foliage that deer typically avoid. Arbequina Olive Trees have the added benefit of dense, dark green leaves with a strong scent. For best protection, plant in full sun where the tree's natural oils are most concentrated.

Arbequina Olive Tree

Olea europaea 'Arbequina'