Olive Tree Varieties


Olive hedge
Our primary cultivar (cultivated variety) of olive tree is 'Arbequina', chosen for its adaptability, cold tolerance, small stature and early start of fruiting. The 'Arbequina' trees we ship should fruit within two years of your purchase, often sooner. 'Arbequina' trees from one gallon to twenty gallon (approx. 8'x6') are available at the nursery.

We have the other cultivars listed here in limited sizes and quantities.

Arbequina

A tree of small stature typically 15 feet in height at maturity. Earliest to bear fruit, usually by three years of age. We have found Arbequina to be not only among the most cold tolerant olive trees but also the most adaptable to a variety of growing conditions. Self-fertile. Used for oil or table fruit. Excellent dried fruit or pickled at any stage.
Origin: Spain

Frantoio


Arbequina, Mission and Frantoio fruit
Best for warmer climates (with temperatures rarely below 25 degrees F). A tree to 30 feet in height. Prized for fruity oil. Self-fertile.
Origin: Italy

Koroneiki

A small tree (15-20 feet). Self-fertile. Begins fruiting at three years of age. The chief oil variety of Greece. For warmer climates.
Origin: Greece

Leccino

A large tree to 30 feet. Comes into bearing early but needs a pollinator of another cultivar such as Arbequina or Pendolino. Used for oil or table fruit.
Origin: Italy

Mission

Variety derived from the tree left in California by Spanish monks in the 1700s. Used for oil or table fruit. Becomes a large, upright tree, to 35 feet. Self-fertile.
Origin: United States

Pendolino

Considered the universal pollinator because of its long bloom period. Early bearing. Requires a pollinator to set fruit. Used primarily for oil production.
Origin: Central Italy

Picual

A medium-sized fruit similar to Mission. Most important oil variety of Spain. Also suitable for table fruit. Self-fertile tree of medium size. Widely adaptable.
Origin: Spain