Where to plant an arbequina olive tree?
At Mas Montseny, we’ve been growing Arbequina olives for years, and we’re here to share everything you need to know to choose the perfect place for your olive tree to grow healthy, strong, and full of life.
1. Sunlight exposure: the most important factor
The olive tree is a true Mediterranean plant, and the Arbequina variety is no exception. It needs plenty of direct sunlight to perform photosynthesis properly and produce high-quality fruit.
Recommendation: plant it in a spot that receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day. Avoid shady areas or places near tall walls that block the light.
2. Well-drained soil
Olive trees do not tolerate excess water well. If the roots stay soaked, fungi and root rot may appear.
What kind of soil is best?
- Fast drainage
- Light soil, preferably sandy or loamy texture
- Avoid low-lying areas where rainwater can pool
Mas Montseny tip: if your soil is very compact, add gravel or coarse sand to the planting hole to improve drainage.
3. Good ventilation, but sheltered from strong winds
Air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases, but strong, continuous wind can break branches or dry out the leaves.
Best conditions: choose a ventilated spot but not exposed to strong gusts. You can plant hedges or use fences as windbreaks if needed.
4. Temperate climate and cold resistance
The Arbequina olive tree is more cold-resistant than other varieties, but it’s still best to avoid prolonged exposure to severe frost.
Ideal temperature range:
- Between 10°C and 35°C (50°F – 95°F)
- Can tolerate occasional frosts down to -6°C (21°F), but persistent freezing is harmful
If you live in a cold area, plant it in a sunny south-facing spot and protect the trunk during the first few winters with mesh or insulating material.
5. Room to grow
Although Arbequina is a compact variety, it still needs enough space for the roots and crown to develop properly.
Recommended spacing:
- 3 x 3 meters (9.8 x 9.8 ft) between trees in traditional plantations
- 2 meters (6.5 ft) from walls, fences, or other trees in a garden
Summary: ideal conditions for an arbequina olive tree
| Factor | Ideal condition |
|---|---|
| Sun | 6–8 h of direct sunlight daily |
| Soil | Well-drained, light texture |
| Wind | Ventilated but sheltered from strong winds |
| Climate | Temperate, tolerates mild frosts |
| Space | 3 x 3 m in fields; 2 m in home gardens |
Let Mas Montseny help you get started
At Mas Montseny, we offer healthy, robust Arbequina olive tree saplings—perfect for farms or home gardens. If you’re unsure whether your land is suitable, we’re happy to advise you with no obligation.
Want to get your project off to the right start? Contact us and we’ll help you choose the perfect place for your future Arbequina olive tree.
