The Arbequina olive tree is popular for its compact size, adaptability, and high-quality oil. Understanding its specific temperature requirements is important for successful cultivation, ensuring health and productivity. Its ability to thrive across climates depends on meeting its temperature needs year-round.
Optimal Growing Temperatures
Arbequina olive trees flourish in Mediterranean-like climates with mild winters, sunny springs, and warm to hot summers. An average annual temperature of 60-68°F (15-20°C) supports general vegetative growth and overall health, promoting robust foliage and strong root systems.
During the growing season, 59-77°F (15-25°C) supports healthy growth. This moderate warmth encourages consistent development without undue stress. Consistent warmth and ample sunlight contribute to the tree’s evergreen nature and year-round healthy leaves in suitable climates.
Dealing With Cold Temperatures
Arbequina olive trees tolerate cold better than many varieties, but have limits. Established trees withstand brief drops to 15-20°F (-9 to -6°C). Young trees are more vulnerable; sustained temperatures below these thresholds cause damage like leaf burn, branch dieback, or trunk splitting. Single-digit temperatures or below can severely harm or kill the tree above ground, though roots may survive if insulated.
Protecting Arbequina olive trees from cold requires several strategies. Site selection is important: plant in areas avoiding frost pockets and offering shelter, like near south or west-facing walls. Mulch the base with a 4-6 inch layer of straw, dry leaves, or wood chips to insulate roots and retain soil warmth. For young trees or extreme cold snaps, wrap the trunk with burlap or a frost-protection cloth.
Covering the tree with a frost blanket or burlap, secured to the ground, creates a temporary protective tent. Remove or vent this cover on sunny days to allow air circulation and prevent overheating. For container-grown trees, move them indoors to an unheated garage, cool room, or sheltered area when temperatures fall below the mid-20s°F.
If moving is not possible, insulate the pot and cover the tree. Water adequately before a freeze; moist soil retains heat better than dry soil. Avoid late-season fertilization and pruning to help new growth harden off before winter.
Managing High Temperatures
Arbequina olive trees adapt to warm climates and tolerate heat well, but extreme or prolonged high temperatures induce stress. Consistently exceeding 86°F (30°C) decreases photosynthesis efficiency, impacting fruit formation and oil quality. Temperatures above 95°F (35°C) significantly reduce growth and physiological processes, especially during flowering and fruit set. Prolonged exposure to 104-108°F (40-42°C) causes severe stress, leading to wilting, leaf scorch, reduced growth, and fruit or leaf drop. Reflected heat from nearby surfaces exacerbates these effects.
Adequate irrigation during hot spells mitigates heat stress. Deep, infrequent watering promotes deeper roots and drought tolerance. Potted trees may need daily watering during heatwaves; in-ground trees benefit from deep watering every 1-2 weeks. A 2-inch mulch layer around the base retains soil moisture and keeps roots cooler. For young trees or scorching conditions, temporary shade during the hottest part of the day prevents sunburn and reduces stress. Foliar applications of kaolin clay can reflect solar radiation and lower leaf surface temperatures.
Temperature’s Role in Fruit Production
Temperature influences the Arbequina olive tree’s reproductive cycle, affecting flowering and fruit production. Unlike many temperate fruit trees requiring chilling hours for bud break, Arbequina olives have a low chilling requirement. They need 200-300 hours below 45°F (7°C) for successful flowering. Optimal flowering can occur with cool nights (below 50°F) and warm days (below 80°F), a process called vernalization.
Temperatures during flowering and fruit-setting periods are important. Optimal pollen germination and tube growth, necessary for fruit set, occur between 77-86°F (25-30°C). However, temperatures too high or too low during bloom negatively impact fruit set.
Temperatures exceeding 86°F (30°C) during flowering decrease pollen germination and fruit set. Above 95°F (35°C), complete flower death occurs, leading to crop failure. Conversely, prolonged 75°F (24°C) temperatures during winter inhibit flowering. Warm, dry conditions favor pollination, while strong winds and extreme temperatures reduce fruit set. A cold winter encourages greater flower induction, leading to a more abundant harvest.