If you’re deciding between an Arbequina vs Mission olive tree, it helps to know how they differ. Arbequina and Mission are two popular olive varieties, each with its own strengths. In this comparison, we’ll look at tree size, climate adaptability, fruit characteristics, and oil quality. By the end, you’ll know which might be the best olive tree variety for oil production or for your backyard orchard.
Origins and Overview
- Arbequina Olive Tree: Originally from Catalonia, Spain, Arbequina olives are famous for olive oil production. The trees tend to be small to medium in size (15–20 feet at maturity in the ground, often kept pruned smaller) with a bushy, somewhat weeping form. Arbequina is prized for its high oil content and early fruiting – some trees produce olives as soon as 2–3 years old. The olives are small, brownish-purple when ripe, and have a mild, buttery flavor. Arbequina trees are self-fertile and often grown in high-density orchards because of their compact size and reliable production.
- Mission Olive Tree: The Mission olive is a historic American variety introduced to California by Spanish missionaries. Mission olive trees are larger and more upright in growth than Arbequina, often reaching 25–30 feet if unpruned. They produce medium-sized, purple-black olives. Mission olives are dual-purpose: they can be pressed for oil (Mission oil is smooth and mild) and are also commonly cured for table olives (think classic black ripe olives). The trees are self-fertile and known for being hardy and long-lived.
Tree Size and Growth Habit
One practical consideration is how much space you have and whether you want a potted tree.
Arbequina has a compact habit. It responds well to pruning and can even be grown in large containers. Its smaller stature makes it easier to harvest and manage. Home gardeners with limited space often prefer Arbequina for its manageable size.
Mission olive trees are bigger and can become majestic shade trees over time. They can certainly be pruned to stay smaller (Mission olives tolerate pruning well), but left to grow, expect a larger canopy and a slightly taller tree than Arbequina. If you have a spacious yard or want a traditional olive tree look, Mission can be a great choice. In a pot, Mission will need regular pruning to keep it happy and small.
Climate and Hardiness
Both Arbequina and Mission are relatively cold-tolerant as olives go, and both are commonly grown in Mediterranean-like climates.
Cold Hardiness: Arbequina is typically hardy to about 15°F (–9°C) once established (roughly USDA Zone 8, and even Zone 7b with protection). Mission olives have similar cold tolerance – they can survive brief dips into the high teens °F. Both varieties prefer warm, dry summers and cool (but not frigid) winters. Neither will do well in climates with prolonged deep freezes below 0°F without significant protection.
Heat Tolerance: Arbequina handles hot, dry summers well and is fairly adaptable. Mission similarly loves sun and heat. Both need plenty of direct sun for best fruiting. In very humid or rainy climates, olives can struggle with fungal diseases, but Arbequina and Mission are among the more disease-resistant varieties.
Fruit and Flavor Profile
The taste and use of the olives might influence your choice:
- Arbequina Olives: Small in size but high in oil content. Arbequina olive oil is typically mild, buttery, and fruity with low bitterness – very crowd-pleasing for salads and general use. The olives can be brined for eating, though their small size means less flesh per olive (still, many people cure them with herbs and enjoy the rich flavor). Arbequinas tend to produce a lot of olives relative to tree size, often ripening in early to mid-fall.
- Mission Olives: Medium-sized and freestone (the pits separate easily from the flesh), Mission olives are excellent for curing as table olives. When brined, they have a classic nutty, subtly fruity flavor (these are the type used for black ripe olives). Mission olive oil is smooth and mild, sometimes with a slight peppery note, but Missions generally have a bit lower oil yield than Arbequinas. That means for pure oil production, Arbequina usually gives more oil per pound of fruit. Mission olives typically ripen later in the fall than Arbequinas.
Choosing Between Arbequina and Mission
Ultimately, which olive tree you should grow depends on your goals and growing conditions:
- Space and Container Growing: If you have limited space or want an olive tree for a patio pot, Arbequina is usually the better choice due to its compact size and ease of pruning. Mission can outgrow a container unless you prune it diligently to keep it small.
- Primary Use – Oil vs. Table Olives: For home olive oil production, Arbequina is often the preferred variety (high oil content and consistent producer). If your aim is to cure olives for eating, Mission might edge out because of its larger fruit and classic table olive flavor. That said, you can cure Arbequinas and you can press Missions for oil – each will do both jobs, just with different strengths. Some enthusiasts actually grow both: Arbequina for oil, Mission for table olives.
- Flavor Preference: Arbequina oil is mild, buttery, and slightly sweet; Mission oil is also mild, sometimes described as a bit fruity with a buttery finish. If you love robust, peppery olive oil, neither of these is intensely pungent (you might look at varieties like Koroneiki or Picual for that). But between Arbequina and Mission, flavor differences are subtle – you might choose Mission if you want the sentimental California heritage olive taste, or Arbequina if you favor the Spanish oil profile.
- Climate Considerations: Both trees have similar climate needs. In borderline cold areas (upper Zone 7), Arbequina’s smaller size makes it easier to protect from freezes (and some say Arbequina has a slight edge in cold-hardiness). In hot, dry areas, both will thrive. In humid or wet climates, ensure good airflow and consider Arbequina for slightly better disease resistance.
Bottom Line: Choose an Arbequina olive tree if you want a smaller, easy-care tree that excels in olive oil production (and still gives tasty small olives for curing). Choose a Mission olive tree if you have room for a somewhat larger tree and you value a dual-purpose olive that’s great for curing and carries historical significance.
Many home growers plant one of each to get the best of both worlds – they can even help pollinate each other, potentially increasing yields. Either way, with proper care, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful tree and a supply of home-grown olives, whether for pressing into golden oil or curing in brine to enjoy with your favorite meals.