What Are the Best Olive Tree Varieties for Fruiting in the UK?

Not all olive trees fruit equally well in our cooler British climate. While olive trees have long been admired for their silvery foliage and sculptural beauty, many of our customers also dream of harvesting their very own crop of olives — however small — to cure, preserve, and enjoy. The good news? With the right choice of variety, you can.

Here at The Norfolk Olive Tree Company, we recommend four olive tree cultivars that consistently perform better for fruiting in the UK: Arbequina, Picual, Leccino, and Frantoio. These Mediterranean natives are more tolerant of our shorter summers and cooler nights, giving you the best chance of growing a small but rewarding harvest.

Arbequina – Compact and Early Fruiting

If you want an olive tree that’s as productive as it is pretty, Arbequina is your best friend. Originating from Catalonia, Arbequina is naturally compact, making it perfect for container growing on patios or courtyards. It’s one of the earliest to bear fruit and will happily reward patient gardeners with small, flavourful olives — ideal for curing at home.

Picual – Bold Flavour, Reliable Cropping

Picual is one of Spain’s most widely grown varieties, and for good reason. It’s robust, adaptable, and produces olives with a bold, peppery flavour. In the UK, Picual thrives when positioned in full sun and well-drained soil. If you’re looking to experiment with curing methods, Picual olives are particularly satisfying — their strong taste holds up beautifully whether brined, salted, or marinated.

Leccino – Italian Elegance

For a touch of Tuscan style, the Leccino olive tree is a classic. Known for its graceful, arching branches and reliable cropping, Leccino is often paired with other varieties for cross-pollination in Italy — though in the UK it will still set fruit without a partner. Its olives are milder in flavour, making them excellent for beginners keen to try home-curing for the first time.

Frantoio – A Connoisseur’s Choice

If you like your olives with a story, Frantoio is the connoisseur’s pick. Widely celebrated in Italian olive oil production, it adapts surprisingly well to cooler British conditions. The olives are small but aromatic, producing a refined, almost fruity taste when cured. Frantoio is perfect for those who want to elevate their home harvest into something that feels a little special.

From Garden to Glass – The Joy of Curing Your Own Olives

There’s something deeply satisfying about curing your own homegrown olives. Whether you’re brining Arbequina for rustic antipasti or marinating Picual in herbs and chilli, the process is as enjoyable as the end result. And when it comes to serving — imagine offering a bowl of your own olives alongside cocktails. James Bond may have insisted his martinis be “shaken, not stirred,” but we’re fairly certain even 007 wouldn’t turn down a perfectly cured olive garnish.

👉 Ready to give it a go? Explore our curing and preserving recipe to transform your homegrown olives into Mediterranean delicacies.

Final Thoughts

Growing olives in the UK is as much about the experience as it is about the harvest. Arbequina, Picual, Leccino, and Frantoio are your best bet for producing fruit in cooler climates, but every olive tree offers timeless beauty, evergreen structure, and a taste of the Mediterranean at home. Whether you’re a grow-your-own enthusiast or a cocktail lover looking for the perfect garnish, an olive tree brings more than just greenery — it brings a lifestyle.

🙋 FAQ Section

Q: Which olive trees fruit best in the UK?

A: Arbequina, Picual, Leccino, and Frantoio are the most reliable olive tree varieties for producing fruit in the UK climate.

Q: Can olive trees in the UK produce enough olives to cure?

A: Yes, though harvests are small. With patience, you can gather enough olives from these varieties to try simple home-curing methods.

Q: How long does it take for an olive tree to fruit?

A: Olive trees typically start fruiting after 3–5 years, though Arbequina is known for fruiting earlier than other varieties.

Q: Do I need more than one olive tree for pollination?

A: Some olive trees are self-fertile such as the Arbequina, Frantoio and the Picual. However having more than one tree — especially mixing varieties — can improve fruit set.

Q: Can I grow olive trees for fruit in pots?

A: Yes. Arbequina and Leccino are particularly well-suited to container growing, making them ideal choices for patios and balconies.