Light: Full sun to partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in Phoenix, especially for young plants. Avoid reflected heat from west-facing walls.
Water: Water deeply and regularly during hot weather and fruit development, allowing the upper few inches of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter; avoid constantly saturated soil.
Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost; slightly acidic to neutral soil is preferred. Phoenix’s alkaline soils may require micronutrient management. Mulch the root zone, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
Mature size: Typically 12–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide when unpruned; can be maintained around 6–10 feet with regular pruning.
Bloom: Usually blooms in spring and early summer, with additional flowering possible during warm weather. Timing varies with temperature, pruning, and plant maturity.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free conditions; may lose leaves after cold stress in Phoenix.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with warmth, adequate irrigation, and nutrition; slows considerably in winter.