Light: Full sun to partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is preferable in Phoenix, especially for young trees. Avoid reflected heat from walls and pavement.
Water: Moderate to high in Phoenix summers. Water deeply through the root zone, allowing the upper few inches of soil to dry slightly between irrigations. Maintain consistent moisture during fruit development; reduce watering during winter dormancy.
Soil: Deep, well-drained loam preferred. Tolerates several soil textures but not waterlogging or highly saline conditions. Phoenix’s alkaline soils may cause micronutrient deficiencies.
Mature size: Approximately 20–30 feet tall and 15–20 feet wide; can be maintained smaller with careful pruning.
Bloom: Small flowers appear in spring on new growth, generally April–May. Fruit ripens in fall, often October–November, depending on local conditions.
Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous.
Growth rate: Moderate; slower under heat, water, or soil stress.