Light: Full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct light; afternoon shade is beneficial in Phoenix, particularly for young trees.
Water: Deep, regular irrigation; not drought tolerant. Wet the root zone approximately 2–3 feet deep for established trees, allowing the upper few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Increase frequency during extreme summer heat and reduce in winter; keep water away from the trunk.
Soil: Well-drained sandy loam preferred; tolerates other soil textures if drainage is good. Phoenix’s alkaline soils may require nutrient management. Avoid waterlogged sites and keep the root flare above soil level.
Mature size: Typically 10–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide; dwarfing rootstocks and pruning can maintain a smaller tree.
Bloom: Primarily late winter through spring in Phoenix; fruit generally ripens from late fall into winter, depending on cultivar and conditions.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Moderate.