Light: Full sun, ideally 6–8 hours daily. In Phoenix, provide young trees with temporary afternoon shade during extreme summer heat.
Water: Deep, regular irrigation; not drought tolerant. Wet the root zone approximately 2–3 feet deep on established trees, allowing the upper few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Water more frequently in summer and less in winter; keep water away from the trunk.
Soil: Well-drained soil. Avoid chronically wet sites and keep the root flare above grade. Phoenix’s alkaline soils may require citrus fertilizer with micronutrients.
Mature size: Approximately 12–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide on standard rootstock; smaller on dwarfing rootstock or with selective pruning.
Bloom: Fragrant flowers in late winter to spring; fruit generally ripens in winter, with timing varying by weather and rootstock.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate irrigation and nutrition.