Light: Full sun for best fruiting; in Phoenix, provide relief from intense late-afternoon sun, especially for young trees.
Water: Deep, regular irrigation during active growth and fruit development; increase frequency during extreme summer heat. Allow the upper few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering during winter dormancy.
Soil: Deep, well-drained sandy loam preferred. Avoid waterlogged soil and manage Phoenix’s alkaline conditions and salt buildup. Mulch the root zone, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
Mature size: Typically 15–20 feet tall and wide on standard rootstock; smaller on dwarfing rootstock. Can be maintained around 8–12 feet with regular pruning.
Bloom: Late winter to early spring, before or as leaves emerge; timing and abundance depend on winter chill and spring temperatures.
Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate irrigation and nutrition.