Light: Full sun, ideally at least 6–8 hours daily. Gentle late-afternoon shade can reduce heat stress in Phoenix; avoid intense reflected heat.
Water: Water deeply throughout the root zone, allowing the upper few inches of soil to dry between irrigations. Increase frequency during extreme heat and fruit development; reduce watering during winter dormancy. Avoid constantly saturated soil.
Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam preferred. Tolerates moderately alkaline soil, but Phoenix soils may cause iron deficiency. Keep the root flare above grade and mulch without covering the trunk.
Mature size: About 15–20 feet tall and wide, depending on rootstock; commonly maintained at 10–12 feet with annual pruning.
Bloom: Late winter to early spring, often February–March in Phoenix, depending on winter temperatures. Fruit typically ripens in late April–May.
Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous.
Growth rate: Fast with adequate irrigation and nutrition.