Citrus × paradisi 'Flame'
Light: Full sun, ideally 8 or more hours daily. Young trees benefit from temporary afternoon shade during extreme Phoenix summer heat.
Water: Deep, regular irrigation; not drought tolerant. For established trees, wet soil 2–3 feet deep beneath and just beyond the canopy, then allow the upper few inches to dry. Water more frequently in summer and less in winter; newly planted trees need closer monitoring.
Soil: Well-drained sandy loam or loam. Tolerates mildly alkaline soil, but Phoenix soils may cause micronutrient deficiencies. Avoid standing water and keep the root flare above finished grade.
Mature size: Typically 15–25 feet tall and 15–20 feet wide on standard rootstock; dwarfing rootstocks and pruning can keep trees smaller.
Bloom: Fragrant flowers primarily in spring, usually March–April in Phoenix. Fruit typically ripens from winter into spring.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate irrigation and appropriate citrus fertilization.