Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in Phoenix, especially for young trees. Established trees tolerate more sun when gradually acclimated and adequately watered.
Water: Water deeply, then allow the upper few inches of soil to dry before watering again. Increase frequency during extreme heat and fruit development; reduce substantially in winter. Avoid constantly wet soil and standing water.
Soil: Well-drained sandy loam preferred; slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal. Phoenix’s alkaline soils may require micronutrient supplementation. Use a broad raised mound where drainage is poor, and keep mulch away from the trunk.
Mature size: Approximately 15–25 feet tall and 10–20 feet wide if unpruned, potentially larger in favorable conditions. Can be maintained around 10–15 feet with regular pruning.
Bloom: Typically blooms in late winter to spring; Phoenix frost can damage flowers and reduce fruit set. Fruit generally ripens in summer, depending on weather and growing conditions.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen; cold stress can cause leaf drop.
Growth rate: Moderate in warm weather; slower with cold, alkaline-soil stress, or extreme heat.