Light: Full sun, ideally 6–8 hours daily; protection from intense western afternoon sun helps reduce fruit sunburn in Phoenix.
Water: Deep, regular irrigation during active growth and fruit development; water more frequently during extreme heat. Let the upper few inches of soil dry between irrigations, and reduce watering substantially during winter dormancy.
Soil: Deep, well-drained loam preferred; adaptable to other soils with good drainage. Phoenix’s alkaline soils may cause iron deficiency, and accumulated salts can damage vines.
Mature size: Vines typically extend 15–20 feet or more if unpruned; maintain desired dimensions with annual pruning and a sturdy trellis.
Bloom: Small flowers appear in spring; fruit generally ripens in summer, with timing dependent on local heat and growing conditions.
Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous.
Growth rate: Fast once established with adequate irrigation.