Light: Full sun, ideally at least 6–8 hours daily. Gentle afternoon shade can reduce heat stress in Phoenix, especially while young.
Water: Moderate to high water needs in Phoenix; not a desert-adapted tree. Irrigate deeply across the root zone, allowing the upper few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Increase frequency during extreme heat and fruit development; reduce watering during dormancy.
Soil: Deep, well-drained loam preferred; tolerates other textures with good drainage. Avoid waterlogged soil and restrictive caliche layers. Mulch the root zone, keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk.
Mature size: Approximately 15–25 feet tall and wide, depending on rootstock and growing conditions; can be maintained around 10–15 feet with regular pruning.
Bloom: Blooms in late winter to early spring, often February to early March in Phoenix. Fruit generally ripens in May to early June, depending on weather and site.
Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate irrigation and nutrition.