Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in Phoenix. Protect young trees from intense summer sun with approximately 30–50% shade cloth; gradually acclimate established trees to greater exposure.
Water: Water deeply, then allow the upper few inches of soil to dry slightly. Check moisture frequently during extreme heat, especially in containers; reduce watering in winter. Avoid prolonged drought during fruit development and consistently wet roots.
Soil: Well-drained soil, preferably slightly acidic to neutral. Phoenix’s alkaline soils can cause nutrient deficiencies. Avoid poorly drained planting holes; use a broad raised mound where drainage is inadequate.
Mature size: Approximately 20–40 feet tall and 15–30 feet wide when unpruned in favorable climates; usually smaller in Phoenix. Can be maintained around 10–15 feet tall with regular pruning.
Bloom: Typically late winter through spring, depending on temperature and tree maturity. Frost can damage flowers and prevent fruit set.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen; cold injury or other stress may cause leaf drop.
Growth rate: Moderate in warm weather; slower with cold, extreme heat, or alkaline-soil stress.