Citrus reticulata 'Murcott'
Light: Full sun; provide afternoon shade for young trees during Phoenix summers. Mature trees tolerate full sun once established.
Water: Water deeply throughout the root zone, then let the upper few inches of soil dry before watering again. Irrigate more frequently during extreme summer heat and less in winter; avoid constantly wet soil.
Soil: Well-drained soil; sandy loam is ideal. Tolerates Phoenix’s alkaline soils with appropriate nutrient management. Keep the root flare above grade and avoid poorly drained planting sites.
Mature size: Typically 12–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide; size varies with rootstock and pruning. Dwarfing rootstocks keep trees smaller.
Bloom: Fragrant flowers in spring, generally March–April in Phoenix. Fruit typically ripens in late winter through early spring.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Moderate.