Light: Full sun, ideally 6–8 hours daily; light afternoon shade benefits young trees during Phoenix summers.
Water: Deep, regular irrigation; not drought tolerant. Wet the root zone 2–3 feet deep, allowing the upper few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Established trees may need watering every 7–14 days in summer and every 3–6 weeks in winter; adjust for soil, heat, and rainfall. Newly planted trees need more frequent watering.
Soil: Well-drained sandy loam preferred; tolerates alkaline desert soil if drainage is good. Avoid standing water, keep the root flare above grade, and mulch without covering the trunk.
Mature size: Typically 15–25 feet tall and wide on standard rootstock; dwarfing rootstocks and pruning can maintain a smaller tree.
Bloom: Fragrant flowers in late winter to spring, usually February–April in Phoenix; fruit generally ripens from late fall through winter.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Moderate.