Light: Full sun to partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in Phoenix, especially for young plants. Avoid reflected heat from west-facing walls.
Water: Water deeply and regularly during warm weather, allowing the upper few inches of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Maintain more consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development; reduce watering in winter.
Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost; slightly acidic to neutral soil is preferred. Tolerates some alkalinity, but Phoenix soils may cause iron deficiency. Mulch the root zone while keeping mulch away from the trunk.
Mature size: Typically 10–20 feet tall and 8–15 feet wide if unpruned; can be maintained at 6–10 feet with pruning.
Bloom: Usually flowers in spring through summer, with additional flushes possible in warm weather. Fruiting time varies with temperature and growing conditions.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free conditions; may lose leaves during cold weather or other stress.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate warmth, water and nutrients; slower during cool weather.