Light: Full sun, ideally at least 8 hours daily. Provide temporary afternoon shade for newly planted trees during extreme summer heat.
Water: Water deeply, then allow the upper few inches of soil to dry before watering again. Established trees may need irrigation every 7–14 days in summer and every 3–6 weeks in winter, adjusted for soil and weather. Wet the root zone approximately 2–3 feet deep; young trees need more frequent watering.
Soil: Well-drained sandy loam or loam preferred. Tolerates Phoenix’s alkaline soils with appropriate nutrient management. Avoid poorly drained sites; plant with the root flare at or slightly above grade and keep the graft union above soil.
Mature size: Typically 15–25 feet tall and 15–20 feet wide on standard rootstock; size varies with rootstock and pruning. Dwarfing rootstocks produce smaller trees.
Bloom: Primarily late winter through spring, commonly February–April in Phoenix. Fruit generally ripens from winter into spring and can remain on the tree after maturity.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate irrigation and nutrition.