Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; protect from intense western sun and reflected heat.
Water: Moderate water needs; irrigate deeply when the upper 1–2 inches of soil dry. Water more frequently during extreme heat and fruit development, avoiding constantly soggy soil.
Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost; slightly acidic soil is preferred. Phoenix’s alkaline soils may cause nutrient deficiencies.
Mature size: Typically 8–15 feet tall and 6–12 feet wide; can reach 20 feet in favorable conditions or be pruned smaller.
Bloom: Usually blooms in spring; additional flowering and fruiting may occur in warm weather with adequate moisture.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen; may lose leaves after frost or severe drought.
Growth rate: Moderate with adequate warmth, water, and nutrition; slower under desert stress.