Light: Full sun, ideally 6–8 hours daily; afternoon shade benefits young trees during Phoenix summers. Avoid intense reflected heat from west-facing walls.
Water: Deep, regular irrigation; not drought tolerant. Wet the root zone 2–3 feet deep on established trees, allowing the upper few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Water more frequently during summer and establishment, less often in winter; keep water away from the trunk.
Soil: Well-drained sandy loam preferred; tolerates other soils with good drainage. Phoenix’s alkaline soils may cause nutrient deficiencies. Keep the root flare above grade and avoid waterlogged planting sites.
Mature size: Typically 10–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide; dwarf trees commonly reach 6–10 feet, depending on rootstock, cultivar, and pruning.
Bloom: Primarily late winter through spring, commonly February–April in Phoenix. Fruit generally ripens from fall through winter, depending on cultivar.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Moderate with adequate water and nutrition.