Light: Full sun to light shade; afternoon shade is beneficial in Phoenix, especially for young trees. Avoid reflected heat from west-facing walls.
Water: Water deeply and regularly during warm weather, allowing the upper few inches of soil to dry between irrigations. Maintain 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 varied soils but may develop iron deficiency in Phoenix’s alkaline conditions.
Mature size: Typically 10–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide; can be maintained at 6–10 feet with pruning.
Bloom: Typically flowers in spring and early summer, with additional flushes possible during warm weather. Fruit generally ripens about 4–6 months after flowering.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free conditions; may lose leaves after cold weather or severe drought.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate warmth, irrigation, and nutrition.