In desert regions with high summer heat, locate this tree where it has a southern, not western, exposure for winter warmth, but in all day part shade, especially afternoon part shade, and is protected from strong winds. It becomes stressed in high temperatures during its first three years. It should also be kept away from low areas where cold winter air may collect. The soil in that location must drain exceptionally well. This tree needs very well drained soil and is not tolerant of waterlogged or flooded ground. It does best with pH 5.6-7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline) soil, and can tolerate alkaline soil if given plant micronutrients to overcome nutritional deficiencies. It is tolerant of most soil types otherwise, but is not salt tolerant. This tree can be grown in a container 18-30" in diameter and 18" deep, however a larger pot will be needed as the tree grows.
Apply an organic fertilizer every two months. Avoid chemical fertilizers to avoid salt buildup. Use plant micronutrients in irrigation water once a year mid winter.
After the tree is established, deep water every week or two during the growing season. Spread organic mulch inside the drip line and 8" away from the trunk to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
In the first year, trim off all flowers and flower buds to establish better root growth. Deep water every 2-3 days at the start, then gradually lengthen the interval from every 4 to 7 days. Protect from temperatures below 30°F. Extra shade may be needed in the first three years to protect the tree in high temperatures.
During pruning, remove horizontal branches to avoid weak branching. Prune at top to maintain a height of 10-12' to reduce wind damage and make the tree easier to maintain. Some low branches should remain to shade the trunk and prevent sunscald. Remove any grass and other plants growing within the drip line to reduce nutrient and water competition.
The fruit should be harvested when they become very slightly soft on the tree and before they drop. Remove fruit by cutting the stems with clippers. Removing them without clipping, or having dropped when soft, results in internal bruising leading to decay and bad tasting pulp. Ripen the fruit at room temperature. Ripe fruit can be stored up to two weeks in a refrigerator. The fruit may drop off the tree early while still hard. In that case, take them inside to ripen up. They will continue to ripen after harvest, and the stem will fall off when a fruit is fully ripe. The fruit must be handled with care and are easily bruised internally, becoming bitter under the bruise.
Propagation is best done by using mature budwood with gray bark grafted onto vigorous seedlings. Seed must be cleaned, air dried, and planted within 3 weeks of removal from its fruit. Dried seed more than one month old is not viable. Seed does not grow true to the parent.
