USDA hardiness zones: 9b-11. Young plants are damaged at 28°F (-2.2°C). Older plants are hardy to 22°F (-5.5°C).

Chill hours: None.

Heat tolerant: Yes.

Drought tolerant: No.

Sun: Full sun to part shade.

Planting: Locate in an area with full sun and afternoon shade, in well draining soil. Space 2-5' (0.6-1.5m) apart for a hedge. It can be grown in a large container.

Soil: Well draining, pH 5.6-7.5 (acidic to neutral). This plant is not particular about soil type otherwise, except that it is not salt tolerant.

Fertilize: Use an organic fertilizer applied every month or two except in winter.

Water after becoming established: Deep water once or twice a week during fruiting. Abundant water increases fruit size and sweetness.

Mulch: Apply organic mulch inside the drip line and 8" (21cm) away from the trunk to prevent soil evaporation and protect roots from temperature extremes.

First Year Care: Protect from freezes during the first two years in the ground.

Prune: Do not prune until this slow-growing plant is 6-7 years old, then shape to improve harvesting or to grow as a screen or hedge. Flowering occurs on old growth and at the base of new growth.

Litter: Low.

Propagation: Semi-woody cuttings, with leaves, can be top clef grafted onto rootstock. Softwood and semi-woody cuttings of 1-2 mm diameter and 5 cm long with 2 opposing leaves can be rooted. Seed are viable for up to one month after harvest, sprout 3-8 weeks after planting, and are not true to parent. Dried seed purchased through the mail are not viable.

Uses: Ornamental, edible fruit when very ripe, hedge. Ripe fruit, when seeded, sprinkled with sugar, and refrigerated, becomes mild and sweet and can be used like strawberries. It is often made into jam or jelly. The crushed leaves are used as an insect repellant.