The Spruce / K. Dave
Mango trees,Mangifera indica,make attractive houseplants similar toFicusorpalm trees.
Plan on anywhere from eight to ten years for your tree to produce blooms.
From flower to ripe fruit takes between three and six months.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Choose and Prepare Mango Seeds
Ripest mangoes have the best quality seeds.
Once the fruit is removed, clean the seeds for better germination.
Wrap them in moist paper towels and set aside for several days until completely dry.
Remove the paper towel and brush off loose debris.
Use a sharp scissor to cut bring up the seam along the long edge of the hull.
It’s tough so you may need a sharp knife to pry the seam apart.
Insert the knife just under the inside edge and work the hull open to avoid damaging the seed.
Once loosened, pry it open using two hands.
The seed comes out easily.
Discard seeds with mushy spots and discoloration.
Seeds have two other thin, papery coverings.
Remove the top one.
Now you are ready to germinate your mango seeds.
Want more gardening tips?
How to Plant Mango Seeds
Mango seeds can be germinated in two ways.
The plastic bag method is quicker but involves an extra step.
Light
Mango trees need six to eight hours of bright sun every day.
Expose young trees gradually to more direct sunlight daily.
Growers in northern zones may need tosupplement with grow lights.
Soil
These trees are not picky about soil but grow best in well-draining, organically fertile loam.
They tolerate soils from slightly alkaline to slightly acidic from 5.5 to 7.5 pH.
Container grown trees kept as houseplants may do well in cactus mix.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist while growing out seedlings.
Mature plants are watered less frequently when the top 2 inches of soil dry out.
Irrigate potted plants thoroughly then allow excess to drain before returning the plant to its saucer.
Water garden seedlings every other day until established then reduce frequency to once weekly.
Temperature and Humidity
Maintain temperature between 65F and 90F.
Plants tolerate dips as low as 40F but exposure to 30F for extended periods causes damage and loss.
Humidity levels between 60 and 80 percent are ideal.
Houseplantsbenefit from pebble traysor place them in groupings with other plants to raise humidity.
Fertilizer
Feed container plants once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Transplant Mango Seedlings
Plan to transplant in spring or early summer during active growth.
Mango trees grow rapidly and should be potted up when roots fill the container.
To pot up, choose a pot one size larger.
Transplant into the garden at about four months as long as the tree has a well-developed root system.
Choose a spot that receives full sun.
Dig a hole deep and wide enough to accommodate the tap root and root ball.
Set the tree at the same level as in the pot and backfill.
Tamp soil down and water well.
Insecticidal soap or horticultural oils eliminate them but repeat applications may be necessary.
