Harvest Your Own Fruit in Just a Few Years
The Spruce/K.
Dave
Amango tree(Mangifera indica) is tricky to grow but can be rewarding.
After flowering, mango trees bear fruit three to five months later.
The Spruce/K. Dave
Mango trees grow best in tropical and warmer subtropical climates where there is no danger of frost.
In the United States, mango trees grow in California, Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
They should be planted in the spring and are generally fast-growing.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Mango trees planted in the garden are more likely to bear fruit than potted trees.
It is challenging to keep an indoor mango tree alive long enough to reach maturity and bear fruit.
Its fruit are usually ripe for picking in summer or autumn but it varies per region.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Also, note that the sap, bark, or fruit skin can be toxic to people.
However, be sure it will not be exposed to any frost.
Selecting a Planting Site
Mango trees prefer a sunny spot with loose, well-draining soil.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Container growth is an option for the smaller mango tree varieties.
Spacing, Depth, and Support
Spacing depends on the mango variety you’re growing.
Saplings should be planted in their nursery container at the same depth they were growing.
The Spruce / K. Dave
You should plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep.
Saplings might needstakingfor support as they grow, especially in an area with strong winds.
Their flower and fruit production will suffer if they don’t get enough light.
Soil
These trees can tolerate a variety of soil types.
But a sandy loam that’s light and well-draining is best.
Thesoil pHcan range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (5.5 to 7.5).
Water
Mango trees have some drought tolerance, though drought can negatively impact fruit production.
When growing mango trees in pots, amoisture metercan really help you decide when to water.
Also, keep your tree as warm as possible, ideally above 70F.
A slow-release balancedfertilizercan be applied in poor soil conditions, following label instructions.
Some good choices include:
Mangoes vs. Peaches
Mangoes andpeachesare often substituted for one another in recipes.
Their fruit color and texture is similar.
However, mangoes can taste a little tangier than peaches.
Peaches can be more watery and have a more distinct pit.
The mango fruit takes three to five months to ripen after the tree has flowered.
The color of the ripe fruit depends on the variety.
The fruit is typically harvested by hand and must be handled gently to avoid breaking the skin.
Mango can be eaten raw or cooked.
Immature fruit is often used to make pickled mango.
Store fully ripe fruit in the refrigerator, and aim to use it within a week.
It also can be frozen.
The best time to plant mango trees in containers is in the spring.
Choose a container at least 20 inches tall and wide with ample drainage holes.
An unglazed clay container is best, because it will allow excess soil moisture to escape through its walls.
Place it on a plant caddie with rolling casters for easy mobility.
The trees can tolerate heavy pruning, though fruit production can take a season to bounce back.
Thin some canopy branches to improve air flow and allow sunlight to reach the remaining branches.
Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches as they arise.
Use sharp, cleanpruning shears.
Propagating Mango Trees
Mango trees are typically grown from seed orgrafted nursery trees.
It’s also possible to grow them from cuttings.
The best time to do so is in the summer.
It can take several weeks to have substantial root growth.
you might suspend a seed over water like anavocado seedto develop roots.
It should sprout within two weeks.
Keep the seed in temperatures above 70F, and keep the growing medium moist but not soggy.
Wait to plant the sprouted seed in a larger container until its second growing season begins.
The timing of this can vary depending on your pot size and variety of tree.
Then, water it deeply.
Overwintering
Potted mango trees should be brought indoors for the winter before the temperature dips below 50F.
Place them by a bright, south-facing window, and use grow lights if necessary.
The trees should be kept warm and protected from drafts.
Signs of infestation include tiny webs on plants, clumps of white powdery residue, and visible insects.
Treat infestations as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading to the rest of your collection.
Start with the least toxic treatment option, progressing to more serious chemicals only if your initial efforts fail.
Mango plants also are susceptible toanthracnose, a fungal disease causing black lesions that gradually spread.
Seriously infected trees stop producing fruit.
The best preventive measure is to plant a resistant variety in full sun, where moisture will quickly evaporate.
Extreme humidity fosters anthracnose and other fungal diseases.
Plants You Might Also Like
Given the correct environment, mango trees are easy to grow.
They require lots of sun, warmth, humidity, and rich soil.
They only become complicated if you have a go at grow them indoors or in a less-than-ideal region.
Mango trees grow relatively quickly, bearing fruit roughly four to eight years after planting.
Mango trees can grow indoors with sufficient light but often won’t produce fruit.
Mango (Mangifera Indica).Childrens Health Queensland.
