Mango tree is a tropical fruit tree that grows in subtropical climates and is a popular fruit throughout the world. It has a large oval-shaped fruit with a yellow-orange fleshy pulp and a smooth skin. You can grow mango trees anywhere. They can be grown in a pot, in a garden or on a balcony. These trees are easy to grow and can produce a huge number of fruits. In this article, we will show you how to grow mango trees with simple steps.

Overview

Mango trees are very versatile and require minimal care, but they do need a lot of sunlight. They need to be planted in well-drained soil with a pH level between 6 and 7, so you need to ensure that you choose a fertile soil that is rich in nutrients. You can grow mango trees in pots or in the ground. Here, New York Garden is sharing the simple steps you need to follow to grow mango trees properly.

Bloom Time

Winter

Size

Up to 100 ft. tall, 35 ft. wide

Common Name

Mango

Botanical Name

Mangifera indica

Soil Type

Loamy, moist, well-drained

Sun Exposure

Full sun

Plant Type

Fruit, tree

Native Area

Asia

Family

Anacardiaceae

Soil pH

Acidic, neutral, alkaline

Hardiness Zones

9–11 (USDA)

Types of Asparagus Fern

Mango trees are tropical plants that belong to the genus Mangifera. There are over 500 species of mango trees, but only a few are cultivated for their edible fruits. Some of the most common types of mango trees are:

  • Alphonso: Large, oval-shaped fruits with yellow peel and orange flesh are produced by this kind of mango tree. One of the greatest types of mangoes in the world, the fruits are very sweet and fragrant. Native to India, alphonso mango trees are mostly produced in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

  • Tommy Atkins: This type of mango tree produces medium-sized, round-shaped fruits with red and green skin and yellow flesh. The fruits are mildly sweet and fibrous, and have a long shelf life. Tommy Atkins mango trees are native to Florida, and are widely grown in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

  • Kent: The huge, round fruits on this kind of mango tree have green and purple skin and yellow flesh. The fruits have a silky texture and are extremely sweet and juicy. Native to Florida, kent mango trees are mostly farmed in Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil.

  • Haden: This type of mango tree produces medium-sized, round-shaped fruits with yellow and red skin and orange flesh. The fruits are sweet and tangy, and have a rich flavor. Haden mango trees are native to Florida, and are the result of a cross between Mulgoba and Turpentine mangoes.

  • Chaunsa: This type of mango tree produces small, oval-shaped fruits with yellow skin and white flesh. The fruits are extremely sweet and fragrant, and have a creamy texture. Chaunsa mango trees are native to Pakistan, and are mainly grown in the Punjab region.

Mango Tree Care

Mango trees are tropical plants that produce delicious fruits. They require some special care to grow healthy and productive. Here are some tips on how to care for your mango tree:

Light

Mango trees need full sun exposure to thrive. They should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Avoid planting them in shady or windy locations.

Soil

Mango trees prefer well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. They can tolerate some salinity, but not waterlogging or flooding. Add organic matter [1] such as compost or manure to improve the soil quality and fertility.

Water

Mango trees need regular watering, especially during the first two years of establishment. Water them deeply and thoroughly once a week, or more often in hot and dry weather. Do not overwater them, as this can cause root rot and fungal diseases [2].

Temperature and Humidity

Mango trees are sensitive to cold and frost. They can survive temperatures as low as 25°F (-4°C) for a short period, but they will suffer damage if the temperature drops below 40°F (4°C) for several hours. They also need high humidity to prevent fruit drop and cracking. Mist them with water or use a humidifier in dry indoor environments.

Fertilizer

Mango trees need regular fertilization to support their growth and fruiting. Apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) every two months during the growing season, or use a slow-release fertilizer once a year. You can also supplement with organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, seaweed extract, or bone meal.

Pollination

Mango trees are self-pollinating, meaning they can produce fruits without cross-pollination [3] from other trees. However, cross-pollination can increase the fruit size and quality. You can encourage cross-pollination by planting different varieties of mango trees nearby, or by using a hand pollinator or a bee attractant spray.

How to Grow Mango Trees From Seed

Mango trees are tropical plants that produce delicious fruits. You can grow your mango tree from a seed by following these steps:

  • Choose a ripe mango that has a sweet and fruity aroma. Cut the fruit and remove the seed from the pulp. Wash the seed and let it dry for a day.

  • Carefully peel off the outer husk of the seed and expose the inner kernel. Be gentle and avoid damaging the kernel, which contains the embryo.

  • Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix and make a hole in the center. Place the kernel in the hole with the hump facing up and cover it with soil. Water it well and keep it in a warm and sunny spot.

  • Wait for the seed to sprout, which may take two to four weeks. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and watch for signs of fungal infection or pests.

  • When the seedling has several leaves, you can transplant it to a bigger pot or to the ground if you live in a suitable climate. Choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight and has enough space for the tree to grow.

  • Water the tree regularly and fertilize it every two months with a balanced fertilizer. Prune any dead or diseased branches and protect the tree from frost or strong winds.

  • Enjoy your homegrown mangoes when they are ripe and ready to harvest. You can tell by their color, smell, and softness. Pick them carefully and store them in a cool place until you eat them.

Pruning

Pruning mango trees is an essential practice to maintain the health and productivity of the plants. Pruning can improve the light penetration, air circulation, and pest and disease control in the canopy. It can also reduce the risk of branch breakage and fruit drop due to heavy fruit load. Pruning should be done after harvesting, when the trees are in a dormant or semi-dormant stage. The main objectives of pruning are to remove dead, diseased, damaged, or crossing branches, to thin out excessive growth, and to shape the tree for easy access and harvesting. Pruning should be done with sharp and sterilized tools, and the cuts should be made close to the branch collar without leaving stubs. The wounds should be treated with a fungicide or a wound dressing to prevent infection. Pruning mango trees can enhance their vigor and yield, as well as their aesthetic appeal.

Propagating Mango Trees

Propagating mango trees is a process of growing new plants from seeds or cuttings of existing ones. Mango trees are tropical fruit trees that require warm and humid conditions to thrive. Propagating mango trees can be done in several ways, depending on the availability of materials and the desired outcome.

One method of propagating mango trees is by seed. This involves collecting ripe fruits from healthy trees and extracting the seeds from them. The seeds should be cleaned and dried before planting them in pots filled with moist potting mix. The pots should be placed in a sunny location and watered regularly. The seeds may take several weeks to germinate, and the seedlings will need to be transplanted to larger containers or the ground when they are about a foot tall.

Another method of propagating mango trees is by grafting. This involves attaching a stem or bud from a desired variety of mango tree to the rootstock of another one. The rootstock should be a healthy and vigorous tree that can support the growth of the grafted part. The grafting process requires specialized tools and skills, and it should be done during the dormant season when the sap flow is low. The grafted part should be wrapped with tape or cloth to protect it from drying out or infection. The grafted tree should be watered and fertilized regularly, and it may start producing fruits in a few years.

A third method of propagating mango trees is by air layering. This involves inducing roots to grow on a branch of a mature mango tree without detaching it from the parent plant. The branch should be selected based on its health, vigor, and fruit quality. A ring of bark should be removed from the branch, exposing the cambium layer. The wound should be covered with moist sphagnum moss and wrapped with plastic or foil to create a humid environment. The moss should be kept moist until roots appear, which may take several months. The rooted branch can then be cut off and planted in a pot or the ground.

Potting and Repotting

Mango trees are tropical plants that can grow up to 30 feet tall and produce delicious fruits. They need a large pot with good drainage, rich soil, and plenty of sunlight to thrive. Potting and repotting mango trees is not difficult, but it requires some care and attention.

When potting a mango tree, choose a container that is at least 20 inches in diameter and has drainage holes at the bottom. Fill the pot with a mix of potting soil, compost, and perlite or sand. Make a hole in the center of the soil and gently place the root ball of the mango tree in it. Cover the roots with soil and press firmly. Water the tree well and place it in a sunny spot.

When repotting a mango tree, do it in the spring or summer when the tree is actively growing. Choose a pot that is 2 to 4 inches larger in diameter than the previous one. Remove the tree from the old pot and loosen the roots gently. Trim any dead or damaged roots with sharp scissors. Fill the new pot with fresh soil mix and repeat the same steps as potting. Water the tree well and place it in a sunny spot.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases Mango Trees

Mango trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect their growth and productivity. Some of the common pests that attack mango trees are mango hoppers, fruit flies, mealybugs, scale insects, and mites. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, flowers, fruits, and branches of the tree. Some of the common diseases that affect mango trees are anthracnose, powdery mildew, bacterial canker, and dieback.

These diseases can cause lesions, spots, blights, wilts, and rots on different parts of the tree. To prevent and control these pests and diseases, mango growers should adopt integrated pest management (IPM) practices that include cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods. IPM aims to reduce the use of pesticides and minimize the environmental impact of pest and disease management.

FAQs

Mango trees are tropical fruit trees that belong to the Anacardiaceae family. They can grow up to 30 meters tall and produce sweet and juicy fruits that are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Here are some frequently asked questions about mango trees and their care.

How do I plant a mango tree? 

You can plant a mango tree from seeds or from grafted saplings. Seeds can take up to eight years to bear fruit, while grafted saplings can produce fruit in three to four years. To plant a mango tree, you need a sunny and well-drained spot with at least 6 meters of space around it. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the sapling and fill it with organic compost. Place the sapling in the hole and cover it with soil, leaving the graft union above the ground. Water the sapling well and mulch around it to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

How do I water and fertilize a mango tree? 

Mango trees need regular watering during the first two years of growth, especially during dry seasons. Water the tree deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Avoid overwatering or flooding the tree, as this can cause root rot and fungal diseases. Mango trees also need balanced fertilizers to boost their growth and fruit production. Apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season, following the package instructions. You can also add organic matter such as manure, compost, or mulch to enrich the soil and improve its structure.

How do I prune and harvest a mango tree? 

Mango trees do not need much pruning, except for removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You can also trim the tree to maintain its shape and size, but avoid cutting too much or too often, as this can reduce fruit yield. Prune the tree after harvesting, when it is dormant. To harvest mangoes, you can either pick them by hand or use a pole with a hook or a basket. The best time to harvest mangoes is when they are fully ripe, which can be indicated by their color, aroma, or softness. You can also test the ripeness by gently squeezing the fruit or tapping it lightly. A ripe mango will have a sweet smell and a slight give when pressed.

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

  1. Organic matter - U.S. Department of the Interior

  2. Fungal diseases - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

  3. Cross-pollination - National Library of Medicine