Guide to Harvesting, Planting, and Growing Mango Trees

Almost every country in the world grows mangoes and they have been cultivated for thousands of years. Mango tree is a beautiful tree to grow in your own garden. They are fairly easy to cultivate from seeds, cuttings or grafting. If you live in areas where there is a warm temperature and a variety of soil types you can enjoy cultivating this healthy fruit tree.

These trees are relatively unknown in North America but are incredibly popular in numerous other countries. Given the right climate, you can grow a mango tree in your backyard and have an important piece of bear fruit to enjoy.

What exactly is a mango tree?

Mango trees are tropical evergreen trees that bear fruit with a sweet, juicy pulp and a single seed. The fruit is an important food source for many people, especially in tropical regions. There are hundreds of varieties of mangoes, but the most common are found in India, Southeast Asia and Africa.

Healthy mango trees grow to a tree size of more than 50 feet (15 meters) and have large leaves with serrated edges. The flowers of the tree are small and yellowish green in color. Mango trees produce fruit throughout their lives, although there is usually a period when they bear no fruit at all (called a flowering pause).

Mangoes are eaten fresh or processed into juice, jam and other products. They can be eaten raw or cooked, with their sweet taste making them popular among those who enjoy tropical fruits such as bananas. Mangoes also have high nutritional value: One cup (140 g) contains about 20 calories as well as 1 gram each of fiber and protein, along with vitamins A and C.

Cultivation and History

Mangoes originated from southern Asia, particularly India and Malaysia. Mangos were brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, who introduced them to Mexico and Central America as they traveled westward through Asia during their expeditions.

Mangifera indica is the scientific name for the healthy mango tree. It is also known as the “king of fruits” because it produces large, delicious fruit that is enjoyed by people around the world. In some parts of the world, cultivation of mangoes has been limited by their susceptibility to certain pests and diseases.

In Australia, for example, the presence of the mango seed weevil has prevented the commercial production of mangos in Queensland and Northern New South Wales (the two areas where this pest is most prevalent). Other countries such as Brazil have also experienced problems with pests such as the mango fruit fly.

Today, a mango tree is grown all over the world and have become popular in many areas of Asia, Africa, Australia and Latin America.

Mango Varieties

Mango trees are either mono-embryonic (single embryo) or polyembryonic seeds (multiple embryos) depending on the variety, and there are hundreds of varieties that grown throughout the world. The most famous ones are:

Bowen

Bowen was first introduced in the early 1900s by an Australian horticulturist named William Bowen. The fruit is large and round with yellow flesh and a red skin that can turn orange or yellow when ripe. The flesh inside the fruit is very sweet and juicy with few seeds.

Mango tree is self-fertile which means it doesn’t need another mango tree nearby for pollination purposes but it does produce better crops if there are other varieties around for cross-pollination purposes.

Ataulfo

Ataulfo mangoes come from Mexico and are named after the Mexican governor who first planted them in Florida in 1930. They have smooth green skin with yellow or orange flesh that’s juicy and sweet when ripe. Because they’re so easy to peel, they’re great for eating out of hand or using in recipes that call for peeled mangoes such as salads or smoothies.

Keitt

These small mangoes originated in Barbados and were introduced to Florida by Dr. Walter T. Swingle in 1935 as a cross between Haden, Kent and Tommy Atkins varieties. They’re one of the most popular varieties grown in Florida’s backyard gardens because they’re easy to grow and produce lots of fruit early on in their lives (they’re also known as “baby mangos”).

Haden

Haden is a large, round mango that can weigh two to three pounds. The skin is deep orange and the flesh is yellow with red streaks. The Haden is a late-season variety, ripening in late June or early July. It has a sweet taste and very soft flesh.

Zill

This mango tree is small in size, but has an excellent taste and quality. The tree produces fruits for about 3-4 months in a year. The fruits are greenish in color with yellow skin. They have a sweet and sour flavor and are very juicy.

Mangifera indica

Its ripe mango fruit has a sweet taste and soft texture, with a rich flavor that varies from sweet to tart depending on the variety.

Bombay

This is the most popular variety of mango in the world. It is also known as “Mumbai” or “Mum” and is a very sweet variety. The fruit is large and oval with yellow-orange skin and greenish-yellow flesh. It has a strong fragrance and flavor. The tree grows to be about 20 feet tall and produces fruit within three years of planting.

African

African mangos include Keitt, Kent and Tommy Atkins which have small fruits with hard but seedy flesh that does not turn yellow when ripe—they remain green even when ripe! They tend to be very sweet when ripe though they may also have an acidic flavor depending on variety.

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How to Grow Mango Trees

Mango fruits are delicious and nutritious tropical fruit that can be grown in most parts of the world. They are one of the easiest fruits to grow at home, requiring very little care and attention.

Light

Young trees need 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow well. If you live in an area where temperatures don’t drop below 55 degrees F (13 C), you can plant your tree outdoors during winter and move it indoors during summer months if temperatures exceed 85 degrees F (29 C). Otherwise, keep it indoors year-round so it gets enough light exposure for proper growth and fruit production.

Soil

Grow mango trees in sandy loam or sandy, well-draining soil. They will not tolerate waterlogged soil or clay-type soils that don’t drain well. If you have clay rich soil, make sure you add plenty of organic matter to improve its drainage before planting your mango seedling.

Water

Mangoes grown need a lot of water when they’re young, but once they’re mature and start fruiting, you can reduce their watering to once or twice a week. Water your tree early in the morning so that it has time to dry out before nightfall (mangoes don’t like wet feet). You should also avoid wetting leaves directly; if necessary, water around the base of your plant rather than directly on top of it.

Temperature

Mango tree grows best in temperatures between 65°F (18°C) and 86°F (30°C), so most likely, they prefer tropical and subtropical climates with humid, hot summers and cool, dry, frost -free winters. They can also withstand temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) if they receive enough light and humidity during that time. The ideal temperature range is between 75°F (24°C) and 80°F (26°C).

Pruning

Pruning your mango tree is most effective when done soon after flowering in spring or early summer. This is when you can see how many flowers have set fruit and judge how much of the plant will be needed for bear ripe fruit.

It’s important not to prune too heavily during this time because it may delay fruiting by two or three years. If you’re unsure how much pruning is required, make sure you cut back only about one-third of all branches at any one time.

You’ll want to prune off all suckers — shoots that grow from below ground — as well as any dead woody branches that are more than 6 inches long on younger trees (more than 12 inches on older trees).

Storing

To store mangoes, keep them in the refrigerator at a temperature of 34 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Mango flesh may turn brown or begin to decay quickly at warm temperatures. You can place it in a paper bag and store mangoes away from apples and bananas, which give off ethylene gas, which causes mangoes to ripen more quickly.

How to Plant Your Own Mango Tree

Planting a mango tree is an important step in ensuring the health and longevity of your tree. Mango trees are known for their ability to grow quickly and bear fruit at a young age. The best time to grow mangoes is during the winter months, when soil temperatures are cooler and the chance of frost damage is reduced.

1. Select the proper site for planting your mango tree. The best location is in full sunlight and on well-drained soil.
2. Dig a hole that is at least 4 inches wider than the root ball of your new tree and deep enough so that the top of the root ball will be level with or slightly above ground level after backfilling has been completed. If you have poor quality loose soil, add sand and/or compost to help improve drainage before filling in around the root ball with your chosen soil mix.
3. Fill in around the base of your new tree with soil mix until it sits at its proper depth (about 1 inch below ground level). Water thoroughly and allow to dry out before watering again once every week or two until established.

How to grow mango from root cuttings?

Mango trees are easy to grow from cuttings, which can be taken in the fall or spring(wet weather). The best time to take root cuttings is when the sap is rising in the spring.

1. To grow mango tree from root cutting, you need to collect good quality root cuttings that are 1/2 inch long, with a diameter of 1/4 inch.
2. Remove all leaves and place them in a pot filled with sand and water. Keep the high quality potting mix covered with plastic sheets to prevent evaporation.
3. Water them daily until the root bound has emerging roots, after which you can transplant them into larger pots or directly into your garden soil.

How to grow mango from seeds?

Trees are mostly sold as grafted saplings but some varieties can be grown from the seed. Mango seeds are readily available at most nurseries and garden centers. The best time to plant seedlings is in the fall or early winter, when the weather is cool and dry. If you have a cold frame, this may be the best time of year to plant your seeds indoors.

1. Outdoors, plant the mango seed in a large pot filled with moist potting soil, then cover the pot with a plastic bag until germination occurs.
2. Once germination has occurred (approximately 3-4 weeks), remove the bag and place your container in a sunny location outdoors.
3. Water your newly planted inner seed as needed to keep it moist but not soggy. Keep it well-watered until you see new growth emerge from the soil surface; this usually takes about 2 weeks after germination occurs.
4. Once new growth has emerged, stop watering your seedling for about 6 weeks until it becomes established in its new environment. This will allow the roots to become firmly established before any more water is added to your planting container — too much water at this point can cause root rot which will kill your new tree!

Tips for Growing Mango Trees

Growing healthy mango trees is a daunting task, especially for new gardeners. There are many factors that you have to take into consideration before planting mango plants.

Here are some secret tips to grow mango trees:

1. It is best to plant mango trees when the weather is hot and dry. This will ensure that the tree does not get too much water during its initial growth stages.
2. The root of a potted mango tree does not like to be exposed to sunlight. It is best to plant the tree in full sun in a hole that has been lined with plastic or newspaper. This will keep the roots from having direct access to sunlight and help prevent overheating.
3. Mango trees need a lot of nitrogenous fertilizer during its early stages of growth. In fact, growing mangoes are so demanding that they will not bear fruit unless they receive at least 100 pounds of balanced fertilizer per acre each year.
4. Use organic fertilizers like cow dung or farmyard manure when growing a mango tree. This will help increase the fertility of the soil which would make it easier for the plant to absorb nutrients from it. You may also use chemical fertilizers but make sure that these do not contain any kind of pesticide or herbicide that could harm your plant.
5. Proper pruning techniques will determine whether a mango tree will bear fruits or not. Make sure not to over prune your growing mangoes as this may increase risk of disease attack on your trees’ roots system. It’s best to prune out dead branches (terminal. flowers) while they are still green and alive so they do not rot and cause disease problems later on in the season when they fall off naturally from their own weight.
6. Never remove all the leaves on the mango tree! Just trim them so they can grow back again. The leaves make up most of the food supply for your grafted trees so if you remove them, your plant will start to starve and die.

How to Harvest Mango Produce Fruit

Harvesting mangoes is a relatively easy process. The fruit can be harvested when it is ripe, which is the best time to eat them. To harvest the mango tree fruit, you will first need to know how to tell if the fruit is ready for harvesting.

Steps in Harvesting Mango Tree:

1. Look for a sweet smell and yellow coloring on the skin of the mangoes.
2. Press on the mango with your thumb and index finger, if it gives a little bit of resistance and leaves an indentation in its flesh, then it’s ready to be picked from the tree.
3. Once you have found your chosen mangoes, begin by cutting off the stem at its base using your sharp knife or pruning shears. This will help prevent fruit drop and disease from spreading throughout your tree’s roots if left unattended for too long after harvest.
4. Cut through about one-third of an inch from where the stem meets the branch so that it falls away easily once plucked from its branch instead of snapping off unexpectedly as it grows heavier with ripening fruit over time.
5. Carefully cut down each individual piece of fruit. Make sure that the base of the mango is not touching any other branches or leaves on the tree. Simply hold onto the tree with one hand and cut down with the other hand.
6. Once you’ve harvested all of your mangoes, take the fruit set inside and wash them thoroughly under running water. Peel off their skin, slice them open and enjoy!

Pests, Diseases, and Treatment

The fruit-bearing plant has a small shallow root system, so it needs support and protection from wind, which can dry out the roots. It is also susceptible to several plant pests and diseases that can cause damage or death if not controlled.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged creatures that suck the sap from the surface of leaves, stems and fruit. Their feeding damage causes dark green leaves to turn yellow and then brown. Severely infested trees may drop all their leaves. Spider mites may also spread plant viruses.

Treatment: To control spider mites, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Spray the trunk of your actively growing mango tree with this mixture once a week for two weeks during the growing season.

Aphids

Aphids secrete a sweet liquid called honeydew, which attracts ants and sooty mold fungus. If left unchecked, aphid infestations can kill the entire mango tree or severely weaken it by reducing growth rate and causing leaf drop.

Treatment: The best way to control aphids is by spraying an insecticidal soap or neem oil directly onto them. You can also try pruning off dead leaves and diseased branches where they congregate as well as rubbing them off with your fingers when you notice them on your plant.

Bacterial Crown Rot

This disease most often strikes in rainy seasons or after periods of heavy rain when moisture gets trapped on leaves and branches. It thrives in warm weather, so it tends to be worse during periods of high temperatures and humidity.

Treatment: The only way to control this disease is through prevention through allowing good air circulation around your plants and avoiding overwatering them during rainy periods. If you have already been hit with bacterial crown rot in your mango tree’s canopy, you can try spraying the plant with an antibiotic solution once every week throughout the growing season until the infection clears up. Check with your local nursery to find out which horticultural oils will work for your plant.

Canker Diseases

The main symptom of mango tree canker is a dark brown or black streaking on the bark of your tree. This streaking usually appears on one side of the trunk only and can spread out over time as it eats away at your tree’s bark. If left untreated, this disease will eventually kill your tree.

Treatment: The best way to prevent this disease is by pruning your tree correctly and removing dead branches on a regular basis. You should also make sure that you water your tree properly and provide it with good drainage whenever possible. If you notice any signs of infection, like brown spots on the leaves or branches, have them removed immediately by removing them from their source (usually low hanging branches).

Fruit Fly

The flies lay their eggs on the surface of mangoes and the larvae eat into the flesh of developing fruits. Damage from this pest can reduce yields by up to 70%.

Treatment: To prevent this pest, remove dead and diseased wood or overripe fruit. Do not leave them on the ground or in your compost pile because they will attract flies and other pests.

Best Uses of Mango Fruit

Mangoes are often used as a symbol of summer, and for good reason! The juicy, sweet fruit has been associated with bronzed beach bodies and carefree days spent basking in the sun. In case you did not know, here are some of the best ways to use this fruit:

Skincare

Mango tree fruit can be applied topically to improve a number of skin conditions such as dry or aging skin. It helps to increase the elasticity of the skin thereby reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Mango is very beneficial for sunburned skin because it helps heal damaged cells from UV exposure. The vitamin A content soothes the skin and helps alleviate redness associated with sunburns.

Hair Care

Mangoes contain Vitamin A which is known to be an effective remedy for dandruff. The lactic acid present in mango makes it one of the best home remedies to get rid of dandruff. It can also help in deep conditioning of your hair due to its high content of silica and potassium. For using it as a deep conditioner, blend 2 tablespoons of fresh mango pulp with 1/2 cup yogurt and apply it on your hair and leave it overnight before shampooing in the morning with warm water.

Culinary Uses

Mangoes are commonly used to flavor beverages such as smoothies and juices. They can also be used to make jams, smoothie bowls, sorbets, ice cream, milkshakes, sauces, and desserts. Mango slices are used to garnish drinks and other desserts. Mangoes may also be eaten out of hand or sliced onto salads.

Medicinal Uses

Its leaves have anti-inflammatory properties that are particularly effective in the case of stomach pain or diarrhea. In traditional medicine, mango is used to treat dysentery, nausea and vomiting, and gastritis. In China, the dried leaves are used to treat arthritis, rheumatism and menstrual disorders.

Worship

Mango parent tree is a sacred tree in Hinduism. Its leaves, flowers and unripe fruit are used in religious ceremonies like marriage and birth rituals. The leaves are tied together with thread and worshiped as part of a ritual called ‘Bhoomi Pooja’. The flowers are considered a symbol of fertility while the fruit is offered as Prasad to Lord Vishnu.

Takeaway

Growing a mango tree is no easy feat. It takes a lot of effort and a lot of patience. Hopefully, this guide has answered some of your questions about planting it. It should be noted that although mango growing can seem like a complicated process, it’s actually quite simple if you know what to do. All it takes is patience and careful care and you can grow mangoes in no time.

FAQs

How often do mango trees grow fruit?

Mango seeds usually take around just a few years to produce fruit and can yield up to 200 pounds of fruit each year if they are grown in ideal conditions.

Do you need 2 other trees to get fruit?

No! Mango trees can be self-pollinating or they can be cross-pollinated. If you have 2 different varieties of grafted mango trees, they will likely produce a lot of fruit. You do not need 2 different varieties to get mangoes.

How many mango trees should I plant?

Grow a mango tree in groups of three or more. This helps ensure that if one tree fails, there will be others nearby to take its place. If you only have room for one tree, choose a dwarf variety rather than an evergreen variety because it will produce fruit sooner than its larger counterpart.

Are mango trees good for the environment?

Yes, young mango trees are great for the environment. They help to make the air cleaner by providing a home for beneficial insects and birds, and they can also help to prevent soil erosion by providing shade.

Can a mango tree survive winter?

Mango trees can survive winter in mild climates, but the fruit produced is often small and not as sweet as those grown in tropical (full sun) and sub-tropical regions.

Why do I not have flowers?

Mango trees, like other fruit trees, require pollination by insects to produce flowers. If you are growing a male plant and female plant, you need to make sure that they are within a few feet of each other so the pollen can travel from one fruit tree to the other. If you only have a male or female plant, then you will need to buy another mango plant that is the opposite gender and near for pollination to occur.