Mango (Mangifera indica) is a tropical fruit known for its sweet, juicy flavor and rich nutritional profile. Native to South Asia, mangoes are now cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Growing a mango plant from seed can be a rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to enjoy homegrown fruit and a lush, attractive tree. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right seed to harvesting your own mangoes.
Ideal Weather Conditions for Mango Plants
Weather Condition
Ideal Range
Temperature
70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C)
Rainfall
30-100 inches (75-250 cm) annually
Humidity
50-60%
Sunlight
Full sun, at least 8 hours daily
Choosing and Preserving the Right Seed
Choosing the Right Seed
Source: Obtain a mango from a reliable source such as a grocery store, farmer’s market, or a known tree that produces tasty fruit.
Fruit Selection: Choose a ripe mango with no signs of disease or damage. It should be fragrant and give slightly when pressed.
Seed Type: Prefer polyembryonic seeds (common in Indian varieties) as they often produce true-to-type plants. Monoembryonic seeds (common in Southeast Asian varieties) may not.
Collecting and Preserving the Seed
Extraction: Cut the mango, remove the flesh, and carefully extract the seed husk.
Cleaning: Rinse the seed husk to remove any remaining fruit residue.
Drying: Allow the seed to dry for 1-2 days in a shaded, ventilated area.
Storage: If not planting immediately, store the dried seed in a cool, dry place inside a paper bag.
Growing a Seedling from Seed
Prepare the Seed:
Carefully crack open the dried seed husk to extract the inner seed.
Soak the inner seed in water for 24 hours to speed up germination.
Planting:
Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix (detailed in the soil mix section).
Plant the seed with the rounded side facing upwards and the pointed end about an inch below the soil surface.
Water the soil thoroughly.
Germination:
Place the pot in a warm, sunny location.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Germination typically occurs within 1-3 weeks.
Nutrition Requirements for Mango Plants
Nutrient
Requirement
Reason for Need
Nitrogen (N)
High
Essential for vegetative growth
Phosphorus (P)
Moderate
Promotes root development and flowering
Potassium (K)
High
Supports overall plant health and fruiting
Magnesium (Mg)
Moderate
Vital for chlorophyll production
Calcium (Ca)
Moderate
Important for cell wall structure
Iron (Fe)
Low to Moderate
Crucial for enzyme function and chlorophyll
Organic Soil Mix for Mango Plants
Ingredient
Amount (by volume)
Soil Ratio
Garden soil
1 part
40%
Compost
1 part
40%
Sand or perlite
1 part
20%
Organic fertilizer
1 cup per 5 gallons of mix
Nutrient boost
Making the Perfect Soil Mix
Combine Ingredients: In a large container, mix 1 part garden soil, 1 part compost, and 1 part sand or perlite.
Blend: Ensure the ingredients are well-blended for even distribution.
Add Fertilizer: Incorporate organic fertilizer into the mix to provide an initial nutrient boost.
Seedling Transfer Process
Preparation:
Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
Prepare the garden bed or raised bed by loosening the soil and mixing in compost.
Transplanting:
Gently remove the seedling from its pot without disturbing the root ball.
Dig a hole in the garden bed twice the size of the root ball.
Place the seedling in the hole, fill in with soil, and firm gently.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Care at Different Growth Stages
Seedling Stage
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly.
Pruning: Remove any dead or damaged leaves.
Young Tree Stage
Watering: Deep water weekly.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months.
Pruning: Shape the tree and remove any competing branches.
Mature Tree Stage
Watering: Deep water every 2-3 weeks.
Fertilizing: High potassium fertilizer during flowering and fruiting.
Pruning: Annually after fruit harvest to maintain size and shape.
Harvesting and Preserving the Crop
Harvesting: Mangoes are typically ready to harvest when they have a full, rounded shape and a slight color change from green to yellow, orange, or red. Gently twist or cut the fruit from the tree.
Ripening: Place mangoes at room temperature until they yield slightly to pressure.
Preserving: Mangoes can be preserved by refrigeration (lasts 5-7 days), freezing (sliced and stored in airtight containers), or drying (cut into thin strips and dehydrated).
By following these steps and guidelines, you can successfully grow, care for, and enjoy delicious mangoes from your own garden.
