Buzz
Mango trees are among the easiest plants to grow from seeds and require minimal care. The size and flavor of the mango fruit vary depending on the variety, so it's recommended to taste the fruit beforehand if possible. Depending on the climate, mango trees can grow to heights of 9-20 meters and live for centuries. If you plan to grow mangoes in pots, you can keep the tree in the container until it outgrows it, then start a new tree with fresh seeds.
Steps
Germinating the Seed
Consider the climate. Mango trees are native to hot, humid tropical climates in Asia and Oceania. Beyond these regions, mango trees thrive in USDA agricultural zones 9B and above. In colder climates, mango trees can also be grown in pots and brought indoors during freezing weather.
- The Cogshall mango variety is a popular choice for indoor cultivation and can be maintained at a height of 2.4 meters through regular pruning. Even smaller mango varieties for those with limited space are also available.
Find a seedling. The best way to ensure you get a mango seed that thrives in your area is to locate a mango tree nearby. A mango tree producing delicious fruit near your location will provide you with a variety suited to the local climate. If you live in a warm region with mild winters, you might find a healthy mango seedling nearby.
- If you can't find a mango tree, you can order seeds or visit a store to purchase them. Make sure to choose a variety that grows well in your area.
- You can also try growing a tree from a seed of a store-bought mango. However, it’s challenging to guarantee the seed’s survival in your region, especially if the mango was imported or from a different climate. Still, it’s worth a try!
Check the mango seed for viability. Cut the flesh of the mango to reveal the seed inside. Carefully remove the seed coat to expose the kernel. A good mango seed should look fresh and have a light brown color. Sometimes, seeds shrivel and turn gray when exposed to cold temperatures, making them unusable.
- Cut as close to the seed as possible: Hold one side of the mango in your palm and carefully slice the other side. Repeat for both sides, leaving about 2 cm of flesh. Flip the cut pieces to reveal the delicious mango inside. You can eat it directly or scoop it into a bowl.
- Wear gloves when handling the seed, as it contains sap that can irritate the skin.
Choose a seed treatment method. You can either dry the seed or soak it as described later. Soaking can reduce germination time by 1-2 weeks but increases the risk of mold.
Drying the Seed
Dry the seed thoroughly with a paper towel. Place the seed in a sunny, well-ventilated area for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, gently squeeze the seed to open it, being careful not to split it in half. You only need to slightly separate the seed and let it dry for another week.
Fill the planting pot with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Dig a small hole about 20 cm deep. Place the seed in the hole with the belly button facing downward.
Water thoroughly and continue watering daily or every other day, depending on soil conditions. After 4-6 weeks, you’ll have a mango seedling about 10-20 cm tall. Depending on the variety, the seedling may have dark purple, almost black, or bright green leaves.
Grow the seedling until it develops a strong root system. Many growers keep mango trees indoors for 1-2 years before transplanting them outdoors.
Soaking the Seed
The soaking method is faster than drying, reducing germination time by 1-2 weeks. However, it carries a higher risk of mold, so it’s not recommended if you only have one seed to plant.
Score the seed. Scoring involves gently scratching the outer layer of the seed to encourage germination. You can carefully make a small cut on the mango seed or use sandpaper or steel wool to lightly scrape the surface, just enough to penetrate the seed coat.
Soak the seed. Place the mango seed in a small jar of water and keep it in a warm spot, such as a cupboard or on a shelf. Let it soak for 24 hours.
Remove the soaked seed and wrap it in a damp paper towel. Place the wrapped seed in a plastic bag with one corner cut off. Keep the paper towel moist and wait for the seed to sprout – this usually takes 1-2 weeks. Ensure the seed is kept in a warm, humid environment to aid germination.
Prepare a pot for the seedling. Start by planting the seedling in a pot. Choose a pot large enough to bury the seed and fill it with a mix of potting soil and compost. While you can plant directly in the ground, starting in a pot allows better control over temperature during the vulnerable early stages.
Expose the seedling to sunlight to strengthen it. Place the pot outdoors in partial sunlight; this helps the seedling acclimate to sunlight and grow stronger before moving it to its final location with full sun exposure.
Planting young trees
Move the sapling to a location with full sunlight. Choose an area that receives full sun for planting mango trees. Ensure this spot can accommodate a large tree – mango trees can grow up to 20 meters tall!
- When planting the tree in its final location, look for a garden area with good drainage. Also, think ahead; it should be a place free from obstructions like houses, underground water pipes, or overhead power lines.
- Transplant the sapling outdoors once it has developed a strong, healthy root system, and the trunk is about 5 cm thick. Most mango trees reach this size after 2 years.
Keep the tree in a pot. Growing mango trees in pots is ideal if you live in a region with cold winters, as you can bring the tree indoors when temperatures drop. As the tree grows, you'll need to prune it to maintain a smaller size or transplant it into a larger pot.
Planting the sapling. Dig a hole wide enough to fit the small root system of the sapling. The hole should be three times the size of the root ball. Fill the hole with one-third high-quality potting soil, one-third garden sand (avoid clay-based sand), and the remaining third with the soil you dug out. Place the sapling in the hole, firm the soil around the base, and water thoroughly.
- Be careful not to break the sapling while planting.
- Keep the base of the tree clear to prevent the sapling from developing girdling roots.
Water the mango tree regularly and use fertilizer sparingly. Most mango varieties will bear fruit after 5-8 years. Mango trees take a considerable amount of time to reach maturity, but the wait is well worth it.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause your mango tree to focus on leaf growth rather than fruit production.
Tips
- Avoid overwatering the plant.
- You can also purchase mango seeds from a seed supply company.
- Young mango trees may take between 5 to 8 years to bear fruit.
