Mangoes are one of the most popular fruits in the world, and growing your own mango tree from a seed is an excellent way to enjoy the sweet and juicy fruit right from your backyard.
Planting a mango seed is easy, and with the right care and attention, you can have a thriving mango tree in no time.
In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to grow a mango tree from seed.
Contents
What is a Mango?
Before you get started, it’s important to know a bit about the mango tree. Mangoes are tropical plants that can grow up to 65 feet tall and have a wide canopy of leaves.
They are native to India but now can be found in many tropical and subtropical climates region.
The mango tree produces large, fleshy fruits that are yellow or green when ripe. The fruits are sweet and juicy and can be eaten fresh or used in a variety of recipes.
How to Grow a Mango from Seed
Embarking on the journey of growing a mango tree from a seed can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor.
This process, which is both an art and a science, involves several steps that require patience and care.
From selecting a ripe mango fruit and extracting its seed, to preparing the husk and planting the seed in well-draining soil, each step is crucial to the successful germination and growth of the mango tree. Let’s dive deeper into each steps.
Prepare Husk
When preparing husk, the first step to do is choose a ripe mango with a fully developed seed inside. Remove the husk from the seed and rinse it off.
Then, soak the seed in water overnight. This will help to soften the husk and make it easier to remove.
Once the husk has softened, carefully remove it from the seed. Be sure to keep the seed intact and not to damage it in the process.
Prepare Seed
Once the husk has been removed, the mango seed should be dried for a few days. This will help to ensure that the seed is completely dry before planting.
After the mango seed is dry, it should be placed in a plastic bag or container with some damp soil.
Place the container in a warm, sunny area and keep the soil moist. The seed should start to germinate within a few weeks.
Plant Sprouted Seed
Once your mango tree has sprouted and is showing signs of growth, it’s time to plant it in a pot or in your garden.
Make sure to use a pot with adequate drainage and fill it with a nutrient-rich soil. Plant the seedling at the same depth as it was in its previous container.
Water the soil regularly, but don’t overwater as this can cause root rot. Place the pot in a sunny spot, as mango trees need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Check for Growth Mango Plant
Once your mango tree has been planted and the soil is moist, you should keep an eye out for any signs of growth.
Look for any new leaves sprouting from the soil, as well as any new shoots or branches appearing. If you notice any of these signs, your mango tree is off to a good start.
You can also check the soil for any signs of root growth, as this is a good indicator that your mango tree is doing well.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Mango Seedlings
Knowing the ideal growing conditions for your mango seedling is crucial to help it thrive.
Mango trees are tropical plants, and they require a specific set of environmental conditions to grow and produce fruit successfully. Here are some key factors to consider for their ideal growing conditions:
Light
Once your mango tree is planted, it is important to provide it with plenty of light. Place it in an area that gets at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.
If you live in a particularly warm climate, it may be beneficial to provide some shade for your mango tree during the hottest part of the day.
Additionally, try to avoid planting your mango tree in an area that is prone to strong winds, as this can cause damage to the leaves and branches.
Soil
When planting your mango tree, it is important to use a soil that is well-draining and nutrient-rich.
A good quality potting soil with a mixture of compost or manure is ideal. Additionally, you may want to mix in a handful of perlite to ensure that the soil does not become too compacted.
Temperature
To ensure the success of your mango tree, the temperature must be kept consistent. Mangoes prefer a warm and tropical climate.
The ideal temperature range for a mango tree is between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too cold, the seed may not germinate. If it is too hot, the seed may dry out.
To maintain an ideal temperature, you can place the pot near a sunny window or use a heat mat. Additionally, you may want to place a fan nearby to create a gentle breeze.
Water
Once the seed has been planted, it is important to keep the soil moist. Adequate and consistent watering is crucial for mango seedlings, but be careful not to over-water.
If the soil is too wet, the seed may rot. The soil should remain slightly damp to ensure that the seed is able to germinate.
Additionally, misting the soil with a spray bottle can help to keep it moist. Make sure to water the soil from the bottom up, so that the seed is not disturbed.
Fertilizer
Once the seed has germinated, it’s time to start fertilizing. Mango trees are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization.
An all-purpose fertilizer will work well for mango trees. It’s important to remember to dilute the fertilizer before applying it to the soil.
This will help to ensure that the mango tree is not over-fertilized, which can cause damage to the roots.
Additionally, it’s important to fertilize the tree every couple of weeks to ensure that it is receiving the nutrients it needs to grow healthy and strong.
Common Problems and Pest Prevention
Mango trees can be susceptible to a variety of pests, such as mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects.
To prevent infestations, it’s important to check the tree regularly and take steps to keep the tree healthy, such as pruning and removing dead or diseased branches.
Additionally, it’s important to keep the area around the tree free of debris and weeds, as these can provide a habitat for pests.
Diseases
Growing mango from seed can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be aware of the potential diseases that can affect your plant.
Common diseases that affect mango plants include Anthracnose, a fungus that causes black spots on leaves and fruit, and Powdery Mildew, another funga disease that attacks emerging panicles, flowers, and fruit.
Other diseases include Bacterial Black Spot, Mango Scab, Mango Scale, Die Back, Phoma Blight, Bacterial Canker, Red Rust, Sooty Mould, and Mango Malformation.
These diseases can cause a variety of symptoms, including the death of branches and twigs, rust-colored spots on leaves, and a black coating on leaves and fruit.
Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor your plant regularly for any signs of these diseases and take appropriate action to manage them.
Pests
It is important to monitor the tree for pests, as they can cause damage to the tree and reduce its yield. Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects.
If pests are present, insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can be used to treat the tree.
Additionally, it is important to prune the tree regularly to remove dead or damaged branches and to encourage growth. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring, when the tree is dormant.