Easy Guide to Growing Your Own Mango Orchard from Seed
Imagine enjoying mangoes that you've grown yourself, right from your backyard.
Starting a mango orchard at home is simpler than you might think and brings endless joy.
From seeding to harvesting, learn the steps to cultivate your own mangoes.
Your home garden awaits its transformation into a vibrant orchard.
Gather Your Supplies
Preparing and Germinating Mango Seeds
Extract the Seed
Start with a ripe mango, slice it open, and carefully take out the flat seed.
Remove the Husk
Use a knife or your nails to gently peel off the outer husk without harming the seed. Let it dry for a day or two.
Sprout the Seed
Soak the seed in water for a day, then plant it about an inch deep in a pot with good-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a sunny spot.
Cover it with plastic wrap to keep humidity in, and in two to four weeks, you’ll see a sprout.
Choosing a Pot and Planting
Choose a Pot
Pick a large pot, like a 20-gallon container with good drainage, for your mango once it has grown a few leaves.
Transplant Carefully
Gently move the young mango tree, keeping its roots intact. Plant it at the same depth as before, fill the pot with well-draining soil, and leave some room at the top for watering. Now it’s ready to grow in its new home.
Nutrients and Sunlight for Mango Trees
Watering
Water your mango tree regularly, especially in hot, dry weather, about a few times a week in summer and every two weeks in winter. Keep the soil moist but not soaked. A moisture meter can help, and adding organic mulch on top retains moisture and keeps weeds away.
Sunlight
Mangoes need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, place them by a sunny window or use grow lights.
For outdoor plants, gradually expose them to full sun in summer and protect from frost with covers or by moving them to a sheltered spot.
Fertilizing
Feed mangoes every spring and summer with a balanced organic fertilizer like compost tea or fish emulsion.
Slow-release fertilizers also work well, but avoid high-nitrogen types to promote fruiting. Stop fertilizing in fall and winter as the tree enters dormancy.
Transplanting and Pruning
Repot every 2-3 years to give roots more space, or consider planting it outside in a warm climate. Prune regularly to control size, encourage side branches, and remove dead or diseased parts.
The Reward of Growing Mangoes
Harvesting
At last, it’s harvest time! Mangoes are usually ready when they turn from green to shades of yellow, orange, or red, depending on the type. Handle them gently to avoid bruising.
Storage
After harvesting, let mangoes ripen at room temperature for a few days. They’re ready when they smell sweet and feel slightly soft. You can refrigerate ripe mangoes for a few more days to keep them fresh.
Tips for Growing Mangoes Successfully
Pollination
Mango trees are often pollinated by insects. If you’re growing indoors or where insects are scarce, try hand-pollinating by transferring pollen with a small brush or cotton swab.
Protection
Young mango trees are sensitive to strong winds, which can harm their branches and leaves. Use windbreaks or plant in a sheltered spot for extra protection.
Pest and Disease Control
Watch for common pests like aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs. Check regularly for disease signs and address issues promptly.