Overview
Mangoes are tropical fruit trees that are beloved for their sweet and juicy flavour. These evergreen plants can grow up to 100 feet tall in the wild and produce large, oval-shaped fruits with a variety of colours ranging from green to yellow to red when ripe. The flesh of mangoes is succulent and fibrous, encasing a single large seed in the centre.
Mangoes, scientifically known as Mangifera indica and belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, are often hailed as the king of fruits.They are believed to have originated in South Asia over 4,000 years ago were initially cultivated in India and have since spread across tropical regions worldwide.
Throughout history, mangoes have been revered for their sweetness and nutritional benefits. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fibre. In many cultures, mangoes hold symbolic importance and are often associated with prosperity and abundance.Mango trees are also considered sacred in some traditions due to their longevity and ability to bear fruit for many generations.
How to Grow Mangoes from Seeds
There are two types of mango seeds: the polyembryonic seed and the monoembryonic seed. Polyembryonic seed contains multiple embryos within a single seed coat. These embryos are genetic clones of the parent tree, making them ideal for growing fruit-bearing mango trees. The polyembryonic seeds result in trees with consistent and desired fruit characteristics.
On the other hand, the monoembryonic seed contains just one embryo. While these seeds can also be used to grow mango trees, they do not guarantee identical quality or characteristics to the parent tree. As a result, farmers often prefer using polyembryonic seeds for commercial cultivation to ensure uniformity and consistency in their fruit production.
How Much Time Does It Take to Grow
Mango seeds can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to sprout, depending on various factors such as temperature, humidity, and soil quality. Once the seed sprouts and develops into a sapling, it typically takes around five to eight years for the mango tree to mature enough to bear fruit. You will need to have patience when growing mangoes from seeds.On the other hand, grafted nursary trees can take 3 to 5 years to fully mature.
How to Plant Mango Seeds
Gently cut open the mango along its pit using a sharp knife without damaging the seed.Carefully remove the seed from the flesh and wash off any remaining fruit. Next, wrap the seed in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and store it in a warm location to encourage germination.
Once you see signs of sprouting, prepare a pot with well-draining soil mixed with compost. Create a small hole in the soil and plant the germinated seed with the root facing downwards. Cover it lightly with soil and water thoroughly.
Place the pot in a sunny spot and make sure to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.. Check on the progress every few days and ensure that the paper towel stays moist throughout the process. With patience and care, you’ll soon have your own mango tree ready to grow and flourish in your garden or home!
Mango Tree Care
They are easy to grow and care for. They just need the right conditions to be grown. While some mango varieties are self-pollinating, others rely on external agents like insects, particularly bees, for efficient pollination. Bees play a vital role in transferring pollen from male to female flowers, leading to successful fertilization and fruit development.
Light
Mango trees rely heavily on light for their growth and fruit production. Mango trees require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth, ensuring proper photosynthesis and better taste of the mangoes.The intensity of light can also affect the flavour profile of mangoes. Research suggests that mangoes exposed to higher levels of sunlight tend to be sweeter and more flavorful.
Soil
Although mangoes can tolerate a wide range of soil types, they thrive best in deep, well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. Sandy loam soils are particularly beneficial for mango cultivation, as they provide good aeration while retaining enough moisture for the tree’s needs.
Mango trees thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 being ideal for their cultivation. A soil pH outside this range can negatively impact nutrient availability, root development, and overall tree health.
Water
At the initial stage, frequent water is crucial for mangoes.After growing seeds,they need daily or 2 to 3 times a week, depending on the weather. As the mango tree matures, its water requirements evolve. While established trees are more drought-tolerant than young saplings, they still need regular watering, especially during dry periods.
Temperature and Humidity
For mangoes to thrive, the ideal temperature range is between 75 -86°F during the day and 60-70°F at night. Extreme temperatures, both high and low, can negatively impact mango trees.High humidity levels are also crucial for optimal growth, with a range of 50%-80% being preferred by most mango varieties.
Maintining this humidity humidity is necessary as humidity above it can cause common mango diseases like powdery mildew and anthracnose that thrive in moist conditions Maintain proper airflow within the orchard to reduce humidity levels around the trees and minimizing disease risk.
Fertilizer
Remember, fertilizing mango seeds right after planting may not be necessary as it can harm rather than help their growth. Instead, it is advisable to wait until the saplings have established themselves before considering fertilizer application.when fertilizing, look for options that are high in potassium and phosphorus.Organic fertilizers like compost or well-rotted manure can be effective choices.
When to Transplant Mango Saplings
Once your mango saplings reach the age of 5 to 6 months, it is the perfect time to transplant them into the ground. At this stage, the saplings are strong enough to withstand the transplantation process and establish themselves in their new environment. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil for better growth and fruit production.
Can We Grow Mangoes Indoors?
Yes, it is possible to grow mangoes indoors with the right conditions and care. To successfully grow mangoes indoors, you will need a large pot with good drainage, high-quality potting soil, and a sunny spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. It’s important to provide consistent watering and fertilizing throughout the growing season.Mango trees are tropical plants that require warmth and humidity, so indoor environments can be challenging for them.Growing mangoes inside rarely bear fruit. If you want a quality fruit, it’s better to grow them in the garden.
Common Pets and Plant Diseases
Common pests that attack mango plants include aphids, scales, and fruit flies. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, fruits, and overall health of the plant. To prevent infestations, regular monitoring and early detection are key. Implementing cultural practices such as proper pruning and sanitation can help reduce pest populations naturally.
Common diseases that affect mango plants include anthracnose, powdery mildew, and mango bacterial black spot disease. Anthracnose causes dark lesions on leaves and fruit, while powdery mildew appears as white powdery spots on leaves. Mango bacterial black spot disease leads to the formation of black spots on leaves and fruit. To prevent these diseases, it is important to ensure proper irrigation practices, avoid overhead watering, prune diseased plant parts promptly, and apply fungicides when necessary.
How and When to Harvest Mangoes
One way to determine if a mango is ready for harvest is by its colour and firmness. A ripe mango will typically have a sweet aroma and yield slightly to gentle pressure.If you’re unsure, it’s better to pick the mango slightly unripe rather than letting it overripen on the tree.Once picked, unripe mangoes can be left to ripen off the tree by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature. This process allows the fruit to naturally release ethylene gas, which helps speed up ripening.
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