How to Grow Mango
Mangifera indica
Mangifera indica is a majestic evergreen tropical tree prized for its sweet, aromatic fruit. Gardeners cultivate these magnificent specimens in warm climates to enjoy lush foliage year-round and harvest delicious mangoes that define summer flavors.
📷 Wikipedia: MangoStarting Mango: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Mango is not usually started indoors.
Since this is a tropical tree suited for USDA zones 10-11, you should direct sow seeds outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are warm enough to support germination.
Soil, care & harvest
You cannot sow mango seeds indoors or outdoors relative to the last frost because this tropical tree is not a cool-season crop. Instead, plant your seeds directly into well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 once temperatures are consistently warm. Bury the seed pointy-end down about one inch deep; germination typically takes several weeks in ideal heat.
Space your trees twenty-five to thirty feet apart to allow full canopy development without competition. Provide full sun for at least six hours daily and water moderately, reducing frequency during winter dormancy. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and feed the tree annually with balanced fertilizer to support heavy fruit production.
Watch for aphids and sooty mold on leaves; treat infestations by spraying insecticidal soap or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs. Harvest ripe mangoes when they yield slightly to gentle pressure, usually occurring several months after flowering depending on the variety. Do not rely on specific day counts as tropical fruit maturity varies significantly with local climate conditions.
When to Plant Mango
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
