The Ultimate Guide on How to Grow Mangoes from Seed
Do you love mangoes and want to cultivate your own mango tree? Great news! You don’t need to be a professional gardener to achieve this. This article offers an easy step-by-step guide on how to grow your mango tree starting from a seed. Let’s embark on this exciting gardening adventure!
1. Preparations
First things first, you need a mango seed, which can be retrieved from the pit of a fresh mango fruit. Thoroughly rinse the seed off, ensuring no pulp residue is left. Remember to dry your mango seed before moving to the next step. Weather and soil preparation are paramount. Mango trees prefer warm weather and well-drained soils. If it’s cold, you can start your seed indoors and transplant later.
In terms of soil, a well-draining mixture such as a mixture of potting soil and sand or a cactus mix works great. You may want to consider using larger pots as mango trees will need plenty of room to grow. Use a temperature above 21 degrees Celsius for optimal growth.
2. Germinating the seed
Next, you’ll want to open the husk and remove the seed inside. Carefully using a sharp knife, make a cut at the top of the husk. Insert the knife shallowly to avoid damaging the seed inside. You should be able to pry it open and remove the seed.
Wrap the seed in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag or container. Make sure the container is covered but not sealed airtight, allowing air circulation. Keep the seed in a warm place and within a week or two, you should see sprouting.
3. Planting the seedling
Once the sprout is about 12cm long, plant it in a pot. Ensure that it’s deep enough for the roots and that it’s positioned with the sprout pointing upwards. Use a mix of well-draining soil, sand, and compost for optimal results.
Water the plant generously and place the pot in a sunny location. Mango trees need plenty of sunlight so make sure to place it in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. After water, sunlight is a key component in a plant’s photosynthesis process.
4. Caring for the sapling
Caring for your sapling includes regular watering and feeding. Water it frequently, but make sure your soil is well-draining so your plant doesn’t sit in water. Overwatering can cause root rot. Feed your sapling with a balanced fertilizer to get all the essential nutrients.
Once you have a sapling, top-dressing the soil with rich compost is a great way to nourish your growing mango tree. Apply it at a depth of 5 cm. It’s also important that you keep an eye on pests. If you notice any, a natural insecticidal soap should help.
5. Harvesting
It can take quite some time to reap the fruits of your labor. Mango trees may take anywhere from two to four years to bear fruit. When the mangoes start appearing, wait until they’re slightly soft to the touch and their full color has developed before harvesting.
It’s worth the wait! There’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh, juicy mango straight from your very own tree. With patience, and by following these steps, you too can have a plentiful harvest of mangoes in your backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long it will take for a mango tree to bear fruit?
It typically takes around two to four years for a mango tree grown from the seed to bear fruit. However, this can vary depending on the climatic conditions and the care taken.
Q2: Can mango trees survive in cold conditions?
Mango trees grown from seedlings are tropical plants and thrive in areas with minimum temperatures of 4.5°C. They may not survive in cold climates unless grown in a controlled environment or indoors.
Q3: How often should I water my mango tree?
Mango trees should be watered regularly but avoid waterlogging as this can lead to root rot. A dose of water once every two to three days is usually sufficient for young trees. Adjust the watering schedule based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels.
