Mango trees are not only prized for their delicious, sweet fruit but also for their beauty and shade. Growing your own mango tree can be a rewarding experience, whether you’re an avid gardener or just beginning your journey into fruit cultivation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key steps to successfully grow and care for a mango tree, from selecting the right variety to ensuring it thrives with proper sunlight, watering, and pruning. Whether you’re planting in a backyard or a pot, with the right care, your mango tree can become a lush, productive addition to your landscape.
Full sun
Water regularly
Deep & well drained soil
Tropical/sub tropical & frost free climates
Growing Mango Trees in the Garden
Location & Soil
Find a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Ensure your soil is deep, moist & well drained with plently of organic matter. Use a soil improver to help the structure & moisture of the soil.
Test if your soil is deep enough by digging a 40cm deep hole. If you hit clay or rock before reaching 40cm deep, try another spot or choose a dwarf mango tree and plant in a pot.
Clay can be treated with a clay breaker.
Planting the tree
Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root ball. Remove from container & gently tease the roots. Cut away any tangled roots.
Position the tree in the planting hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised doughnut ring around the plant to create a well. Water in generously.
Caring after planting
Keep soil moist to help the tree establish. Applying mulch in the root zone, but away from the trunk will help keep the mulch away from the trunk.
Watering & Fertilising
Once or twice a week, water deeply depending on weather conditions. Feed mango trees every 8 weeks in spring/autumn to encourage healthy growth and fruiting.
Harvesting Fruit
You can harvest mangos when they give slightly when squeezed. Colour is not reliable way to judge ripeness.
Wear protection to avoid the sap from touching your skin as it can be an irritant. Wash off any sap on the mango or your skin immediately under running water & seek further medical advice if required.
Growing Mango Trees in a Pot
You can grow mango trees in a pot! Ensure you select a ‘dwarf variety.
Pot & Location
Choose a pot that is at least 500mm wide and position in a protected spot that receives at least 6 hours of sun per day.
Planting the tree
Partly fill your pot with quality potting mix. Remove the tree from the container and gently tease the roots away from the rootball. Place in the potting mix and backfill; gently firming down. The final level of mix should sit at the same level as it was in the container. Water in well to settle soil.
Keep the soil moist as the plant establishes.
Caring after planting
Keep soil moist to help the tree establish. Applying mulch in the root zone, but away from the trunk will help keep the mulch away from the trunk.
Watering & Fertilising
Once or twice a week, water deeply depending on weather conditions. Feed mango trees every 8 weeks in spring/autumn to encourage healthy growth and fruiting.
Harvesting Fruit
You can harvest mangos when they give slightly when squeezed. Colour is not reliable way to judge ripeness.
Wear protection to avoid the sap from touching your skin as it can be an irritant. Wash off any sap on the mango or your skin immediately under running water & seek further medical advice if required.
Tips for Growing Mango Trees
What type of soil is best for a mango tree?
Mango trees thrive in well draining soil. Sandy or slightly acidic soils are ideal however the tree can adapt to a range of soil types as long as it is well draining.
How much sunlight does a mango tree require?
At least 6-8 hours a day to grow and produce fruit.Â
How often should I water a mango tree?
During the first few years of planting, water deeply once or twice a week depending on weather conditions. Once established, mango trees are relatively drought tolerant and require less frequent watering. During flowering or fruiting, reduce watering to avoid waterlogging roots.
When will my mango tree produce fruit?
Depending on the variety & growng conditions a mango tree usually starts producing fruit within 3-5 years.
How to prune a mango tree?
Prune after fruiting to remove dead or diseased branches, improve air circulation and encourage new growth. Keep the tree at a manageable height for easier harvesting.
Can mango trees tolerate cold weather?
As they are tropical & subtropical plants, mango trees are sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures.
