HARVESTING
Grafted trees may carry a few fruit in their second year.
Full production may not be reached for 8 to 10 years.
Mangoes are clipped from the tree in an unripe but
mature condition. Tree height and shape should be
such that the majority of fruit is harvested from the
ground. Picking ladders and poles are used on taller
trees. Growers with large plantings may use various
types of picking platforms.
KPs are ready for harvest when the background fruit
colour changes from a bright green to a dull greenish
yellow, the blush intensifies, the beak fills out and
the flesh colour is almost all yellow. However, some
growers ‘colour pick’ more mature fruit.
Harvest mangoes with long stems of at least 5 cm to
stop fruit spurting sap and minimise the downgrading
of otherwise good quality fruit due to sap burn.