How to Grow a Mango Tree
Planting the Mango Tree
Dig the hole for planting. In your selected plot location, use a shovel to dig a hole that is 2-4 times the size of the rootball of your mango plant. If you’re planting in area that already has grass, remove the grass in an area a further 2 feet (0.6 m) around the plot space to make room for the tree. Mix a bit of compost (no more than a 50/50 mixture) with the soil you’ve dug up which will be replaced around the roots.
Plant the tree. Remove the sapling from the container or place your seed in the hole. The base of the tree/sprout should be level with or slightly above the ground. Replace the soil you’ve dug out by filling in the hole around the tree and lightly tamping it. Mango trees grow best in loose soil, so avoid applying too much pressure to the plot as you refill the hole
Fertilize the tree. For the first year, fertilize your mango tree/sprout once a month with a non-chemical fertilizer. A fertilizer with a 6-6-6-2 mix should be good. You can dissolve the fertilizer in a bit of warm water for application, and keep the solution on hand for your monthly use.
Water your mango tree. Mango trees don’t like a ton of water, but the first week watering should be slightly above average. Give the plant a few tablespoons of water every other day for the first week, and then water them only once or twice a week for the first year. You can implement an irrigation system for the tree once it is a year old, and allow the natural rainwater to do its job.
Keep weeds at bay. Weeds can become a serious problem around your mango trees if not dealt with on a regular basis. Make sure to weed regularly, removing any plants that sprout up near the trunk of the tree. Add a thick layer of mulch around the tree to help trap in moisture and prevent weed growth as well. You can add a bit of compost to the mulch as well to help supply the tree with added nutrients.
Prune your tree when necessary. The goal of pruning is to allow for as much space for branches to form, as the fruit will develop at the end of the branches (known as terminal flowers). Cut branches 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the trunk if there is too much crowding near the center, typically after the last fruit of the season (in the fall). You can prune your tree to limit it’s outward growth as well, by simply cutting off branches that are too tall or wide. If you have questions about your specific mango tree, visit a local nursery and check in for tips there.
Harvest your mangoes. Because mangoes vary in color, shape, and size from species to species, you can’t tell if the fruit is ripe until you cut it open. You can get a general sense depending on how soft and fragrant it is, but should use a knife to sample the fruit. When the meat is yellow through to the core, it is ready to eat. If it is still very white and hard, then wait 1-2 weeks before testing it again. If you do pick your fruit early, you can ripen it by keeping it in a paper bag in room temperature for a few days. A nice alternative if you have picked them early is to make a salad by julienning them and making a green mango salad that goes well with fish dishes.