People can enjoy fresh, dried, or in smoothies and desserts the delicious tropical fruits and mangoes. But did you know that you can also grow your own mango tree from seed, using a store-bought mango as a source of seeds? It’s simple and enjoyable for gardening fans who like tropical plants.
In this blog post, we will show you step-by-step instructions on how to grow a mango tree from seed. We’ll give you tips to grow mangos and explain the benefits of having your own mango tree at home. Let’s get started!
What You Need to Grow a Mango Tree from Seed
To grow a mango tree from seed, you will need the following items:
- A ripe mango. Choose a firm, juicy, and sweet mango. Avoid overripe or rotten ones. Some mango varieties, such as Tommy Atkins, Kent, Keitt, and Haden, are easier to grow from seeds.
- A knife. You will need a sharp knife to cut the mango and remove the seed. Be careful not to damage the seed when you cut the mango, as this can affect its germination.
- A paper towel. You will need a paper towel to wrap the seed and keep it moist during germination.
- A plastic bag. You will need a plastic bag to seal the wrapped seed and create a greenhouse effect. This will help the seed sprout faster and prevent it from drying out.
- A pot. You will need a large pot with drainage holes to plant the seed. The pot should be at least 10 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep. You can use a plastic, clay, or ceramic pot, but ensure it is sturdy and stable.
- Potting soil. You will need good quality potting soil that is well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic. You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and compost.
- Sunny location. Mango trees need a sunny location with at least 6 hours of sun daily. You can grow them outdoors in warm climates or indoors near a south-facing window in cooler climates.
When to Grow a Mango Tree from Seed
The best time to grow a mango tree from seed is in late spring or early summer when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. This will allow the mango tree to establish itself in temperate conditions and avoid cold damage or slow growth.1
You can plant mango trees year-round, but they may take longer to germinate and grow if you plant them in winter or fall. You will also need to protect them from frost and low temperatures by covering them with a blanket or bringing them indoors.23
You can grow mango trees in tropical or subtropical areas. You just need to provide them with water and fertilizer. However, avoid planting them during the rainy season, as this can cause root rot or fungal diseases. 4
How to Grow a Mango Tree from Seed: Step by Step
Now that you have everything you need, you can follow these steps to grow a mango tree from seed:
Step 1. Cut the mango and remove the seed
- Cut the mango along the sides of the seed and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. You can eat the flesh or save it for later.
- Then, peel off the seed’s husk with your fingers or a knife. You should see a large, flat, white seed inside. Rinse the seed with water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
Step 2. Wrap the seed and seal it in a plastic bag
- Wrap the seed with a damp paper towel and place it inside a plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly and poke a few holes for air circulation.
- Label the bag with the date and the variety of mangoes. Then, place the bag in a warm and dark place, such as a cupboard or a drawer.
- Check the bag every few days, and moisten the paper towel if it dries out. The seed should sprout within 2 to 4 weeks.
Step 3. Plant the seed in a pot
- Once the seed has sprouted, you can plant it in a pot. Fill the pot with fresh potting soil and make a hole in the center. Carefully remove the seed from the bag, and gently separate the sprout from the paper towel.
- Place the seed in the hole, with the sprout pointing upwards. Cover the seed with soil, leaving the sprout exposed. Water the soil well, and place the pot in a sunny location.
Step 4. Care for your mango plant.
- Water your mango plant regularly, but do not overwater it. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
- Check soil moisture by sticking a finger in the soil up to the second knuckle. If dry, water the plant. If it feels wet, wait until it dries out a bit.
- You can also use a moisture meter to measure the soil moisture level. You can fertilize your mango plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10.
- You can also prune your mango plant to shape it and encourage branching. You can pinch off the tips of the new growth or cut off the top of the main stem when it reaches about 3 feet tall.
Step 5. Enjoy your mango tree
Congratulations, you have successfully grown a mango tree from seed! You can enjoy watching your mango tree grow and produce fruit. However, be patient, as your mango tree may take several years to bear fruit.
The time it takes for a mango tree to bear fruit depends on factors like variety, climate, care, and pollination. Some mango trees may fruit in 2 to 4 years, while others may occupy up to 10 years or more.
To make your mango tree bear fruit, you have two options. First, you can pollinate it by using a different type of mango tree. Second, you can attach a branch from a mature mango tree to your young tree.
What are The Benefits of Growing a Mango Tree from Seed
Growing a mango tree from seed has many benefits, such as:
- A fun and rewarding hobby that can improve your mood, reduce stress, and enhance your creativity.
- Growing your own food is cheap and good for the environment. You can use mango seeds from the store instead of buying them, and you won’t need to use harmful chemicals.
- Mangoes are good for you because they have lots of vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
- Mango trees are a lovely way to decorate your home with their shiny leaves, sweet-smelling flowers, and vibrant fruits.
Conclusion
Growing a mango tree from seed is easier than it may seem. All you need is a ripe mango, a knife, a paper towel, a plastic bag, a pot, potting soil, and a sunny location. By following the steps in this blog post, you can grow a mango tree from seed and enjoy the fruits of your labor. We hope you found this guide helpful and informative.
If you have any comments, please leave them below. Happy growing!
I am Gaushoul Agam
𝐂𝐨-𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 & 𝐂𝐄𝐎
ToAgriculture
I am an experienced Horticulture Officer in the Department of Agricultural Extension in Bangladesh. I am committed to improving agriculture and farming.
I created ToAgriculture to address global food safety concerns. These concerns are caused by a growing population, diminishing farmland, and the impact of climate change on agriculture. I assist readers in learning modern farming techniques.
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