How to Plant a Mango Tree from Seed

How to Plant a Mango Tree from Seed: A Step-by-Step Guide

For a detailed plant guide on Mangoes Click here

Mangoes are one of the most beloved fruits worldwide, known for their sweet, juicy flesh and rich tropical flavour. Planting a mango tree from seed can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to enjoy this fruit right from your garden. In South Africa’s warm climate, mango trees can thrive with the right care and conditions. This guide will take you through the steps of how to plant a mango tree from seed, from seed preparation to caring for your growing tree.

1. Choosing the Right Mango Seed

Not all mango seeds will grow into a fruitful tree. When planting a mango tree from seed, it’s important to select a polyembryonic mango variety. These varieties are common in South Africa and are more likely to produce a plant that will bear true-to-type fruit.

Here’s how to get started:

• Pick a Ripe Mango: Choose a ripe, healthy mango that is free from any damage or disease.
• Extract the Seed: After enjoying the fruit, carefully cut around the husk of the mango seed without damaging the seed inside. Clean off all the fruit flesh under running water.

2. Preparing the Mango Seed for Planting

Once you’ve extracted the seed, you’ll need to prepare it before planting. This step is crucial for speeding up germination.

• Remove the Husk: Use a knife or scissors to carefully open the tough outer husk of the seed. Inside, you’ll find the softer inner seed that resembles a large bean.
• Dry the Seed: Let the seed dry for a day or two in a shaded spot. This reduces the risk of rotting once planted.
• Check for Viability: Ensure the seed is healthy, firm, and free from any mould or damage. A discoloured or shrivelled seed may not germinate.

3. Germinating the Mango Seed

Before planting the mango seed directly into the soil, you can germinate it to ensure it’s viable and will grow.

• Use a Paper Towel: Wrap the cleaned mango seed in a damp paper towel and place it inside a zip-lock bag or container.
• Store in a Warm Place: Keep the seed in a warm, dark spot like a cupboard. Make sure the paper towel remains damp but not soggy.
• Check for Sprouts: After 1 to 2 weeks, you should notice the seed beginning to sprout. Once the sprout is about 2-3 cm long, it’s ready to be planted.

4. Planting the Mango Seed

Now that your seed has sprouted, it’s time to plant it.

• Choose a Pot or Location: If you’re starting the mango tree indoors, use a large pot with good drainage. If you’re planting directly in the garden, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Mango trees love warmth and sunshine, so pick a location that receives full sunlight.
• Prepare the Soil: Mango trees thrive in loamy, well-draining soil. You can enrich the soil with organic compost to promote healthy growth.
• Plant the Seed: Place the sprouted seed in the soil with the root facing downward and cover it with about 2-3 cm of soil. Be sure not to bury the seed too deep, as this can hinder growth.
• Water Thoroughly: Water the soil well after planting, but avoid waterlogging. The soil should be moist but not soggy.

5. Caring for the Mango Seedling

As your mango tree begins to grow, it will need consistent care to thrive. Here’s how to care for your seedling:

• Watering: Mango seedlings need regular watering, especially during the first few months. Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to prevent root rot.
• Sunlight: Ensure your mango tree gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If growing indoors, place it near a bright window.
• Fertilising: Once the seedling is established (about 6 months old), begin fertilising with a balanced fertiliser every 2-3 months. Alternatively, use organic options like compost or well-rotted manure.
• Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

6. Transplanting Your Mango Tree Outdoors

Once your mango tree has grown to about 30-60 cm tall, and if you started it in a pot, you may need to transplant it outdoors.

• Timing: Transplant your mango tree during late spring or early summer when the weather is warm.
• Choose a Permanent Location: Mango trees can grow quite large (up to 10-30 metres), so ensure there is ample space for your tree to expand. Choose a spot that gets full sun and is sheltered from strong winds.
• Dig a Planting Hole: Make a hole that is about twice the size of the root ball. Place the tree in the hole and fill it with well-draining soil.
• Water and Mulch: After transplanting, water the tree thoroughly and apply mulch around the base to retain moisture.

7. Ongoing Care for a Mango Tree

Once established, mango trees are relatively low maintenance, but they do need regular care to ensure healthy growth and fruit production.

• Pruning: Prune your mango tree annually to shape it and remove any dead or diseased branches. This also helps improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.
• Pest and Disease Control: Watch out for common pests like aphids, mealybugs, and mango weevils. Organic solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soap can help keep pests at bay.
• Fertilising: Continue fertilising your mango tree at least twice a year, once in early spring and again in late summer. As the tree matures, switch to a high-potassium fertiliser to encourage fruit production.

8. Harvesting Mangoes

It can take 5 to 8 years for a mango tree grown from seed to produce fruit. Once your tree starts to flower, you can expect to harvest fruit within 4 to 5 months, typically from late spring to early summer.

• Check for Ripeness: Mangoes are ready to harvest when they change colour from green to yellow, red, or orange, depending on the variety.
• Harvesting Method: Gently twist the mangoes from the branch or use a pair of pruning shears to cut them off. Avoid pulling the fruit, as this can damage the tree.

Buy a Mango Tree Here

If you’d prefer to buy a mango tree instead of growing one from seed, you can purchase young trees from these reputable nurseries:

• Just Berry Plants – Mango Trees for Sale
  Explore a range of mango tree options available for sale in South Africa.

• Tulbagh Nursery – Mango Trees for Sale
  Buy high-quality mango trees from this trusted South African nursery.

Questions About How to Grow a Mango from Seed

How long does it take to grow a mango tree from seed?

A mango tree grown from seed can take anywhere from 5 to 8 years to produce fruit, depending on growing conditions and care. The process requires patience, but it’s a rewarding long-term investment for your garden.

How do you prepare a mango seed for planting?

To prepare a mango seed for planting, first clean the seed by removing any remaining flesh from the husk. Then, carefully open the hard husk using a knife or scissors to extract the inner seed. Let the seed dry for a day or two before planting or beginning the germination process.

Can you plant a mango seed directly into soil?

Yes, you can plant a mango seed directly into soil. However, germinating the seed in a damp paper towel first can help ensure successful sprouting before planting. If you plant the seed directly, make sure it is placed in well-draining soil and watered consistently.

Which side of the mango seed goes down?

When planting a mango seed, place the flatter, more rounded side down in the soil. The pointed side, where the sprout will emerge, should face upwards.

Can you plant a dried mango seed?

Yes, you can plant a dried mango seed, but it’s best to plant the seed when it’s slightly fresh and not completely dried out. Soak a dried seed in water for a few hours to rehydrate it before planting.

Which soil is best for mango trees?

Mango trees grow best in loamy, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (around 5.5 to 7.5). Adding compost or organic matter can help improve the soil quality.

How to grow a mango tree faster?

To grow a mango tree faster, ensure it receives plenty of sunlight (6-8 hours per day), regular watering (without overwatering), and feed it with a balanced fertiliser (NPK 10-10-10) during the growing season. Pruning the tree to remove weak or damaged branches can also encourage faster, healthier growth.

Which fertilizer is best for mango trees?

A balanced fertiliser with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK 10-10-10) is ideal for young mango trees. As the tree matures, switch to a fertiliser higher in potassium to promote fruit production.

Should I put my mango seed in water?

You can soak the mango seed in water for a few hours to help soften the outer husk before planting or germinating it. However, it is not necessary to keep the seed in water for long periods; instead, focus on keeping the soil or germination environment moist.

Do mango seeds need direct sunlight?

Mango seeds do not need direct sunlight to germinate, but once the seedling begins to sprout, it requires plenty of sunlight to grow strong and healthy. After sprouting, place the seedling in a location where it can receive 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day.

Can a cracked mango seed grow?

Yes, a cracked mango seed can still grow, as long as the inner seed is intact and healthy. If the seed has sprouted despite being cracked, plant it carefully in soil and ensure proper care to encourage growth.

How do you turn a mango seed into a tree?

To turn a mango seed into a tree, first germinate the seed by wrapping it in a damp paper towel and placing it in a warm, dark place. Once it sprouts, plant it in well-draining soil with the root side down. Water regularly, ensure it gets plenty of sunlight, and fertilise during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.

Why won’t my mango seed grow?

If your mango seed isn’t growing, it could be due to several factors, such as insufficient moisture, lack of warmth, or a damaged seed. Make sure the seed is planted in well-draining soil, kept moist but not waterlogged, and placed in a warm environment. Poor-quality seeds or planting them too deep can also affect growth.

How do you cut a mango and save the seed?

To cut a mango and save the seed, first slice the mango along both sides of the pit to remove the flesh. Then, carefully cut away any remaining flesh around the pit. Rinse the seed under running water to remove any residual fruit. Once cleaned, gently open the hard outer husk to reveal the seed inside, which can then be dried and prepared for planting.

Additional Resources

For more information on growing mango trees from seed, check out these helpful resources:

• Garden and Home – Grow Your Own Mango Tree from Seed: A Step-by-Step Guide
  A detailed guide on how to plant and care for a mango tree from seed in your garden.

• South African Mango Growers’ Association
  Learn more about mango cultivation, industry insights, and resources from South Africa’s mango experts.

• WikiHow – How to Grow a Mango Tree
  A comprehensive guide on how to grow a mango tree from seed, with helpful illustrations and tips.