Mango
Mangifera indica · Anacardiaceae
Description
The mango is a tropical stone fruit belonging to the genus Mangifera, originating from South Asia. It is characterized by its sweet, juicy flesh and typically green, yellow, or red skin, depending on the variety. Mangos are a rich source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and are enjoyed fresh or used in a variety of culinary dishes.
Where it Grows
Planting
When to Plant
- Recommended planting season: Spring to early summer, ensuring temperatures are consistently warm.
How to Plant
- Select a Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
- Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil and amend it with compost.
- Planting: Dig a hole larger than the root ball, place the seedling, and fill in gently.
- Water: Water the newly planted mango tree thoroughly.
Planting Calendar
- Plant outdoors: 2–6 weeks after the last frost
Plant
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mango
- Plant out: Apr 24 – May 28
Care
Watering
- Young trees require regular watering (every 1-2 weeks).
- Mature trees need deep watering during dry spells.
Weeding
- Keep the area around the plant free from weeds to reduce competition for nutrients.
Mulching
- Apply organic mulch to maintain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Fertilizing
- Use a balanced fertilizer every couple of months during the growing season.
Thinning
- Thin out excessive branches to ensure good airflow and light penetration.
Pest Management
- Monitor for pests like aphids, mango hoppers, and scale insects. Use organic insecticides as necessary.
Harvesting
- Harvest mangoes when they reach the desired size, color, and firmness, typically in late summer to early fall.
Growing in Containers
Grows well in a pot of at least 50 litres (13 US gallons), with drainage holes. Can be grown indoors as a houseplant.
Propagation
From seed
- Remove the seed from a ripe mango and wash off the pulp.
- Carefully open the hard husk and take out the seed inside.
- Plant the seed in free-draining potting mix and cover it lightly.
- Keep the mix warm and evenly moist until it sprouts.
- Grow the seedling in bright light, noting that many seed-grown mangoes will not match the parent fruit.
By grafting
- Grow a healthy mango seedling to use as rootstock.
- Take a mature, healthy scion from the variety you want to grow.
- Make matching cuts in the rootstock and scion, then align their cambium layers.
- Wrap the graft firmly with grafting tape.
- Keep the plant warm and sheltered until the graft joins and new growth appears.
Companion Plants
Good neighbors
- Cowpea: Cowpea is commonly grown between young mango trees as a legume cover crop, helping protect and enrich the soil while the canopy is open.
- Peanut: Peanuts are commonly intercropped between young mango trees, providing ground cover and adding nitrogen to the soil.
Common Problems
- Anthracnose: Fungal disease causing lesions on fruit and leaves.
- Fruit Fly Infestation: Pests that damage ripe fruit, requiring careful management.
Pests and diseases: Anthracnose, Powdery Mildew, Scale Insects, Fruit Cracking, Frost Damage
Nutrition
Nutritional Benefits
- High in vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, and dietary fiber.
- Low in calories, making it a healthy snack choice.
Nutritional Composition (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 0.8 g |
| Fat | 0.4 g |
| Fiber | 1.6 g |
| Vitamin C | 36.4 mg |
| Vitamin A | 54 µg |
| Folate | 43 µg |
Varieties
- Alphonso
- Haden
- Tommy Atkins
- Kent
- Keitt
Health Benefits
- Supports immune function due to high vitamin C content.
- Aids digestion with dietary fiber.
- May improve heart health due to a variety of antioxidants.
Fun Facts
- Mango is known as the "king of fruits" in many cultures.
- They can be eaten green (unripe) or ripe and are used in both sweet and savory dishes.
- The mango tree is considered sacred in some cultures, symbolizing love and fertility.