The mango is a subtropical fruit of Asian origin that is characterized by a very attractive spicy and sweet flavor. The fruits are green, yellow, orange or red, depending on the variety, and provide great health benefits. They are rich in acids, vitamin C and vitamin A. In addition, they have natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.
In their native sites, mango trees can grow up to 32 meters tall, but like other fruit trees, there are smaller species that take up less space and are ideal for growing in a container, even in cold climates. In this note you will learn how to do it and what care you must have to take advantage of its fruits.
Steps to grow a mango tree in pots
1. Planting it from seed is not a highly recommended idea, as it can take around eight years to produce fruit. The best option is to directly acquire a plant. Grafted young trees may take 3-5 years to produce fruit.
Option: germinated
You can also germinate a mango seed in soil, washing it and drying it in the sun for a few days. You can take advantage of a fruit you ate. Then you must open it with the help of a knife and carefully remove the hard outer shell that protects the embryo. Use a temporary container to which you will have to put fertile soil and implant the embryo, so that it protrudes a little from the soil at the top. Water abundantly and place your small pot where it receives sunlight.
At night, place it inside your home so that it is not damaged by the cold. After about three weeks, it will begin to root, at which point you can take it outside in the shade. When the leaves that start to grow turn green, you can place it in a larger pot, in the sun.
You can also germinate it without soil, placing the seed in a jar or container where the bottom is under water and the top is in the air. Oxygen, heat and light will favor its growth. When it reaches 15 centimeters in height, you can place it in your pot.
2. Choose a container that suits the size of the plant. Keep in mind that you will have to change it periodically, because as it grows, the plant gets bigger.
As always when you plant in pots, keep in mind that it has some holes for drainage.
Note: If you live in a colder climate, use a dark container, as mangoes prefer heat, and this shade has a tendency to absorb heat. In this case, also keep in mind that the container is easy to transport, since in winter you will have to transport it indoors, near a window, and heat the room as much as possible. Some also use halogen lights, to help raise the temperature and light, although this is not the most natural option.
3. Place, as always when growing in a pot, some stones at the bottom of the pot to facilitate drainage. Then fill in with rich soil and add organic compost to encourage growth.
4. Make a hole in the soil with your fingers and place the seedling, filling in the edges.
5. After flowering, the fruits will be ripe in the following four months, depending on the climate and variety. A warm and humid environment will always favor its growth.
6. Harvest your fruits, and enjoy them!
Recommendations and care for growing mango in pots
– The best time to plant is spring, but this can vary according to the variety of mango grown.
– The mango tree needs a lot of heat and sunlight to grow. Try to get around 9 hours of sun. Keep your plant away from the cold and avoid temperatures below 30ºC.
– Water your mango plant regularly during the first year. Then start when the top (about 2 inches) is dry. When it begins to flower and produce fruit, increase its watering.
– The mango tree does not require a large amount of pruning, but it is recommended that you remove dead or diseased branches. Be careful not to overdo it, as you could harm the growth of the fruits.
– Keep an eye out for possible pests that could affect your crop.
Add the mango to your preparations!
With mango, you can prepare delicious recipes! You can try mango cake with coconut milk, mango ice cream, no-bake mango tarts, or whatever you like! You will see that there is nothing better than fruit grown by yourself.