Does the yellow, juicy flesh of the mango spark an irresistible boost for summer? Learn how to plant a mango from seeds at home and how to grow it The mango is an exotic plant native to India that adapts well to all warm latitudes and can also be grown in pots, starting with its seeds. Planting mango seeds in pots is a very simple process that allows you to enjoy the beauty of this peculiar tropical plant and make it the queen of the balcony of your home. Mangoes are easy to plant and grow, but if we want them to bear fruit, we must provide ourselves with patience and space. In fact, in nature, the mango quickly becomes a tree up to 25 meters tall, capable of producing satiating and vitamin-rich fruits in large quantities, which in captivity is only possible under certain conditions: space and grafting.
When to plant mango seeds?
The most suitable seasons for growing mangoes are late spring or, better yet, early summer. This time of year, in fact, is characterized by mild temperatures and longer days that allow the seedling to enjoy a greater number of hours of sun exposure. The mango, on the other hand, is a plant that does not tolerate temperature fluctuations and therefore, mild temperatures are ideal for planting, for growth, but also for keeping it alive. To protect the plant from temperature changes during the colder months, it is recommended to take the same precautions that apply to the protection of lemon plants (i.e., plastic or cloth covers) or bring the plant indoors (as long as it is in a place where it can be illuminated with direct light for several hours).
Planting mangoes: germination
Germinating the mango seed before planting allows us to sufficiently strengthen the young roots, which are more likely to root and grow our seedling. The best way to germinate mangoes is to use a plastic bag or food container as an “incubator.” To germinate the mango you have to follow three basic steps
- First, the mango seed must be extracted from the peel. This is a delicate operation in which care must be taken to clean the seed extracted from the shells, but above all not to damage it.
- In a second step, it is necessary to create the artificial casing for the seeds. To do this, it is necessary to moisten a sheet of kitchen paper and put the mango pit in it, without suffocating or squeezing it too much. At this point, everything should be placed in the food container or in the transparent plastic bag – anything is possible as long as it can be closed to keep the humidity high.
- The care of sprouted mango seeds is very important. The sheets of paper in which it has been wrapped should be replaced at least once a week and should always remain moist (for this purpose we can use a vegetable sprayer). It takes a few days for the mango seed to establish its first root and about two weeks for it to start germinating. When the shoot is about 4 centimeters tall, it is ready to be planted in the ground.
How to Plant Mango Seeds
When the root is strong and the bud is vigorous, it is time to plant the mango seed and the ideal place is a not too large pot, about 10 cm in diameter, enough to receive the seedling and let it grow in the first phase of its life, and then transplant it to a larger pot. As a soil, it is advisable to use universal soil, which is easily available in supermarkets and garden stores, enriched with homemade compost. The seed should be planted by cutting, i.e. with the root facing down and the shoot facing up. If the root is half wrapped near the shoot, then there is no need to worry: if the mango seed is in the pot, the root will naturally sink. It is important to remember that the sprout should be kept out of the ground.
How to Grow a Mango Plant
The mango plant needs a lot of water, especially during the growth phase. Therefore, it is necessary to water it regularly to prevent the soil from drying out completely, but without generating a stagnation that can cause suffering. When the mango plant has strengthened, the stem should be cut at the level of the first node. This operation will serve to strengthen them and boost their growth. The plant should also be placed in a location with plenty of light but not excessive direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours on hot summer days. You can check the health of the leaves, the color of which should be bright, and the appearance should be long and relaxed. The mango plant grows quickly, but a healthy and robust plant is not enough to obtain fruit. In order for the mango plant to be fertile, a graft is necessary and it is therefore advisable to contact a specialized nursery, alternatively it is possible to choose the seeds of a local mango variety, as it is organically grown in southern Italy and especially in Sicily.
When does mango bear fruit?
The mango is a very special plant and takes years to bear fruit, considering that a mango plant born from seed can take up to eight years to bear fruit (but it cannot even succeed if it is not grafted); On the other hand, grafts bear fruit after 3-5 years and guarantee a good harvest. As a general rule, the mango bears 10 to 20 fruits per tree at the age of three or four years, in the following years there are 50-75 fruits and in the tenth year of life about 500 fruits. It is obvious that the plant grows from year to year and must be moved to larger and larger pots or to soils capable of expanding its roots. Having a mango tree that bears fruit is truly a privilege, because this fruit is a true elixir of well-being that can be enjoyed in different ways. Mangos, in particular, are a good source of vitamin C, vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help the lazy gut. In addition, its properties include anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties due to the presence of flavonoids such as quercetin.
