Large Grafted Mallika Mango Tree

Mango growing guide

Plant facts at a glance

• Botanical name: Mangifera indica
• What ships: Large container tree (see listing)
• Mature size: Standard mango trees can reach 30–40 ft or more in the ground. With yearly pruning after harvest, most home growers keep them at 10–15 ft.
• Sun: Full sun (8+ hours). Needs good drainage. Once established it tolerates South Florida's sandy and rocky soils.
• Water: Water deeply 2–3 times a week the first few months, then about weekly in dry spells. Established trees are fairly drought tolerant. Avoid soggy soil.
• Cold hardiness / USDA zones: USDA zones 10–11, and warm spots in 9b. Young trees are damaged near 30–32°F and mature trees at about 25°F. North of zone 10, keep it in a container or protect it from frost.
• Time to fruit: Grafted trees often flower within 1–3 years and fruit in about 3–4 years. Florida mangoes mostly ripen May–September, depending on variety.
• Taste and uses: Fresh eating, smoothies, juices, salsas, chutneys, desserts and drying. Green mango is used in pickles and salads.
• Container vs. in-ground: Compact ('condo') varieties do well for years in a 15–25 gallon pot with pruning. Standard varieties are best in the ground in zone 10b–11.

Care

• Fertilize young trees lightly every 1–2 months in the growing season with a fruit-tree mix (for example 6-6-6 or 10-10-10 with minors), tapering off as the tree matures.
• Prune right after harvest to keep the tree low and open. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall, because that removes next year's flowers.
• Watch for anthracnose on flowers and fruit in wet weather. Good airflow and copper sprays (per label) help.
• Mulch 2–4 in. deep, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.

Frequently asked questions

Growing information is based on University of Florida IFAS Extension guidance. Results vary with climate and care.