How to Plant Mango Tree from Mango
Do you want to grow your own delicious mangoes without spending a lot of money? Then, you can try planting a mango tree from a mango seed. It may seem like a difficult task, but it is actually easy and fun. Here’s how to plant mango tree from a mango:
Choose the Right Mango Variety
When choosing a mango fruit to plant, you should select a juicy and sweet variety that you prefer. You can buy a mango fruit from the local grocery store or farmer’s market. However, if you want to be sure of the quality, you can buy it from a reputable nursery. Some recommended varieties are Keitt, Tommy Atkins, and Ataulfo.
Remove the Seed from the Mango Fruit
After choosing your mango fruit, the next step is to remove the seed from it. You can do this by carefully slicing the flesh around the seed with a knife. Then, twist the two halves in opposite directions to separate them. Once you have the seed, use a clean towel to wipe off the excess fruit flesh.
Prepare the Mango Seed for Planting
Before planting the mango seed, you need to prepare it first. You can do this by soaking it in water for 24 hours. Afterward, remove the hard outer shell of the seed by cracking it with a nutcracker or hammer. Be careful not to damage the inner soft seed. Then, you can use a knife to gently scrape off the outer brown skin of the inner seed.
Plant the Mango Seed
After preparing the mango seed, you can now plant it in a pot or directly in the ground. If you are planting in a pot, use a soil mix that drains well and place the seed about an inch deep in the soil. Water the soil until it is damp but not waterlogged. Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag to create a greenhouse-like environment.
If you are planting in the ground, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is deep enough to cover the seed but not too deep. Place the seed in the hole and cover it with soil. Water the soil well and keep it damp but not soaked. You can also cover the area with a plastic sheet to retain moisture.
Care for the Mango Tree
Once the mango seed has sprouted, remove the plastic covering and place the pot or tree in a sunny spot. Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months. Prune the tree regularly to promote healthy growth and remove any damaged or dead branches.
As the mango tree grows, you may need to transplant it to a larger pot or in the ground. Mango trees can take up to 3-6 years to mature and bear fruit, depending on the growing conditions and variety. But once it does, you can enjoy delicious and juicy mangoes right from your own backyard.
In Conclusion
Planting a mango tree from a mango seed is a simple and rewarding process. It allows you to grow your own mangoes and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor. Follow these simple steps, and you will have a healthy and thriving mango tree in no time.