How to Plant a Mango Tree in Central Florida

Mango trees are a popular fruit tree in Central Florida. They thrive in the hot and humid climate, and produce juicy, sweet fruits that are perfect for eating fresh, making jam or chutney, or adding to smoothies. If you’re interested in planting a mango tree in your backyard, read on for some tips and advice on how to do it successfully.

Choosing a Mango Variety

Before you start planting a mango tree, you need to decide on the variety that you want to grow. In Central Florida, there are several popular varieties to choose from, including:

Haden: A large, juicy mango with a sweet flavor.

Keitt: A late-season mango with a mild flavor and fiberless flesh.

Tommy Atkins: A popular, disease-resistant mango with a mild flavor.

Once you’ve decided on the variety, you can purchase a tree from a local nursery or online.

Planting Your Mango Tree

When you’re ready to plant your mango tree, follow these steps:

Choose a well-draining location with full sun. Mango trees need at least 6 – 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive.

Dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the root ball of the tree, and just as deep. Remove any rocks or debris from the hole.

Carefully remove the tree from its container and loosen any tangled roots.

Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, making sure to tamp it down to remove air pockets.

Water the tree thoroughly, and add mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and weed-free.

It’s important to note that mango trees don’t like to be planted too deep. You should be able to see the top of the root ball when you’re finished planting.

Caring for Your Mango Tree

Once your mango tree is planted, it’s important to care for it properly to ensure healthy growth and fruit production. Here are some tips:

Water your tree deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.

Feed your tree every 2 – 3 months with a slow-release fertilizer that’s high in nitrogen.

Prune your tree regularly to remove dead or damaged branches and improve air circulation.

Watch out for pests and diseases, and take action if you notice any signs of trouble. Mango trees can be affected by anthracnose, black spot, mites, and other problems.

Harvesting Your Mangoes

Depending on the variety of mango you choose, you can expect to harvest your fruit from May to September. Mangoes are normally ready to pick when the skin starts to turn from green to yellow or red, and the fruit gives slightly when you press it gently. To harvest, simply twist the fruit gently to remove it from the tree.

Overall, planting a mango tree in Central Florida is a great way to enjoy fresh, juicy fruit right from your backyard. By following these tips and taking good care of your tree, you can look forward to a bountiful harvest for years to come.