How Do You Plant a Mango Tree from a Seed?

Gather Your Materials

Before you begin planting a mango tree from a seed, you will need to gather a few key materials. These include a ripe mango, a knife, a paper towel, a container, and soil. Ensure that your container is at least six inches tall and has drainage holes at the bottom.

Extract the Seed

Extracting the seed from your ripe mango is the first step in planting your mango tree. Begin by cutting the mango flesh away from the seed with a knife. Once the flesh is fully removed, allow the seed to dry out for a day or two.

Prepare the Seed

Once your mango seed has dried for a few days, it’s time to prepare it for planting. Gently rub the seed with a paper towel, removing any remaining bits of flesh from the seed’s surface. At the narrower end, look for the seam or needlepoint-looking tip. This seam separates the seed coat into two halves. Hold the seed with the pointy end facing up, after that locate the dark brown, husky tip which is where the taproot will grow from. Gently pry this off and set it aside. You may have to chip the end slightly to inset the edge of a butter knife or file into the ridge of the husk to remove it.

Plant the Seed

Now it’s time to plant your mango seed! Fill your container with soil, leaving a small depression in the center. Plant the seed in the depression, with the scarred side facing down and the husky tip poking out of the soil. Water the plant until water runs out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the container.

Care for Your Mango Tree

Once your mango seed is planted and watered, it’s time to care for your tree. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and ensure that your tree receives plenty of sunlight. Within two to four weeks, you should see the beginnings of a young mango plant.

Transplant Your Mango Tree

At around eight to twelve inches tall, your mango tree is ready to be transplanted to a larger container or into the ground. As your tree grows, it will require regular water, fertilizer, and pruning to ensure it develops into a healthy, fruitful plant.

Conclusion

Planting a mango tree from a seed requires patience, care, and attention to detail. However, with these simple steps, you can grow a healthy and thriving mango tree that will provide you with delicious fruit for years to come.