How Do I Plant a Mango Seed

Mango is a delicious and nutritious fruit that is easy to grow at home. If you have access to a ripe mango fruit, you can easily extract the seed and plant it to grow into a new mango tree. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of planting a mango seed.

Getting Started

To start, you will need a ripe mango fruit, a knife, a pot with good drainage, and high-quality potting soil. Choose a ripe mango fruit that is free of blemishes and has a bright, vibrant color. Use a knife to slice the fruit carefully and extract the seed from the center. Make sure to clean the seed thoroughly to remove any remaining fruit flesh or debris.

Preparing the Seed

Mango seeds contain a hard outer shell that needs to be removed before planting. Use a sharp knife or sandpaper to carefully remove the outer shell, being careful not to damage the inner seed. Soak the seed in water for 24 hours to help it germinate and soften the outer layer.

Planting the Seed

Choose a pot with a minimum diameter of 20 inches and fill it with good quality potting soil. Dig a small hole in the center of the soil and plant the mango seed with the pointed end facing downwards. Cover the seed with soil and gently pat it down to secure it in place. Water the soil thoroughly to ensure it is moist to the touch.

Caring for Your Mango Seedling

Mango trees require plenty of sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow healthily. Place your pot in a location that receives full sunlight, preferably near a south-facing window or outdoors in a sunny spot.

Water your mango seedling regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mango trees do not tolerate drought well and generally require more water during the hot summer months.

Fertilize your mango seedling with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to provide it with the necessary nutrients to grow strong and healthy. Prune the tree regularly to encourage growth and remove any damaged or diseased branches.

Harvesting Your Mango Tree

It can take anywhere from three to eight years for your mango tree to start producing fruit. Once your mango tree starts to bear fruit, you can harvest the fruit when it's ripe and ready. Ripe mango fruit will be soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma.

In conclusion, planting a mango seed is an easy and rewarding process that anyone can do at home. With the right care and attention, your mango seedling will grow into a beautiful, fruit-bearing tree that provides you with delicious, healthy fruit for years to come.