Over the past decade or so, mangoes have really taken off in the U.S., becoming beloved from coast to coast—even in chilly Alaska. Not only are these juicy tropical fruits a treat to eat, but you can also plant your own mango tree right at home.
If you’re in a warmer part of the country, think USDA Zones 9 and up, you have the option to grow mangoes outside. Those in cooler states aren’t left out, though; it’s totally possible to sprout a mango pit and nurture the plant indoors.
Here’s something cool I learned: mango seeds are actually edible. And that tough center we often toss out? It’s just a shell holding the real seed. I’ve dabbled in planting various seeds like avocados and peaches before, though I’ve only gotten as far as seeing a root pop up. Trying my hand at mangoes has been an exciting new venture.
Next time you enjoy a mango, don’t throw out the seed. Instead, use it to start your own mango tree. While growing one can be a bit of a challenge, mango seedlings can flourish in pots or in the garden if you plant them during the warm seasons of spring or summer.
They need plenty of sunlight to bear fruit and, while they can do okay indoors with the right conditions, they really thrive in the warmth, especially in zones 9 to 11. Here’s a rundown of how I managed it…
What You’ll Need
Ever wondered what’s inside a mango besides its juicy flesh? Nestled within is a sizable seed, the very beginning of a new mango tree. You might think you need a tropical backyard to start growing mangoes, but that’s not the case. Even in cooler climates, you can nurture these tropical delights indoors.
Let me walk you through a straightforward method to get your mango seed sprouting and thriving right in your living room. First things first, mangoes crave sunlight and warmth, so pick a cozy, bright spot in your house. This sets the stage for optimal growth.
Now, why is this approach super simple? By starting off with the seed wrapped in a moist paper towel, you can quickly tell if the seed is ready to grow without planting it directly in soil and waiting weeks for any signs of life. This way, you skip the suspense and focus on seeds that show promise, avoiding any that won’t sprout.
But don’t get your hopes up about harvesting your own mangoes any time soon. Unless you recreate a tropical paradise indoors, it’s unlikely your plant will flower and fruit.
While grafted mango trees bear fruit sooner, a seed-grown mango tree might take anywhere from five to eight years to mature enough to potentially fruit, whereas grafted ones could start in just three to four years.
Here’s what you’ll need to start:
- A fresh mango and its seed
- Knife and scissors for opening and cutting
- Paper towels for moisture
- A zip-top plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect
- Potting soil and a suitable container for later stages
- A glass of water and some everyday kitchen scissors
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Grab a Delicious Ripe Mango and Save the Pit for Planting!
Every mango comes with a seed tucked inside, surrounded by a tough, husk-like shell that’s usually tossed aside when you prepare the fruit. To successfully grow a mango tree, start with a ripe mango. A ripe fruit ensures the seed is mature enough to develop into a healthy plant.
The fun part? Eat the mango first! Strip the fruit of its flesh, which is easiest when the mango is perfectly ripe. The skin might peel off effortlessly, and you can either slice the juicy, orange flesh or just bite into it like an apple.
I simply picked up a mango from the local grocery store—nothing fancy or specifically meant for planting. Remember, it’s best to use seeds from exceptional mangoes unless you’re aiming to use less-than-perfect ones for rootstock. A tasty mango often leads to a robust tree, as the seed inherits its parent’s qualities—just like how traits are passed down in humans.
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I stumbled upon these Imperial mangoes at the market—they were large, beautiful, aromatic, and incredibly tasty. It’s like with people: tall parents often have tall kids, blond parents tend to have blond kids, and so on. The same goes for intelligence and other traits.
Why settle for a mediocre start? If you savor a fantastic mango, keep that pit. Planting it doesn’t guarantee a fabulous fruit-bearing tree, but it’s definitely stacking the odds in your favor!
Clean and Prep Your Mango Pit for Planting Success
Enjoy the sweet flesh of the mango, but don’t throw out the pit. Give it a quick clean under running water to remove any clinging fruit.
Now, you could plant the seed as it is, but I like to take an extra step. It’s crucial not to let the seed sit idle for too long because its viability drops fast—if it dries out, it’s game over.
Next up, scrub away any remaining stringy bits of mango from the husk. This isn’t just busy work; it helps the husk dry quicker and makes it easier to work with. You can hold the husk under the tap and gently brush off the pulp, or carefully scrape it with a small knife—just remember to keep the blade pointing away from you.
Let the husk dry with a towel pat-down, then leave it to air-dry for a day or two—no longer. Now comes the fun part. Mango husks are tough! Trimming the edges without damaging the seed inside requires some careful handling.
I use strong scissors, the kind that can cut through thick materials (save your regular scissors from ruin!). You might even use a fine wood saw if you have the husk secured in a vice.
Peeling back the husk reveals the seed, which honestly feels like discovering a treasure. The husk, once opened, can resemble a set of lungs with a seed nestled inside like a giant bean—pretty cool and unique!
If you find the seed looks shriveled or rotten, it’s best to start over with a fresh mango. Remember, some mango seeds are polyembryonic, producing fruit identical to the parent, but the ones you’ll usually find are monoembryonic. Each mango adventure might just end with a different kind of seed.
Sprout Mango Seeds with Just a Wet Towel and Plastic Bag
To keep your seedling moist and ready for growth, simply wrap it in a wet paper towel. A single damp towel should do the trick, enveloping the seedling snugly. Next, pop the wrapped seedling into a zip-top plastic bag and stash it somewhere warm and well-lit.
Patience is key here, as it might take anywhere from several days to a few weeks for the first signs of green growth, depending on conditions like warmth and the seed’s maturity.
I’ve found this method super handy for various seeds like avocados and ginger, mainly because it confirms the seed’s viability before I plant it. Plus, there’s no need to buy new plastic bags—any old ones you have lying around will work.
Here’s a quick rundown on how to do it:
- Moisten a towel or cloth with warm water so it’s damp but not dripping.
- Wrap your mango seed with the moist material and place it in the plastic bag.
- If you’re sprouting multiple seeds, layer them in the towel, adding folds between each to keep them separated and prevent tangled roots.
- Stick the bag in a dark cupboard or a warm spot to encourage germination, making sure the towel stays damp.
- Set a reminder to check the seeds every three days, snapping photos to monitor their progress.
Keep an eye out for sprouting every few days, moistening the towel as needed. After a week, you might notice root growth. The emergence of a leaf shoot follows soon after, with the roots extending about 1cm daily.
Once the shoot appears, you’ll see the first true leaves sprout quickly, resembling a mini palm tree. At this stage, leave the tip of the leaf shoot exposed, allowing it to reach toward the light.
If your mango seed splits during this process, don’t worry—it’s a normal part of some seeds swelling and breaking their shells during germination. Once the new growth reaches 2 to 3 inches, it’s time to transfer your sprout to potting mix. This whole adventure, from start to finish, showcases the amazing journey of growth from seed to sprout!
Plant the Sprouted Mango Seed
Once you see some green sprouting, it’s time to move your seedling from its cozy plastic bag and paper towel nest to a more spacious home. Carefully unwrap the seedling and plant it in a pot filled with fresh potting mix. Make sure to bury the seed just enough so the sprouting green peeking out remains above the soil.
Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm spot where it can bask in plenty of sunlight. If you’re thinking about transitioning your mango tree outdoors, ease it into the change by letting it spend a week in partial shade before moving it to a sunnier spot.
When your seedling shows a few inches of new growth—typically around the fifth week—it’s time to settle it into its permanent pot. Don’t worry too much about distinguishing between roots and shoots at this early stage; the plant knows what to do.
Just lay the seed flat in the pot. Opt for a pot that’s a few inches wider than the seed and deep enough to allow for root growth; a 6-inch deep pot should do the trick, but I went with an 8-inch.
I knew my seedling was ready for more permanent digs when I spotted small white roots, a sure sign it was ready to start feeding and growing more robustly. It’s pretty exciting to see how quickly these little trees strengthen and grow!
When moving your sapling to a nicer pot, keep an eye on its leaves. If they droop like they’re thirsty, resist the urge to overwater—this is a common look for young plants adjusting to new environments.
Make sure your pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots. Fill your pot with a suitable potting mix, leaving about two inches from the top for easy watering. Plant the seed about an inch deep and cover it lightly with soil. Water it well, let it settle, and then top off the soil to keep that inch of space at the top.
Just remember, the young mango doesn’t care much about orientation; it will find its way up towards the sun.
Essential Care Tips for Mango Seedlings
Mango plants truly thrive in warm, humid conditions, making them perfect for tropical environments. To ensure your mango plant flourishes:
- Position it somewhere bright but shield it from harsh, direct sunlight which could lead to dehydration.
- Maintain the soil’s moisture without letting it get soggy.
Take a look at the mango plant in the picture below, which is six weeks old. Notice how the new shoot has emerged off to the side of the pot? No worries—that’s completely normal, and at 4 inches tall, it’s doing wonderfully.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Mango Seedlings
Creating the right environment is crucial for young mango plants to prosper. Here’s what they need:
- Sunlight:
Young mango plants should be placed in bright areas but need protection from direct sunlight until they mature. Indoors, a south-facing window that receives full light is perfect. Outdoors, they benefit from the filtered light found under trees where sunlight is softened. Mature mango trees, however, should soak up six to eight hours of sunlight daily.
- Soil:
Mango seedlings aren’t picky about soil types as long as they drain well. They thrive in loamy, airy soil that’s rich in organic matter. The soil pH should ideally be between 5.5 and 7.5.
- Temperature:
Mangoes need a warm and humid climate to thrive, ideally between 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re suitable for growing in USDA zones 9 to 11, which include regions like southern Florida, California, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Beware of temperatures dropping below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can severely damage or kill the plants.
In warmer parts of the US, such as coastal Southern California and Florida where frosts are rare, mango seedlings can be planted directly outdoors. In cooler regions, it’s best to grow mangoes indoors near a south-facing window, possibly supplementing with artificial light in areas with less natural sunlight.
How to Care for Mango Seedlings
- Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist as your mango seedlings establish themselves. As they develop a stronger root system, you’ll need to water them less frequently. Always water deeply so that excess moisture drains out, and empty any standing water from the saucer to avoid root rot.
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- Fertilizing:
Initially, mango seedlings don’t need fertilizer. Once the plant has grown several sets of leaves and the roots have begun to fill the pot, you can start fertilizing. Use a balanced fertilizer that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and essential micronutrients.
Remember, a little fertilizer goes a long way—follow the package instructions and only fertilize during the active growing seasons of spring and summer.
As your mango seedling grows, keeping the soil moist and transplanting it into a larger pot when it outgrows its current one will help maintain its health and vitality.
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- Don’t Stress Over Droopy Leaves
It’s perfectly normal for your mango’s early leaves to appear a bit droopy—it happens to the best of us! When your mango sprouts its initial leaves, they might look a tad wilted, making you wonder if you’re watering too much or too little. But unless you’re really off with your watering habits or the plant is stressed, this droopiness is just a phase.
Keep up with the proper care and stay consistent with your watering routine, especially if you’re sure it’s been effective. Before you know it, those leaves will perk right up!
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Speaking of perking up, my mango did just that after about a week. By the ninth week, it had reached about nine inches tall and was sporting five main leaves, which all appeared around the third week.
No new leaves since then, but considering it’s quite cool in our house—just below 68°F—the growth pace is understandably slower than it might be in a warmer, more humid environment.
How to Transplant Mango Seedlings
Is your mango seedling outgrowing its pot? If you notice the roots are crowding and the soil dries out quickly, it’s a sign that your plant is ready for a new home. The best times for this are during spring or summer, when the plant is in its active growth phase, suggests Jones.
Moving to a New Container
Choosing the right pot is crucial when upgrading your mango seedling. Opt for a pot with drainage holes that’s just a size larger than the current one to prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot. Myers notes that increasing pot size gradually is key to the health of indoor mango plants. Here’s how to make the move:
- Free the Plant: If the plant sticks, gently run a knife along the pot’s inside edge to loosen it.
- Remove the Plant: Carefully tilt the pot and ease the plant out, keeping the root ball intact.
- Untangle Roots: If the roots are circling, gently loosen them.
- Prep the New Pot: Add some potting soil to the base of the new pot to keep the plant at its original growing depth.
- Reposition: Set the root ball on the fresh soil layer, then add more soil around it to fill the gaps.
- Water Well: Water the plant to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Planting Outdoors
Only consider planting outdoors if you live in a region where temperatures don’t dip below 55 degrees and summers are warm. Also, avoid direct sunlight for new transplants, advises Jones. Here’s the outdoor transplanting process:
- Loosen the Plant: Use a knife inside the pot’s rim if the plant is stuck.
- Extract the Plant: Tilt and gently pull the plant out with the root ball.
- Prepare the Ground: Dig a hole as deep and 2-3 times wider than the root ball. Rough up the hole’s sides.
- Settle the Plant: Place the mango in the hole.
- Backfill: Use the dug-up soil to fill in around the plant and water it thoroughly. Keep the soil moist consistently.
- Space It Out: If planting multiple trees, space them 35 to 40 feet apart to accommodate their mature size.
Common Challenges and How to Protect Your Mango Plants
Mango trees, like all plants, can fall prey to certain pests and diseases. It’s crucial to keep an eye on your mangoes to ward off any potential issues early on.
Dealing with Diseases
Powdery mildew is a frequent issue that may affect your mangoes. It appears as though the leaves have been dusted with baby powder. This condition generally arises from not enough light and poor air flow around the plant. If you spot this, applying neem oil or horticultural oil as per the instructions on the package can help nip it in the bud.
Another issue you might come across is fungal leaf spot. This tends to occur when the leaves remain wet overnight and there isn’t enough air circulation. To combat this, consider spacing your houseplants further apart and make sure to water them at the base early in the day rather than from overhead.
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Pest Patrol
Mites and aphids often show up when it’s hot and dry. A good, strong spray of water directly on the leaves can help keep these pests in check. If that doesn’t do the trick, insecticidal soap or horticultural oils might be necessary, though multiple treatments may be required.
For tougher pests like mealybugs and hard scales—which suck the sap from your plants and protect themselves with a cotton-like or hard shell—you’ll need to take a more hands-on approach.
In their early stages, they can be managed with insecticidal soap or oil. Once they mature, you might have to physically remove them with a toothbrush and dip them in rubbing alcohol to ensure they’re gone for good.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How quickly can I expect fruit from a mango tree started from seed?
Patience is key with mango trees, which may take up to 10 years or more to mature enough to bear edible fruit when grown from seed.
- Is it possible to grow fruit-bearing mangoes indoors?
Growing mango trees inside your home is certainly feasible, but don’t count on harvesting any fruit. These trees thrive in consistently warm, tropical climates, something hard to replicate indoors. Plus, their substantial growth period up to a decade makes indoor fruiting even less likely.
- What’s the ripening time for a mango?
After a mango reaches its full size on the branch, it typically takes about a week to ripen to perfection. You can also ripen mangoes off the tree, such as on your kitchen counter, although this method may slow down the process.
- Can mango trees be grown inside the house?
Absolutely! You can start a mango tree from a seed found inside the fruit or opt for a grafted variety, which is more apt to bear fruit under the right conditions, although it still takes several years to do so.
- How long does it take for a mango seed to sprout?
Starting from seed, it generally takes a few months to cultivate a small mango plant. From beginning germination to achieving a plant about 9 inches tall took me just 9 weeks.
- What’s the fastest way to germinate a mango seed?
Mango seeds sprout most quickly under optimal conditions, particularly when temperatures are between 21º to 24ºC (70º to 75ºF), which are ideal for growth.
- What is the maximum size of an indoor mango tree?
While a mango tree growing outdoors in its native tropical setting might stretch up to 35 meters, an indoor mango tree usually maxes out around six feet due to less ideal conditions and space constraints.
- Will my indoor mango tree ever bear fruit?
It’s very unlikely for an indoor mango tree to produce fruit, especially if it’s started from a store-bought seed. For better chances at fruit, consider starting with a grafted mango tree from a nursery known for fruit trees. While they do produce fruit, expect a smaller yield.
Optimal conditions are crucial for growing grafted mango trees, which might start flowering and producing fruit within 3-5 years. Although some suggest that mango seedlings might eventually bear fruit after 5-8 years, verification of this is scarce.
Regardless of the source, achieving fruit from your mango tree is a rewarding accomplishment, whether it mirrors its parent plant or not.
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