Mango care

Origin and characteristics of mango

Mango is scientifically known by the name of Mangifera indicates and is native to India and Indochina. Its leaves are evergreen (although they may fall off in cool winters, and then sprout again in spring), lanceolate, green, and with a very visible pale green midrib. The flowers are grouped in inflorescences called panicles, which sprout in spring. The fruit is a large drupe (up to 5 centimeters long by 3-4 centimeters wide) with not too thin reddish-green skin and yellow, fleshy and edible flesh or pulp.

It has a medium rate of growth, which means that it is neither too fast nor too slow. You can usually grow about 10-15cm a year, especially if the weather is good.

It is widely cultivated throughout all tropical regions: Costa Rica, Cuba, and even Spain, where it can be found in southern Andalusia, specifically in Granada and Malaga. It is also common to see one in botanical or private gardens in these areas, including those in the Canary Islands. In the Balearic Islands, there are some isolated orchards that also have them. These are located in towns that, due to their geographical location, have a warmer microclimate than that found in other municipalities, and nutrient-rich soil. For more information on the different varieties, you can visit our article on other tropical trees such as the mangosteen.

What is the care of the mango?

If you dare to have a mango tree, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

Climate

First of all, it is important to know in what climate or climates you could live, otherwise we would run the risk of spending money for nothing. Thus, the mango is a tropical species, which we find especially in the rain forests. For this reason, it will only grow without problems in a warm climate without thermal variations.
You can learn more about how to plant a mango in places other than its natural habitat by visiting how to plant a mango seed.

Earth

• Garden: it must be fertile, with good drainage. We must avoid planting it in compact soils, otherwise its roots could end up suffocating.
• Flower pot: It is not a tree to have in a pot throughout its life, but it can be grown there for several years. Fill it with mulch mixed with 30% perlite or similar.

Irrigation

Mango is a tree that wants a lot of water, but without overdoing it. Depending on the weather and location, for example, in very hot and dry places, it may need watering every 2-3 days in summer, and every 6-8 days the rest of the year.
To avoid overwatering problems, it's a good idea to learn how to care for your mango tree in different climatic conditions, especially in areas with low humidity.
You can learn more details about the mango cultivation in Spain to adjust care according to the climate.

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During spring and summer it is highly advisable to pay it every week or fifteen days with a nutrient-rich, fast-acting fertilizer like guano (available for purchase). In autumn and winter, since it barely grows, you can also add a little slow-release fertilizer, such as compost or cow dung, once a month.

Multiplication

Image - Wikimedia / Alejandro Bayer Tamayo from Armenia, Colombia

The handle multiplies by seeds in spring, sowing them in individual pots with seedling substrate (for sale) and keeping them near a heat source.
To propagate it by faster methods and with better results, it is recommended to use techniques of graft.

Mango pests

It is quite sturdy in general, but can be attacked by mealybugs, fruit fly and flower moths. They can be prevented by treating with insecticidal oil in winter, or by treating with potassium soap (available for purchase) or neem oil (available for purchase).

Diseases

Sensitive to fungi powdery mildew, anthracnose, fusarium y would alternate; as well as at bacteria Botryodiplodia and Xanthomonas. The former are treated with fungicides, whereas for bacteria, unfortunately there is no treatment.

Pruning

You don't really need it. You just have to remove the branches that you see that are sick, weak or that have been broken for example after a strong wind gust.
More information on how to keep it in good condition can be found in our guide on cold-resistant fruit trees.

Planting or transplanting time

En spring, when the temperature is 15ºC or more. If you have it in a pot, transplant it every 2-3 years.
For proper growth, it is also advisable to check when and how to plant the mango at different times of the year to avoid damage from frost or cold temperatures that may affect its development, as in When and how to plant mango.

Rusticity

Resists cold, but not frost (Except for exceptions, such as Gomera 3, which can hold up to -2ºC as long as there are occasional and short-term frosts). The minimum annual temperature should not be less than 10ºC anyway.
To protect your tree in areas with cold winters, we recommend consulting protection techniques at .

What uses is it given?

The handle has several uses, which are:

Ornamental

It is a very decorative plant. Looks great as an isolated specimen, in large gardens.
You can find out how to properly care for fruit trees in the city by visiting our recommendations at How to integrate fruit trees into urban environments.

Culinary

Without a doubt, it is its main use. The fruits, once peeled, they can be consumed directly, either as a snack ... or even as a dinner  . It has a sweet but mild flavor, very pleasant if it is already ripe (if it is green it is more acidic).
You can get ideas for recipes and preparations with mango in our article on health benefits of fruit trees.

Mango benefits

This fruit, in addition to being delicious, has many benefits for humans:

• It is rich in vitamins A, C and E, as well as in calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium
• Take care of the eyes, thanks to vitamin A
• It is digestive
• It is interesting for take care of the skin in case of acne. For this, the pulp is applied and left for about 10 minutes
• Helps to gain weight, because for every 100 grams it has about 75 calories

Want more information on how to expand your knowledge of fruit trees and their benefits? Don't hesitate to check out our .