Mangoes are a delicious fruit that can be enjoyed all year round. Did you know that you can also grow them from seed? It’s true! In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to plant a mango seed and watch it grow into a beautiful mango tree.
Mangoes are a tropical fruit, so they require some specific care in order to grow properly. But don’t worry, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. So sit back, relax, and let us teach you how to grow a mango from seed!
How to Remove a Seed from a Mango Fruit
If you’d like to grow a mango tree from seed, first you’ll have to get a ripe mango. Then, you’ll need to remove the husk. To do that, peel the mango and then use a sharp knife to cut around the husk.
Next, to get a mango seed, you’ll need to open up the husk. The easiest way to do it is to simply cut open the husk with a sharp knife. Once you’ve done that, you should be able to easily remove the seed from inside.
How to Sprout a Mango Seed
Sprouting a Mango Seed with a Paper Towel
To sprout a mango seed in a paper towel, start by soaking the seed in water for 24 hours. This will help to soften the hard outer shell of the seed and make it easier for the tree to sprout.
After 24 hours, remove the seed from the water and wrap it in a damp paper towel. Place the towel-wrapped seed in a plastic bag and then put it in a warm, dark place, such as a cupboard or drawer. Check on the seed daily, misting with water if the towel begins to dry out.
Within 5-10 days, the mango seed should begin to sprout and then you can plant it in a pot of soil.
Sprouting a Mango Seed Directly in the Soil
If you want to sprout mango seed directly in the soil, the best time to do so is during the summer months. A mango tree is a tropical plant, and they need warm temperatures and humid conditions in order to grow properly. If you live in an area with a long growing season, you can sprout mango seed any time of year.
To get started, you’ll need to find a mango seed that is big enough to plant. You can find these at most nurseries or online. Once you have your seed, soak it in water for 24 hours. This will help to soften the shell and make it easier for the roots to break through.
After the seed has soaked, plant it in a pot of well-draining potting mix. Water it well and put it in a warm, sunny spot. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and within a few weeks, you should see sprouts emerging from the seed.
Once the sprouts are a few inches tall, you can transplant them into your garden. Be sure to choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil.
Growing a Mango Seed in Water
To germinate a mango seed in water, first find a container that is deep enough to submerge the seed in water. Fill the container with water so that the seed is almost completely covered.
Place the container in a sunny spot and wait for the seed to sprout. It can take anywhere from two weeks to two months, so be patient.
Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
Once the seed has sprouted, transplant it into a pot filled with rich, well-draining soil.
How to Plant a Mango Seed in a Pot
Planting a mango seed in a pot is simple. Just follow these easy steps:
- Start by filling your pot with potting soil.
- Make a small hole in the center of the soil, and then place your mango seed inside.
- Gently cover the seed with more soil, and then water it well.
- Place your pot in a warm, sunny spot, and keep the soil moist.
- In a few weeks, you should see a sprout emerge from the soil.
- Once your mango plant is a few inches tall, you can transplant it into a larger pot.
With a little care, you can grow your own mango tree from a seed right in your own home!
A Few Tips on Growing Mangoes
- Mangoes prefer well-drained soil that is high in organic matter.
- Mangoes don’t like to have “wet feet” so be sure to drainage holes in the bottom of your pot.
- Mangoes require a lot of sunlight in order to grow properly, so make sure to place it in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day.
- Water the tree deeply and regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not soggy. If you live in a tropical climate, you may need to water your mango tree daily. In drier climates, you can water every other day.
- Fertilize your mango tree every six to eight weeks with a high-quality fertilizer. This will help your tree grow strong and healthy.
Conclusion
Mangoes are a delicious and nutritious fruit, enjoyed by people all over the world. Fortunately, growing a mango tree from a seed is surprisingly easy, and can be a fun project for the whole family.
So why not give it a try? Be sure to let us know how it goes!
FAQ
How big do mango trees get?
Mango trees can grow up to 100 feet tall, but it takes them awhile to get there. However, there are also dwarf mango varieties, which grow 4 to 8 feet tall. Therefore, they are ideal if you want to grow a mango tree in a pot.
Will a mango tree grown from a seed grow fruit?
It can take anywhere from five to eight years before the tree bears fruit. However, mango trees grown from seed may never produce fruit. Grafting a mango tree is the best way to get fruit sooner.
How long does it take to grow a mango tree?
Be patient! It can take anywhere from two to four weeks for your mango seed to germinate. From there, it will take another six to eight weeks before your mango tree is ready to be transplanted. Finally, it takes around five to eight years for a mango tree to bear fruit. The time may differ depending on the variety of mango tree and the climate it is grown in.
If you’d like to learn how to grow a mango from seed, check out our detailed guide above.
