How to Grow Mango from Seed

 If you're a fan of mangoes and want to try growing them at home, you'll be happy to know that it's possible to grow a mango tree from seed. While it may take some patience and effort, the process is relatively straightforward and can be a chill experience. In this guide from The Rike, we'll walk you through the steps on how to grow mango from seed, from selecting the right seed to caring for your young tree. With a bit of time and care, you can soon enjoy your very own homegrown mangoes!

1.  How to grow mango from seed

Here is a step-by-step guideline on how to grow mango from seed:

1.1 Supplies

 The methods of how to grow mango from seed require some essential supplies. Here are some of the supplies you will need to grow a mango tree from a seed:

Mango Fruit

The first thing you need to grow a mango tree is a ripe mango fruit. Make sure the fruit is fully ripe and the flesh inside is soft and juicy.

Knife

You will need a sharp knife to remove the mango seed from the fruit. Make sure to be careful when cutting the mango fruit to avoid hurting yourself.

Paper towel

You will need a paper towel or napkin to clean the mango seed after you remove it from the fruit. Make sure to remove all the flesh from the seed.

Container

The container should be deep enough to accommodate the mango seed and the soil.

Soil

You will need good quality potting soil to plant the mango seed.

Water

You will need to water the mango seed regularly to keep the soil moist. Make sure not to overwater the seed, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilizer

Once the mango seed has sprouted and started to grow, you will need to fertilize it regularly to promote healthy growth.

Sunlight

Mango trees require plenty of sunlight to grow and thrive. Make sure to place the container in a sunny location.

1.2 Detailed steps of how to grow mango from seed

Obtain a ripe mango fruit

The first step is to obtain a ripe mango fruit. You can do this by purchasing a mango from a grocery store or by harvesting a mango from a mango tree. Make sure the fruit is fully ripe and not overripe.

Remove the seed

Once you have the ripe mango fruit, remove the seed from the flesh. You can do this by cutting open the fruit and gently removing the seed from the center. Be careful not to damage the seed in the process.

Clean the seed

Rinse the seed with water to remove any remaining fruit flesh. Then, let the seed dry for a day or two.

Crack the shell

Mango seeds have a hard outer shell, which needs to be cracked open to allow the seedling to emerge. You can do this by carefully cracking the shell using a nutcracker or a hammer.

Crack the shell of Mango seeds

Soak the seed

Soak the seed in water overnight to help soften the outer layer and make it easier for the seedling to emerge.

Plant the seed

Once the seed has soaked overnight, it's time to plant it. Fill a pot with well-draining soil and plant the seed about an inch deep with the pointed end facing down. Water the soil lightly.

Provide warmth and moisture

Mango seeds require warmth and moisture to germinate. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. You can cover the pot with plastic wrap to help retain moisture.

Wait for the seedling to emerge

It can take up to several weeks for the seedling to emerge from the soil. Once it does, continue to provide warmth and moisture, and gradually introduce the seedling to more sunlight.

Transplant the seedling

Once the seedling has grown to a size of about 6 inches, it's time to transplant it to a larger pot or to a sunny location in your garden.

2.  Mango plant care tips

Proper care is essential to ensure healthy growth and maximum fruit production. Here are some tips on how to care for your mango plant:

Sunlight

Mango trees require plenty of sunlight to grow and produce fruit. Choose a spot in your garden or backyard that receives full sun for at least six hours a day.

 

Soil

Mango trees prefer well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5.

Watering

 Mango trees need regular watering, especially during the first two years after planting. Deeply water the plant once a week, especially during dry spells. Overwatering can cause root rot, so avoid it.

Fertilization

Mango trees require regular fertilization to thrive. Apply a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium three times a year during the growing season.

Pruning

Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of your mango tree. Prune your tree during the dormant season to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Also, remove any branches that are growing too close together or crossing each other.

Pest and disease control

Mango trees are prone to various pests and diseases, such as mango scale, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. Regular inspection of your tree and the use of appropriate insecticides and fungicides can help control these problems.

FAQs About Growing Mango from Seed

1. How can one differentiate between mango and avocado plants propagated from seeds?

To differentiate between mango and avocado plants grown from seeds, one can observe the leaves as they tend to have distinct characteristics.

2. What is a good use for mango seedlings from a tree with poorly ripened fruit?

A good use for mango seedlings from a tree with poorly ripened fruit is to utilize them as rootstock for grafting.

3. Why is it recommended to save pits from only awesome-tasting mangoes?

Saving pits from only awesome-tasting mangoes is recommended because genetics play a significant role in determining the quality of the next generation. Just as traits like height, hair color, and intelligence are inherited from parents to children, the flavor and taste profile of a fruit can also be passed down through its seeds.

3.  Finally

Learning how to grow mango from seed can be a useful experience for any home gardener. While the process can be time-consuming and requires patience, following the right steps can lead to a successful harvest of delicious and healthy mango fruits.

If you are looking for high-quality seeds for your garden, then The Rike seeds could be your perfect choice. We provide a variety of seeds including vegetable seeds, herb seeds, tree seeds, fruit seeds, grain seeds, grass seeds, and flower seeds,... all of which will produce a fantastic harvest.