An easy method to grow a store bought mango seed

This article explains how to grow a mango tree from a store bought mango fruit by germinating the seed.

If you're a mango fan, then you dream of having a huge mango tree that always has massive sweet fruit. You might be lucky enough to live on property or in an area that has trees you can access. Lucky you!

Varieties of mango

In Australia we grow varieties like Kensington Pride, Calypso, R2E2, Honey Gold, and Palmer. I prefer the Honey Gold because of their texture and sweetness. Although I haven't had a chance to try them yet, I really want to try the Nam Doc Mai. 

Eat your mango

Don't forget to peel it first!I slice both sides and then eat what's left on the seed. After that I give it a wash and let it dry off for a day or two. It's easier to handle that way.

Eat your mangoes

It's time to eat! The best part! What's the best way to cut a mango? 

Dry the stone / kernel

Wash it off and then wrap it in a paper towel. Leave it out for a few days, not in the sun. It should be pretty dried by then. I sometimes put it on an ants nest, they clean it up really well. 

 

Slice open the seed

Grab a flat screwdriver, pocket knife and some scissors. Unwrap the kernel from the paper towel and cut the corners off carefully so that you can see inside the casing. I usually cut one or two corners off. 

Then grab your screwdriver and gently pry the case open. It takes a bit of force. Be careful not to damage the soft seed inside. If you do damage it, it may not germinate. The seed is several parts held together in a fragile way. If they break apart, you'll need a new seed.

When you get the kernel case open, carefully cut through the remainder of the connector between the seed and the case. Now you have your seed! You can leave all of the papery casing (the pit) on it, that's fine. 

Plant your seed

Plant it into a pot, it doesn't have to be big to start off. A small 0.5L or 17oz pot is enough to get it started. Which direction do you plant the seed? The leaves will sprout from the pointy end of the seed. I usually just lay it on its back, easy. 

New mango plant

It will germinate and grow in a 1-2 months. The first leaves come our dark red, then pink  and then light to dark green. They're soft and fragile, I keep mine under shade to prevent sunburn in summer. Usually by the end of summer they'll be 1-2 foot high and ready for a bigger pot. 

Mangoes are not too fussy about the soil, it just needs to be well draining. They are a deep rooting tree (can be 5-6m) so once it gets to a meter or a few feet in your bigger pot, then it's time to plant it into the ground. 

You can germinate the seeds in water and a paper towel. Honestly it's gonna end up in the soil anyway, just put it in the soil! It is fun to watch though if you want to share the process with the kids, so yeah half submerged in a water container near a kitchen window. Watch it sprout :)

After it hits 20cm or 8" or so it's ready for the ground, you can play it safe and wait till it's a meter / 3'.

Sunshine and climate

Mangoes love the sunshine and a warm climate. If you're in a subtropical or tropical climate zone, your mangoes will love you. They can grow in cooler climates and also inside, but they may not fruit. Ideal temperature ranges are 70–85°F (21–29°C). 

In Broome in the north of Australia, there are often cyclones and these can damage the tree branches, knock the fruit off and damage the flowers. I've wandered around Broome picking up mangoes off the ground after strong winds. 

Pruning

In the first 2-3 years, run it back 30% in height and also the horizontal branches. Mangoes need a good pruning. 

Mulch your tree

In Australia we mulch them in Spring and this encourages branching and fruiting. I mulch out to half the width of the tree. You can fertilise with something like you'd use for a berry. 

Wait 3-8 years

Yeah, it takes a while. So today's the day to plant your tree! After 8 or so years you will have beautiful fruit if all goes well. So maybe it's a good idea to plant more than one. There is a chance of it not making it. 

The trees can grow up around 10m, so you're going need space if you let it go. 

Picking your mangoes

Harvest them when they are ripe but not squishy. If they're squishy they might be over ripe so eat immediately. You'll notice the green will start to yellow and maybe turning pink. 

Eating your mangoes

There are so many ways. But I love them in gelato with coconut, honey and some mint or other herbs. 

Hope you found this useful and you grow yourself a huge mango tree. Leave a comment if you germinate a mango seed. 

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