Mango trees are one of the easiest plants to grow from seed as well as care for. The size and taste of the fruit will depend on the type of mango you choose, so be sure to choose the type of mango you like. You can plant a mango tree in a pot to keep it small, or you can plant it directly into the ground for a larger tree. Whichever way you choose, you'll be able to enjoy this delicious fruit year after year!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Growing Seeds
Step 1. Check the climate zone you live in
Mangoes come from hot and humid tropical regions such as Asia and Oceania. So, mangoes should be easy to grow anywhere in Indonesia. Meanwhile, in cooler areas, mangoes can still be grown in pots so they can be brought indoors during cooler weather.
The cogshall mango variety is commonly grown indoors and with regular pruning is limited to a maximum of 2.4 m in height. In addition, there are smaller mango varieties as options for limited planting areas
Step 2. Find the mango mother plant
The best way to get seeds that will grow well in your environment is to look for parent plants around you. The mango trees around you that produce delicious fruit will provide seeds suitable for your environment. If you live in a warm climate with mild winters, you may be able to find healthy mango trees around your home.
- If you can't find a mango tree, you can order seeds or buy them at a store. Make sure you choose a type of mango that is known to grow well in the area where you live.
- You can also grow seeds from fruit you buy at the supermarket. However, these mango seeds will have less chance of growing in your environment, especially if the mango comes from another country. Even so, it never hurts to try!
Step 3. Check the mango seeds to see if they can grow
Cut the mango to open the seed coat. Carefully cut the outer skin of the seeds to remove the mango seeds. Healthy mango seeds will appear dark and fresh. Often mango seeds wrinkle and turn gray if they are too long in cold temperatures. You can no longer plant wrinkled mango seeds like this.
- Cut the mango flesh as close to the seed as possible. Place the mango in the palm of your hand, and slowly cut the flesh of the mango on both sides, cutting the flesh into cubes of about 2 cm x 2 cm. Then flip the mango and remove the flesh. Eat the mango straight from the skin, or separate it with a spoon and put it in a bowl.
- You can use gloves to protect your skin from the mango sap, which can irritate the skin.
Step 4. Determine the method for preparing the seeds
You can dry, or soak the seeds, as described next.
Drying Seeds
Step 1. Dry the seeds with paper
Place in a sunny, dry place for about 3 weeks. After that, with one hand, try to open the seed, but don't let it split in two; You just need to slightly separate the two halves of the seeds and let them dry for another week.
Step 2. Place in fertile, well-draining soil in the container
Dig a hole 20 cm deep. With the convex part of the seed pointing downwards, insert the seed into the soil.
Step 3. Water well
Water every day or every few days depending on the state of the soil. After about 4 to 6 weeks, you will probably start to see your mango tree as tall as 100mm to 200mm. Depending on the type of mango you previously selected, your tree's color may be dark purple, black or light green.
Step 4. Plant the seeds in a container that will allow the roots to grow healthy and well
Then when ready, move it to the garden.
Soaking the Seeds
You can use this method in place of the drying method if you prefer.
Step 1. Peel the mango seeds
Peel the outermost part of the mango seed to make it easier to grow. Make small cuts on the mango seeds or rub the outside until the outer layer peels off.
Step 2. Soak the mango seeds
Place the mango seeds in a small container of water, and place this container in a warm place such as a cupboard. Soak mango seeds for 24 hours.
Step 3. Remove the seeds from the container and wrap them in damp paper
Wrap the seeds in a plastic bag with a hole in the corner. Keep the wrapping paper moist and wait for the seeds to start sprouting - usually about 1-2 weeks. Make sure the seeds are stored in a warm, humid place to help them grow.
Step 4. Prepare a pot for mango seedlings
Start planting your seedlings in pots. Choose one that is large enough to hold the seeds and fill it with a mixture of potting soil and compost. You can plant mango seeds directly into the soil, but planting them in a pot will allow you to control the temperature during the early stages of growth.
Step 5. Sunlight will strengthen the mango seedlings
Place the pot outside in partial sun so the mango seedlings will get used to the sun, hardening before moving to a spot that gets full sun.
Method 2 of 2: Planting Seeds
Step 1. Move the mango seedlings to a place that gets full sun
Choose an area that gets full sun to plant your mango seeds. Make sure this is the place you want to be, because the mango tree will grow big!
- When planting in its final position, look for a location in the backyard that has good drainage. Think also ahead, choose an area that doesn't interfere with other buildings, or underground pipes, or power lines.
- Remove the seedlings once a healthy and good root system is established. The thickness of the mango base stem should reach about 5 cm.
Step 2. Let the mango grow in the pot
You can leave the plant in the pot if you want a small mango tree. Planting in a pot is an ideal solution if you live in a cold climate so you can put the pot inside when the temperature drops outside.
Step 3. Plant the mango seeds
Dig a hole large enough for the mango seed root. The size of the hole should be three times the size of the root. Add one third of a quality potting mix, one third of garden sand, and fill the rest with soil. Place the seed in the hole, pat the soil around it, and water it.
- Be careful not to break the seedlings when planted.
- Take care that the stems of these young mango plants do not peel off at the bottom.
Step 4. Water your mango plant regularly and apply a small amount of fertilizer
Mango plants take at least 4 to 5 years to bear fruit. This plant takes a long time to be ready to bear fruit but is worth the wait.
Do not give too much fertilizer. Because as a result your plant will produce more leaves than fruit
Tips
- Trees grown from seed take six to eight years to bear fruit.
- You can also buy mango seeds from a plant seed company.
- Do not over-water the tree.
