Planting: Mango trees require full sun and at least a 15' area to grow into. Mangos can grow in a wide variety of soils. However, sandy or clay soils should be amended with Kerby's Potting Soil.

Watering: Do not count on a sprinkler system or rain to water your new tree. For the first month, soak thoroughly at least three times a week. For the second and third month, soak thoroughly twice a week. For the remainder of the first year, make sure the tree is soaked thoroughly once a week. In the hot summer months, pay attention to the tree and water more if necessary (which may include daily watering for new trees).

Fertilizer: Use 2 tablespoons of Kerby's 8-4-8 Fertilizer every two months for the first year. During years two and three, increase the amount proportional to tree size using a full tablespoon per foot of tree height. Do not fertilize the tree while it has flowers or fruit on it as it can affect the taste of the fruit.

 Climate: All varieties of mangos are sensitive to the cold. Young trees must be protected when temperatures drop below 32˚F. Older trees can survive a few hours at 27˚F although they may lose smaller outer branches and leaves. Flowers and small fruits can be damaged if temperatures fall below 40˚F. Protect trees with frost blankets that are well-attached to the ground with anchor pins to keep warm air near the tree.

Fruit: Grafted trees bear fruit in 3-5 years. Pick fruit when the first fruit colors and allow fruit to ripen off the tree at 70-75˚F. A dry season before and during bloom encourages a better crop. There are lots of great varieties of mangos to choose from. Some of our favorites are the "condo mangos" which produce delicious fruits on smaller trees. Smaller trees are easier to protect in the winter, easier to harvest from and fit in most backyards (or even in large pots). Carrie, Mallika and Nam Doc Mai are some great condo varieties.

Pruning: If desired, prune after fruit harvest. Pruning will not harm the tree but may decrease fruit production in the following season, especially if you prune severely.

Diseases and Pests: A common disease of mangos in Florida is anthracnose. Anthracnose fungus attacks flowers, young fruits, leaves and twigs. It also appears as a storage disease of mature fruits. Symptoms appear as black, slightly sunken lesions of irregular shape, which gradually enlarge and cause blossom blight, leaf spotting, fruit staining, and fruit rot. Disease development is encouraged by rains or heavy dews. Prevention can be accomplished by maintaining a coating of fungicide such as Liquid Copper on susceptible parts starting when bloom buds begin to expand and ending at harvest. Regular sprays of Triple Action Plus neem oil will also help keep disease and insects at bay.

Enjoy! There are so many great ways to enjoy mangos. Fresh picked off the tree, cut up fresh in a salad, made into smoothies and daiquiris or mixed with cilantro and used as a salsa to top barbequed meats. How will you enjoy this versatile and delicious fruit.