Lyla Lindsey
Mango trees are a surprisingly easy and rewarding fruit tree to grow in Australia. They are large, productive, evergreen trees that can reach up to 10 metres tall, but dwarf varieties are available for those with limited space. Mango trees grow best in tropical to subtropical climates, in full sun with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, and in deep, moist, but free-draining soil. They can be grown from seeds, although this can take up to eight years to produce fruit, whereas grafted saplings take three to five years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Frost-free, tropical, sub-tropical and warm temperate |
| Sunlight | At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained, deep, sandy loam |
| Watering | Every other day when newly planted, then once or twice a week for the first year |
| Fertiliser | Fruit fertiliser, organic fertiliser, Scotts Osmocote® Controlled Release Fertiliser: Citrus & Fruit |
| Mulch | Yates Dynamic Lifter 4 in 1 Mulch, Scotts Osmocote® Plus Organics Citrus & Fruit Plant Food & Soil Improver, Scotts Osmocote® Controlled Release Fertiliser: Citrus & Fruit |
| Pruning | Remove central shoot, annual pruning not needed to encourage fruit growth |
| Height | Up to 10 metres tall, dwarf varieties are 3-4 metres tall |
| Harvest | 100 days after flowering, usually during summer |
| Ripeness | Slightly soft when squeezed, colour is not a reliable indicator |
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Choosing the right variety
There are hundreds of different mango cultivars, with around 50 available in Australia. Kensington Pride (also known as Bowen) is the most common, making up about 43% of Australian production, but other popular varieties include R2E2, Calypso, Honey Gold, Palmer, Keitt, Kent, Parvin, and Brooks.
When choosing a variety to grow, it's important to consider your local climate. Kensington Pride and R2E2, for example, can be productive in frost-free temperate climates, whereas some other varieties are best grown in tropical areas. You can check with your local nursery to find out which varieties grow best in your area.
The size of your garden is another important factor. Mango trees can grow quite large, typically reaching heights of 10 metres or more, so you'll need to make sure you've got the space. If you don't have room for a full-sized tree, you can consider a dwarf variety, which typically grows to 3–4 metres.
You should also consider your favourite taste, as different mango varieties have a variable spectrum of flavours and aromas.
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Planting
Mango trees are large, productive, evergreen trees that can reach up to 10 metres tall. If you don't have the space, dwarf varieties are available, which typically grow to 3–4 metres tall. You can plant year-round, but the best time to plant a mango tree is in autumn or spring when conditions are mild, making it easier for the new plant to establish. Mango trees grow best in full sun, in well-drained, moist soil. They will grow in almost any soil, whether sandy, loam, or clay, but they require good depth and drainage. Their main root can reach a depth of 6 metres. A mango tree can be planted in most positions, but it will do particularly well on sloping sites due to the good drainage. Exposure to strong wind should be avoided. Choose an open, sunny position sheltered from strong winds. If you’re growing a mango tree in a cooler climate, plant your tree near a north-facing brick wall to utilise the heat radiating from it. It’s also important to plant where there is good air circulation and foliage can dry after rainfall or watering to help reduce the risk of fungal issues.
To plant a mango tree, start by digging a hole and incorporating added organic matter such as compost or rotted cow manure. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root ball. Loosen the original soil at the bottom of the planting hole and mix in some fertiliser. Remove the tree from its container, gently tease the roots, and cut away any circled or tangled roots. Position the tree in the prepared hole at the same depth it was in the pot. Backfill around the root ball and form a mound around it to improve drainage and encourage establishment. After planting, stake young mango trees to protect them from strong winds. You can also add a mulch like Yates Dynamic Lifter 4-in-1 Mulch around the root zone to help retain soil moisture. Keep the mulch away from the trunk.
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Feeding and fertilising
Mango trees require feeding and fertilising to grow and bear fruit. The best time to plant a mango tree is in autumn or spring, and they require deep soil with good drainage. The soil should be moist, but free-draining, and the tree should be positioned in full sun.
Mango trees can be grown from seeds, although this can take up to eight years to produce fruit. For a faster harvest, grow mangoes from potted plants, which should bear fruit about three to four years after planting. Feed saplings with organic fertiliser once in spring and again in summer until they reach flowering size. Then, feed in summer after the fruit starts to form to encourage fruit quality and size. Watering and foliar feeding with seaweed tonic can also improve fruit quality and flavour and help combat mineral deficiencies.
To promote healthy growth and fruiting, fertilise mango trees at least twice a year, in spring and summer, with a specialised fruit fertiliser. You can also use a controlled-release fertiliser like Scotts Osmocote® Citrus & Fruit. Before planting, mix a fruit plant food and soil improver, such as Scotts Osmocote® Plus Organics Citrus & Fruit, with the soil at the base of the hole.
Mulching around the root zone of the tree with an open organic mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Yates Dynamic Lifter 4 in 1 Mulch is another option to help retain soil moisture. Keep the mulch away from the trunk.
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Pruning
When it comes to pruning your mango tree, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, it's important to prune young trees to encourage the development of a single main trunk. This will make maintenance easier once the tree is fully grown. Aim to train saplings to produce a single trunk about 1-2 metres high, then remove the tip of the leader. This will encourage the growth of multiple side shoots and fruiting nearer to the ground level.
Additionally, you should regularly prune your mango tree to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Broken branches should be removed promptly to prevent further damage and to maintain the health of the tree. As mango trees can be easily damaged by wind, it's important to keep the canopy open to allow for good air circulation and to protect the tree from strong winds.
Light pruning in autumn through to early summer can also help improve flowering and fruiting. Mango trees typically flower in spring, and the fruit ripens in summer, so light pruning during this period can enhance fruit production. However, annual pruning is not necessary for fruit growth, and over-pruning may negatively impact fruit yield.
Finally, consider the size and shape you want your mango tree to achieve through pruning. In home gardens, mango trees are typically pruned to remain under 5 metres in height, often developing a rounded crown. Dwarf varieties are also available, which are suitable for gardens and large pots, typically growing to 3-4 metres in height. These dwarf varieties may require less pruning to manage their size.
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Harvesting
Mangoes are usually ready to harvest around 100-150 days after flowering. The skin will change colour from green to yellow, orange, or red, depending on the variety. The peak season for fruit maturity is usually during summer.
A ripe mango will be slightly soft when squeezed, but colour is not a reliable indicator of ripeness. To harvest, wear gloves and use secateurs to cut the stems holding the fruit. Take care to avoid the sap from dripping onto the mango skin or your skin, as it can cause irritation or a burning sensation.
It is recommended to harvest ripe fruit daily and collect any fallen fruit from the ground. Mango trees can be prone to various root and collar rots, so it is important to plant in the correct soil and use good mulching techniques. To prevent fungal and bacterial diseases, avoid watering the leaves and keep the canopy open for good airflow.
Protect your harvest from birds, possums, and Queensland fruit flies by using wildlife-friendly netting over the tree or small, fine netting bags over each fruit.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to plant a mango tree is during spring and early autumn, when conditions are mild. This makes it easier for the new plant to establish.
Mango trees require deep soil that is moist but well-drained. They grow best in slightly acidic, sandy loam but will tolerate most soils.
Grafted mango trees typically fruit within three to five years after planting. Non-grafted and seed-grown trees can take eight years or more to produce fruit.
