Mango trees are known for their delicious fruit, but they’re also known to be difficult to grow. If you’ve ever tried to grow a mango tree in your backyard (or even if you haven’t), you know how long it can take before it’s ready to produce its first crop of fruit.
While there are many factors that can affect the growth rate of a mango tree, below we’ll look at some of the most common questions about growing mangoes from seed or from a cutting:
A mango tree normally starts bearing fruit when it reaches three to five years old.
Mango trees are slow growing. It’s impossible to tell how long it will take a mango tree to grow until you plant it, so the best thing you can do is choose a variety that will thrive in your climate.
Mango trees need warm climates and plenty of water, but they also need fertile soil that drains well and is free from pests like nematodes or nematode-like creatures.
Mango trees need a lot of sun, and they can’t take freezing temperatures. If you live in an area that gets cold winters, make sure to plant your mango tree where it will be sheltered from the wind.
If possible, choose a spot near the house so that you won’t have to carry water very far or worry about protecting it from frostbite.
Some varieties can be grown successfully from seed, others may need to be grafted or grown from a cutting.
Mangos can be grown from seed, but not all mango varieties are suitable for growing from seed. Some varieties will take many years to produce fruit, while others are not hardy enough to grow in colder climates.
If you’re interested in trying your hand at growing mangoes from seed, you’ll need to research which varieties are best suited for your climate and area.
Grafting is another option for those who want a mature tree sooner rather than later. Grafting involves joining two pieces of wood together.
It takes about three years for a mango tree to reach a significant size.
A mango tree can take up to 10 years to bear fruit, so if you’re planting one in your yard, it’s best to think about long-term placement.
You’ll also want to consider how much space your tree will need: are you planning on growing a dwarf or a standard variety?
A dwarf will stay under 8 feet and produces fruit within 3-4 years. By contrast, a standard mango tree grows tall and wide (upwards of 30 feet) and takes longer than 5 years before bearing fruit.
Mango trees are long-lived—some varieties live up to 100 years. Because of this longevity, they should be planted in spots where they will stay for the foreseeable future—don’t plant them anywhere near sidewalks or driveways unless you plan on digging out that part of the sidewalk once every couple decades).
A newly-established graft may take two to three years before it produces any fruit.
This is partly because mango trees grow more slowly than other fruit trees.
The first year or two after planting your seedling, you’ll only see leaves and branches growing from the trunk and main branches; no flowers or fruit appear until the plant is at least 3-4 years old.
Some varieties are more vigorous than others, so this time frame varies by variety: some can be grown successfully from seed, others may need to be grafted or grown from a cutting taken from an established mother tree (also known as a nurse tree).
In general, if you want to grow your own mangoes, start with an established mother tree that has already produced fruit once before.
Mango trees respond well to fertilization, but over-fertilization can cause excessive vegetative growth, reducing fruit production.
Fertilization should be done in the spring, summer, and fall to promote optimum growth. Most mango varieties are self-fertile; however, it may be helpful to plant two different varieties if you want a large quantity of fruit for commercial purposes or for home use.
There are different fertilization methods for mango trees, including organic and chemical fertilizers. Organic fertilizers include manure, compost, and leaf mold.
These are best used in the early spring when buds begin to form on the tree; however, they can be used throughout the growing season as well.
However, the tree can take up to 10 years to produce fruits.
This time frame depends on the climate, soil conditions and type of fruit you planted in your mango tree.
For example, those who live in areas with a warm climate may see their mango trees bear fruit within five years of planting them.
If you live in an area with cold winters or poor soil conditions for growing mango trees, it may take up to 10 years for them to bear fruit.
If you want your tree to grow faster but still need some time before it starts producing fruit without fertilization, fertilizing your plant is recommended once every two weeks from spring through early fall by mixing 1 tablespoon of fertilizer per gallon of water until the leaves are dark green.
Grown from Seeds
If you want to grow a mango tree from seed, this can be done indoors during the winter months. The process takes about 5-8 years from planting to fruit bearing.
If you’re looking for a faster alternative, the best time to plant mango trees from seed is in the spring. You can either start them inside or outside, depending on your climate.
Once they reach about 6 inches tall, plant them in a sunny spot outdoors and make sure they have plenty of water until established.
Mangoes are a tropical fruit, so they need warm weather to grow and bear fruit. The ideal temperature for mango trees is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you live in an area that gets cold in the winter months, you might consider growing your mango tree indoors.
Grafted Mangoes
Grafted mango trees are the most common type of mango trees. They’re easy to grow and maintain, and they’re more productive than seedling trees.
You can use grafted mango trees in areas where it’s too cold for seedling trees, or you can grow them in containers if you don’t have room for a large tree.
If you want to grow your own grafted mango tree, purchasing one from a nursery is generally easier than starting from scratch with seeds or cuttings.
You can also try growing a mango tree from seed, but it will take several years before you get fruit. If you’re patient enough to wait that long, here’s what you need to know about starting your own grafted mango tree from seed.