Cultivating Mango Trees: Unleashing the Juicy Delights of Nature

Welcome to GreenDreams FL’s definitive guide on growing mango trees in Florida. From selecting the perfect cultivar to providing the right care for a thriving tropical harvest, this article will help you make informed decisions about your mango-growing journey—with tips tailored for our Florida climate and details about our in-person nursery offerings.

The Mango Tree: A Tropical Treasure

Mango trees (Mangifera indica) are evergreen tropical wonders native to Southeast Asia. Often called the "King of Fruits," mangoes are revered for their sweetness, vibrant color, rich nutritional value, and cultural significance.

In Florida, mango trees thrive in USDA Zones 10 and 11, and in protected pockets of Zone 9b. With good planning and the right cultivar, even growers in marginal climates can enjoy homegrown mangoes. Optimal Growing Conditions for Mango Trees

• Sunlight: Mango trees love full sun. Choose a location with at least 6–8 hours of direct light daily.

• Soil: They prefer sandy loam or well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5.

• Climate: Ideal temperatures range from 70–85°F. Mango trees are frost-sensitive, especially in their early years, so choose cold-tolerant varieties or provide winter protection if you're in Zone 9b.
  

  
  

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Grafting: Preserving Cultivar Heritage & Ensuring Early Fruiting

All of our mango trees are grafted, meaning they are propagated by joining a scion (fruiting wood) to a sturdy rootstock. This technique preserves the genetic identity of the cultivar and ensures fruiting begins within 2–3 years—much sooner than seed-grown trees.

Benefits of Grafted Mango Trees:

• Consistent fruit quality

• True-to-type cultivar preservation

• Early production

• Improved disease resistance

Mango Tree Care Tips

• Watering: Deep but infrequent watering is best. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

• Mulching: Organic mulch helps regulate moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.

• Pruning: Prune annually during dormancy to improve airflow and manage tree height.

• Fertilization: Use low-nitrogen organic fertilizers like compost, kelp meal, and bone meal. Too much nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of fruit.
  

  
  

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Common Mango Growing Challenges & Solutions

• Cold Snaps: Protect young trees with frost cloth and plant in sheltered locations.

• Anthracnose: Avoid overhead watering and prune for airflow. Apply copper fungicide in humid seasons if necessary.

• Poor Fruit Set: Ensure good drainage and consider cross-pollination by planting multiple cultivars.
  

  

Mango Cultivars at GreenDreams FL (Pickup Only)

We stock a curated selection of grafted mango cultivars in 3-gallon and 7-gallon containers. Availability fluctuates, so we recommend visiting our nursery for the most current options. New plants in weekly during spring & summer months.

Cultivar	Size(s)	Notes
CAC	3G, 7G	Caribbean favorite with intense flavor
Carrie	3G, 7G	Compact, fiberless, rich flavor
Ceci Love	3G	Unique collector's cultivar
Coconut Cream	3G	Creamy, coconut undertones, fiberless
Cogshall	3G	Dwarf, fiberless, sweet flavor
Cotton Candy	3G	Super sweet with unique flavor profile
Fairchild	3G, 7G	Excellent eating quality, compact tree
Fruit Cocktail	3G, 7G	Mixed sweet-tart flavor
Fruit Punch	3G, 7G	Bold flavor and juicy texture
Glenn	3G	Reliable, low fiber, early producer
Harvest Moon	7G	Large fruit, premium flavor, rare
Ice Cream	3G	Compact, creamy, dessert-quality fruit
Julie	3G	Classic West Indian cultivar
Kathy	7G	Excellent flavor and size
Kent	3G	Smooth flesh, late season variety
Lemon Meringue	3G	Also known as "PPK," tangy and sweet
Lemon Zest	3G	Bright citrusy notes, premium quality
Mahachanok	3G	Thai variety, sweet & productive
Mallika	3G	Indian hybrid, spicy-sweet flavor
Mun Kun Si	3G	Early season Asian type
Nam Doc Mai	3G	Thai dessert mango, fiberless
Peach Cobbler	7G	Sweet, aromatic with firm texture
Pickering	3G, 7G	Dwarf, perfect for containers
Pina Colada	3G, 7G	Creamy, tropical, unique
Pineapple Pleasure	3G	Tangy-sweet with pineapple notes
Pram Kai Mea	3G	Rare and flavorful Thai variety
Sweet Tart	7G	Balanced sweet-tart flavor
Valencia Pride	3G, 7G	Vigorous grower, large fruit

Mango Tree FAQ

How long does it take a mango tree to bear fruit?

Grafted mango trees begin producing fruit in 2–3 years with proper care. Seed-grown trees may take 6–10 years.

Can mango trees grow in containers?

Yes! Compact varieties like Pickering, Ice Cream, and Cogshall are ideal for containers.

Do I need two mango trees to get fruit?

Most mango varieties are self-fertile, but planting more than one can increase yield and pollination success.

Are mango trees hard to grow?

With sunlight, well-draining soil, and winter protection in cooler zones, mango trees are relatively easy to grow.

What is the best mango for Florida?

It depends on your climate and taste preference! Glenn, Carrie, Pickering, and Valencia Pride are all great performers.

Explore GreenDreams FL for All Things Edible Landscape

At GreenDreams FL, we specialize in edible, medicinal, and useful plants from all over the subtropics. Our Spring Hill nursery is open to the public and offers:

🌱 Grafted Mango & Avocado Trees (Pickup Only)

🚛 Material Delivery (Compost, Biochar, Mulch, Soil Mixes)

🌿 Consulting Services for Edible Landscape Planning

🗺 Digitized Design Packages for Food Forests, Native Landscapes & Pollinator Gardens

🌳 Installation & Day-Rate Planting Projects for fellow Floridians needing expert help getting plants in the ground

📍 Visit Us:

GreenDreams Nursery & Farm

18709 US Hwy 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610

🕘 Tuesday–Friday: 9AM–5PM | Saturday: 8AM–3PM | Closed Sun–Mon

💳 3% credit card fee applies. All sales are final.

Grow with purpose. Grow with GreenDreams.