To grow a mango tree from seed, follow these key steps:
- Extract and Clean the Seed
- Eat the flesh of a ripe mango and save the seed inside the large husk.
- Remove excess mango pulp from the seed and let it dry for a day or two.
- Carefully cut open the hard husk with scissors or a knife to extract the inner seed, which is white and delicate
- Germinate the Seed
- Wrap the cleaned seed in a damp paper towel.
- Place the wrapped seed inside a plastic bag or container to retain moisture.
- Keep it in a warm, dark place (around 70°F or 21°C) until it sprouts, which can take 1 to 3 weeks
- Plant the Sprouted Seed
- Once roots and a small sprout appear, plant the seed in a pot with well-draining potting soil or cactus/succulent compost.
- Cover the seed lightly with about 1 inch (2 cm) of soil, keeping the embryonic leaves uncovered.
- Water thoroughly and place the pot in a sunny spot with filtered or indirect sunlight initially
- Care for the Seedling
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Provide bright, indirect light until the seedling matures, then gradually introduce it to full sun (6-8 hours daily).
- Maintain warm temperatures around 70°F (21°C) and avoid cold drafts.
- Repot into larger containers as the tree grows, ensuring good drainage
- Additional Notes
- Mango trees grown from seed may take several years to bear fruit, and the fruit quality may differ from the parent.
- Mango seeds can be monoembryonic (one plant, genetically different) or polyembryonic (clones of the parent). Polyembryonic seeds are preferred for fruit consistency
* Growing mango trees indoors as houseplants is possible, but fruiting is more likely in tropical or warm climates (USDA zones 9-11)
This method is suitable for both indoor and outdoor growing, with the main challenge being warm temperatures and sufficient light for healthy growth
. In summary, growing a mango tree from seed involves cleaning and extracting the seed, germinating it in a warm, moist environment, planting the sprouted seed in well-draining soil, and providing proper light, warmth, and care as it grows
