Ivar Leidus / CC BY-SA 4.0
garden
Mango
Mangifera indica
EdibleMedicinalToxic — Use CautionDrought Tolerant
Edible PartsFruit
Overview
Called the king of fruits in much of the world, mango is a tropical tree that produces arguably the most beloved fruit on earth, cultivated for over 4,000 years in South Asia. The incredible diversity of mango varieties — over 1,000 named cultivars — offers flavors from pineapple-sweet to resinous and spicy. The tree itself is massive and majestic, providing shade and fruit for generations.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones9a — 12
Height19.81m
Spread25m
Growth HabitTree
Bloom ColorYellow
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH5.5 — 7.5
Soil TypeDeep, well-drained, fertile sandy or loamy soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Mar — May | Plant grafted trees in spring; needs frost-free winters; full sun; wind protection |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Jun — Sep | Harvest when shoulder fills out and fruit gives slightly; ripen at room temperature |
| Warm (8-9) | Prune | Jan — Feb | Tip-prune young trees to encourage branching; prune after harvest in mature trees |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Feb — Apr | Plant grafted trees; grow 40+ ft — choose dwarf varieties for small gardens |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | May — Sep | Pick when color develops; mango takes 3-6 years from grafted tree to first fruit |
| Hot (10+) | Prune | Dec — Jan (wraps) | Prune after harvest; caution — sap causes skin rash in sensitive individuals |
Uses
Culinary
- Fresh eating at peak ripeness — one of nature's great pleasures
- Green mangoes in chutneys, pickles, and salads
- Dried, pureed, juiced, and used in desserts worldwide
Medicinal
- Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate
- Contains mangiferin, studied for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Fiber supports digestive health
Other Uses
- Majestic shade tree in tropical landscapes
- Wood used for smoking and cooking
Safety Notes
In sensitive individuals, ingestion of the fruit or skin contact with the juice may cause a rash like that of poison ivy[303 ]. (Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested)
