Can You Grow Mangoes in Florida?

Is it possible to grow mangoes in Florida?

You can grow mangoes easily in southern Florida’s tropical climate. Those as far north as Orlando have had success growing Mangoes but they stay diligent protecting them form cold weather. Those in north Florida will have to grow mangoes in pots or have a rather large greenhouse to protect them during winter.

Some varieties are more cold-resistant than others, continue reading to learn more about growing mangoes in Florida.

Where Can You Grow Mangoes In Florida?

The best part of the state to grow mangoes in is south Florida. Mango trees are a tropical tree and do not like cold weather. Mangoes are generally rated for USDA zones 10-11.

However, there have been people that grow mango trees in central Florida, as far north as Orlando. It’s not entirely impossible to grow mangoes in the northernmost parts of Florida either. You guys will just have to work a bit harder.

Mango fruits and flowers begin to get damaged when temperatures are at or below 42F for an extended period of time. You trees will suffer major damage if temperatures drop to or below 30F.

Mature trees will make it through temperatures in the upper twenties, not without some damage. You will most likely miss the next season of fruits due to this cold weather and will need to severely prune your tree.

Best Types Of Mangoes To Grow In Florida

There are more types of Mangoes than I can (or want to) list here. Below I’ve made a little chart that shows you some popular mango choices out there as well as some brief info about them.

There are many other varieties of mango that I have not listed here, check out this post by IFAS if you’re interested in seeing a few more mango cultivars.

When I mention growth rate in each plant’s description I think it’s helpful to know that trees with slow and moderate growth rates are trees that are much easier to prune yearly and keep at a manageable size. While trees with vigorous growth descriptions will require more aggressive pruning to keep them manageable.

Best Time To Plant Mangoes In Florida

The best time to plant mangoes is in the early spring time, after fear of any cold weather has gone.

You can definitley plant mangoes after these time frames as well, they will grow well in our hot humid summers. These dates are ideal because this is the earliest that suitable weather is around in the state.

The thing to keep in mind when planting mangoes is to avoid the cold weather at all costs. Young mango trees can die if it gets down to 30F for a small period of time.

What To Know Before Planting A Mango Tree

If you have already pruchased a mango tree from your local nursery this little section does not apply to you, you can skip ahead to how to care for mango trees.

But if you are planting a mango tree from a seed I think it’s important for you to know this info.

Mango tree seeds come in two different “types” for lack of a better word. These types are; Monoembryonic and polyembryonic.

The difference between the two is that if planting a poly embryonic seed you will get an exact clone to the mother plant. However, if you plant a mono-embryonic seed you might not get the exact same mango as the mother plant.

All of the varieties mentioned in the above chart are Mono-embryonic.

How To Care For Mango Trees

Mango Trees enjoy being planted in full sun, the more the better. Mango trees prefer a soil that is well-draining and full of organic material. However, mango trees have been grown well in sandy and limestone soils.

When first planting your mango tree you should water every day for at least two weeks, unless it’s raining. After that, you should water at least 3-4 times a week for a few months until tapering offer to watering only once or twice a week for the first few years.

You don’t have to prune your mango tree but it will grow quite large. unpruned mango trees can spread 25-30 feet making it hard to manage. It’s a good idea to prune when the tree is young to encourage lateral branching and make a structurally sound tree and highly productive tree.

A good basic fruit tree fertilizer will do for your mango tree. Follow the directions on the bag for application. Your plant may also need certain micronutrients like iron, boron, zinc, etc…

The only way to know if you need these things is to have your soil tested. Your local UF IFAS extension office can test your dirt for a pretty cheap price.

When Do Mango Trees Bloom In Florida

Generally speaking, we should see mango trees bloom in Florida between November and February/March.

With our relatively warm winters, we may see multiple blooms during these months. Dryness usually encourages flowering, during these months you should cut back on watering slightly.

Common Mango Pests and Diseases

The most common pests that you will see on your mango tree are ambrosia beetles, mites, scale and thrips.

The best defense against these pests is to raise a healthy tree. Water and fertilize frequently.

Some common diseases in mango trees are powdery mildew and anthracnose. Both of these are fungal diseases that attack young leaves, flowers and fruit.

A simple spray of a copper fungicide will help the situation as long as you catch it quickly. At the first sign of either of these two things you must spray your plant because after the disease has set in, copper fungicide spray will not help.

How To Grow Mangoes In Florida

• Those in southern and parts of southern parts of central Florida will have the best luck growing mangoes.
• Those in north florida can grow mangoes but it will take extra effort to protect them from the cold weather
• Angie, Carrie,Glenn, Haden, Kent, and Ice cream are some popular varieties of mango.
• The best time to plant young mango trees and seeds in Florida is in March and April
• Mango trees enjoy full sun and well draining soil.
• water and fertilize regularly.
• Prune young to encourage a good growth structure.

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