The mango is native to Southern Asia, especially Burma and eastern India.  The mango tree makes an excellent large specimen tree, providing year round shade.  They are erect and fast growing in ideal conditions.

They are a long lived tree and can grow to 20m in height. Most can be managed at 3-7m with pruning after cropping. Mangoes are self fertile so a single tree will produce fruit without cross pollination.

Position

The mango requires full sun in an area protected from winds.  It will grow in any well drained soil but doesn’t like heavy clay.  For good growth, mangoes need deep soil to accommodate their extensive root system. They have a low tolerance of saline soils.

The mango is frost sensitive particularly when young.  During the first few years, the tree should be given some protection if frost is expected. They must have warm dry weather to set fruit. It is important to select a variety suited to your garden conditions.

Planting and care

Plant in spring or summer when the risk of frost has diminished so that young trees can establish enough to survive the following cold winter. See our tips on improving your soil before planting for full instructions. Apply a seaweed tonic such as Seasol when watering in.

Keep well watered and fed during the growing season. They benefit from the addition of compost and aged manure, which will help maintain soil health and improve water retention. Fertilise in summer as fruit is forming. Regular watering is required during the warmer months to encourage strong growth and crop production. They are naturally adapted to tropical conditions with wet summers and drier winters.

Train saplings to a single trunked tree until about 1-2m tall, then pinch out the tip to encourage lateral growth. Once shaped, mangoes require no other pruning other than the occasional removal of damaged or weak branches and to control the size of the tree.

Mangoes are susceptible to common garden pests, including fruit fly, birds and possums. See our range of netting and exclusion products to assist in combating these. They can also be susceptible to a fungus, anthracnose. If you notice discolouration in the leaves, bring a sample into the Garden Centre for us to identify and recommend treatment.

Harvesting

A mango tree doesn’t produce fruit until it’s about 4 years old. Grafted varieties generally produce faster than seed grown.

Suggested Varieties  

Kensington Pride (syn. Bowen)

The ripened fruit of the Kensington Pride is large and ovate in shape, bright orange with a pink blush.  The leathery skin of the mango is waxy and smooth and is inedible. It contains a sap which is irritating to some people.  The flesh of the mango is peach like, juicy and deep orange in colour.

Kensington Pride requires greater care than many other mango varieties because of its sap.  The sap contains caustic oil that can cause sap burn and skin browning to the fruit as well as burn human skin.

R2E2

A medium evergreen tree reaching up to 8m. Named after the original experimental trees’ row designation.

The fruit is large with firm yellow flesh and an attractive red blush. It has a mild, sweet flavour and matures two to four weeks after Kensington Pride. R2E2 has excellent storage and shelf life.

More information

The WA Department of Agriculture and Food has an in depth note on growing mangoes in cooler areas of Western Australia aimed at commercial growers. It also contains useful background information for the home gardener. Read more:

Why not try some a mango tree in your garden? Shop Mangoes

Please note that this is intended as general information only. Please ask one of our qualified horticulturists for more specific advice for your situation.