Mangos

~ By Granny Grace ~

Mangos are originally from southern Asia and were introduced to the United States in the 1880's in California. There are 2 distinct types: The East Indian variety can't handle humidity and will mildew, with red fruit. The Pilipino variety can stand excess moisture and resists mildew, with a pale green fruit that is kidney shaped. They like a frost free climate and must be in a warm, dry climate to produce quality fruit. As a child I can remember my cousins and I using the green Mangos as extra baseballs and a broken window in our Grandmother's kitchen when we hit them in the wrong direction.

They make wonderful shade and landscape additions that grow fast and wide. They have a very long life span and some are known to be at least 300 years old and still fruit bearing.

The skin of the Mango is sort of waxy feeling and when completely ripe is either pale green or yellow. To me they taste a lot like a peach and are very juicy and sweet. They can be very messy while eating them.

The trees will grow in almost any type of soil with good drainage. But they have long reaching roots and need a lot of room to grow. But they can be started from seedlings in a container or greenhouse. The most pervasive pests for them are mealy bugs and mites. So they must be sprayed for these insects. And they are a favorite of Gophers who like to chew on the roots.

The fruit matures within 100 to 150 days after flowering. It is considered the "Queen" of fruits in tropical climates and is the most commonly eaten fruit. It is rich in minerals and vitamins.

The more common varieties sold in stores are:

Haden, a red and yellow fruit weighing about 1-1/4 lbs. each

Irwin, a red fruit weighing about a pound

Tommy Atkins, a red and yellow fruit similar to the Haden

Kent, a red, green and yellow fruit about 1-1/2 lbs. each

Keitt, a green and pink fruit about 1-1/2 lbs. each

Julie and Manila which are a better quality for eating, but not commercialized as much as the others.

To start your own Mango tree, you have to remove the pit from the seed and plant it with the concave side down about one inch in a good grade of commercial potting soil, in a good container. They germinate in about 2 to 3 weeks. After they are ready to be planted outdoors, the outer layer of soil should be washed off the root ball so that the roots will be exposed to the soil that it is to grow in and will have a much better chance of establishing itself quickly. Be sure that you stake the tree to get a good straight trunk and for support. Also you should build a water ring around the new tree a little wider than the planting area, then fill the ring with water till it soaks in good.

You may have to replace the soil after it settles. They need tobe watered 2 or 3 times a week until they are firmly established, then once or twice a week for several weeks. Afterwards simply fill the water ring with water until it soaks into the ground good. After about 4 to 6 months the water ring will gradually erode away. Don't fertilize until new growth appears and then monthly into September.

Growers have found that you can use ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) of 1/2 cup monthly the first year, one cup monthly the second year and 2 cups monthly the third year. Winter frost protection is vital. You can do this by making soil banks around the tree; especially young trees. Or you can use a blanket or such covering around the tree and holding the corners down with stakes or some type of anchor. The only pruning you will have to do is by removing dead wood.

Mangos can be ripened in your kitchen, but are most flavorful if ripened on the tree. The fruit can be frozen, dried or canned and can be used to make jams, jellies, preserves, pies, chutney and ice cream. Personally I love them right off the tree.

It is a very delicious fruit and to those who have never tried one, may I suggest that you try it. You will love it if you like peaches or other types of fruits like these. Be prepared for the mess. But if you don't try one you will never know what a delicious fruit you are missing out on. That is one of the things I miss about living in Florida.

I hope you've learned a little about the Mango and will seriously think about using it for both the fruit and the beautiful shade tree for your yard.

         

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