Detailed Guide to Growing Mango in Pots: Even Beginners Can Learn It Easily
Mango is one of the famous tropical fruits. Because its flesh is delicate, its flavor is unique, and it is rich in nutrients, it is deeply loved by people, so it has long been known as the “King of Tropical Fruits.” At present, there are many cultivated varieties of mango, but when growing mango in indoor pots, small mangoes are generally still chosen. Now let us take a look at how to grow mango in pots!
Preparation for Growing Mango in Pots
Preparatory work should be done well for growing mango in pots. First, choose a ripe mango. Although such fruit is already not very tasty, it can ensure that the pit has fully developed and has sufficient nutrients, and it is related to whether the mango seed can ultimately germinate and grow well. Use a small knife to cut off all the mango flesh and so on, leaving the seed for later use. Use a small knife to pry open the outer shell of the seed, that is, from the small gap on the side, cut it open with the knife, then force it apart into two pieces. Soak the extracted seed embryo in water for later use.
How to Grow Mango in Pots
1. Prepare a standard growing medium in a flowerpot, then half-bury the seed in the soil, with the end of the seed that has the embryo facing downward into the soil. Only in this way can it help the seed germinate and protect the embryo from being bitten and damaged by ants, snails, and the like.
2. After planting, place the flowerpot in a warm, humid place with sunlight. Pay attention to caring for it and keep the soil moist. Under normal temperature and suitable humidity conditions, on the fifth or sixth day after burying the seed, you can see the top of the seed begin to sprout, and it will grow larger day by day.
Tips for Growing Mango in Pots
1. Temperature: Mango likes warmth and cannot tolerate cold or frost. The most suitable growing temperature is 25-30°C. Below 20°C, growth is slow. Below 10°C, leaves and inflorescences stop growing, and nearly mature fruit will suffer cold damage. The effective temperature for growth is 18-35°C, the suitable temperature for shoot growth is 24-29°C, and fruit setting and young fruit growth require an average daily temperature greater than 20°C.
2. Light: Mango is a light-loving fruit tree. Sufficient light can promote flower bud differentiation, flowering and fruit setting, and improve fruit quality and appearance. Usually, a single tree on the sunny side of the canopy or in an open environment flowers more and has a higher fruit-setting rate. Mangoes with too many branches and leaves, a crowded canopy, and insufficient light have fewer flowers and fruits, and the fruit appearance and quality are both poor. Through shaping and pruning, the light conditions in the orchard and within the tree can be improved to increase yield and extend the peak production period.
3. Water: Mango grows well in areas with annual rainfall of 700-2000 mm. In South China, the uneven distribution of annual rainfall often affects growth and development. If the air is too dry during the flowering period and early fruiting period, it easily causes flower and fruit drop. Too much rain also leads to flower rot and poor pollination and fertilization. In summer, rainfall that is too concentrated often induces severe fruit diseases. After harvest, autumn drought often affects the sprouting and growth of the mother branches of autumn shoots.
4. Soil: Mango does not have strict soil requirements and can be cultivated in areas below 600 m in altitude. However, loam or sandy loam with deep soil layers, a groundwater level below 3 m, good drainage, and slight acidity is best.
Note: When watering indoor potted mangoes, control must be done well. In particular, the indoor air-conditioning temperature should not be too low. In summer, on cloudy days including rainy days, if the soil is dry, water once every 3-5 days. Also provide more indoor ventilation, otherwise it is prone to pests and diseases. Water by the principle of seeing dry and seeing wet. In winter, water once every one to two weeks, and the soil should be watered thoroughly.