The Growing Environment for Mangos

Hardiness

• The mango has origins in the humid tropical forests of Asia, from northern India to Malaysia and even into some islands of Melanesia. It is not tolerant of cold. A light frost will defoliate the tree and cause some branch dieback. Prolonged subfreezing temperatures kill back the tree, regardless of its size, to the roots. If the roots remain alive, suckering sprouts emerge from the roots. Mangoes that repeatedly freeze back year after year never reach a size where flowers and fruits consistently form. Grow the mango outdoors only in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and warmer, where it never gets colder than 30 degrees F.

Soil Conditions

• When a young mango sprouts from seed, it quickly develops a deep taproot. As it ages, more branching, lateral roots form into an extensive matrix. Mango trees have a high nutritional requirement, not only of nitrogen, but especially of phosphorus, potassium and iron. The best soil for growing mango is a sandy loam that is enriched with lots of organic matter and an acidic pH. Placing 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch atop the soil broadly around the mango helps keep the soil moist and continually provides a new source of nutrients into the soil during decomposition.

Light

• Plant mango trees in full sun, where they receive no less than 10 hours of sunshine daily. Trees survive in partial sun or partial shade settings, but growth is uneven and the tree develops a lopsided silhouette. Too little sunlight and heat prevents flowering and fruiting. Mango trees bloom anytime from midwinter to late spring, with fruits ripening midspring to midsummer.

Climate

• In addition to growing in a frost-free environment, mango trees perform best in regions with high humidity and little wind. Ideally, mangoes grow well in regions with temperatures above 70 degrees F year-round with either year-round rainfall or cycles of dry and wet seasons. During the heat of summer, humidity should be high as the fruits develop and new growth matures. Do not plant mango trees in nonirrigated tropical desert landscapes where there's low ambient humidity.

Tolerances

• During the winter or tropical dry season, temperatures down into the 40 to 60 F range are tolerated as long as soil is not soggy. The less intense sunlight in winter can be coupled with lower humidity levels without detriment. Mango trees are moderately tolerant of drought as well as salt spray and salty soils near the ocean.