How to Grow Mango from Mango Seed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Grow Mango from Seed?

Growing a mango from seed means you get to grow a tree without the investment of purchasing a sapling. It is quite interesting to sprout a seed and then nurture it as it grows. And if you have the right conditions, you get homegrown mango fruits. While taking longer than buying a nursery sapling, the reward in growing your own tree from scratch can be deeply satisfying.

Step 1: Preparing the Mango Seed

To grow a mango tree from seed, the first thing to do is to select the right mango and prepare its seed.

• Choose a Ripe Mango: It will be best if the mango is appropriately ripe because the seed inside will be more viable. Remove the flesh carefully and clean the seed thoroughly. Let it dry for about a day.
• Remove the Husk: The seed of the mango is covered with a thick husk. You will have to remove the edge of the husk carefully with scissors or a knife and pry it open to get the seed inside. Be careful not to shave off the seed inside.
• This step is considered a preparation because the exposing of the seed can increase its chance of germination.

Step 2: Sprouting the Mango Seed

Once the seed is prepared, you may proceed with its sprouting.

• Wrap the Seed: Take the mango seed and wrap it in a wet paper towel. It should be wet but not soaked. Then wrap it well.
• Provide Warmth: Place the wrapped seed into a plastic bag or container and store it in some warm, dark place. Mango seeds sprout best in temperatures between 70-85°F; find a suitable place for it that maintains consistent warmth.
• Wait for Germination: This will happen in a week or three when you start to see the seed beginning to sprout. When both the root and shoot are visible, then you know it’s time to plant.

This is an important stage for giving your mango seed a fantastic head start toward growth.

Step 3: How to Plant the Sprouted Mango Seed

After the seed has sprouted, it is now time to plant the seed.

• Choosing the Pot: Get a small pot about 3-4 inches in diameter with drained holes in it. Good drainage is highly necessary to avoid water retention and root decay.
• Prepare the Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix in the pot. For mango seeds, the soil should be more loamy with organic matter in decent quantity.
• Plant the Seed: Place the sprouted seed flat on the surface of the soil and sprinkle a thin layer of soil over it. Make sure that the shoot is above the line of the soil.
• Water Thoroughly: Water the soil immediately after planting to good moistness-no flooding of the soil. Place the pot in a sunny area, and this will be a prerequisite for the plant as it needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight every day.

With proper care, it would start growing steadily into a strong seedling in due time.

Caring for Your Mango Tree

Care for a young mango tree by catering to its basic needs: sunlight, water, and nutrients.

• Sunlight: The mango trees love the sun and need a lot of sunlight to grow well. Place your tree in a very bright or high sun-exposure area. For indoor conditions, if possible it should be kept near a south-facing window. If it is outdoor, it must get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Once the top inch of soil feels dry to your fingers, it will be time for deep watering. Once the tree is a bit more mature, it will need less frequent watering. Water the plant until you see water coming out of the bottom of the pot; then take any excess water out of the saucer.
• Fertilizing: Once your mango tree has a few sets of leaves it will be ready for fertilizing. You can use any balanced, slow-release fertilizer for healthy growth and development of your plant.

Provided the growing conditions are good, each passing season your mango tree will grow taller and stronger.

Pests and Diseases

As with any other plant, a mango tree can also be susceptive to pests and diseases. Following are some common problems you may encounter:

Pests

• Aphids: These tiny insects build up in young leaves and stems, sucking the sap to debilitate the plant. To handle aphids, use insecticidal soap, or start treating the plant by blasting them off with a strong current of water.
• Mealybugs: Small tufts of cotton, often found on stems and leaves. For control, spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, or remove by hand with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. 
• Scale: Scale insects form hard, shell-like covers on plant stems. A bit tougher to manage: scale can be removed manually with a toothbrush or treated with horticultural oil.

Regularly inspect your mango tree for early detection of pests, preventing the severity of any particular infestation. If you do 

Diseases

• Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on leaves and stems. It may be prevented by making sure there is proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Treat it with neem oil or a fungicide if necessary.
• Anthracnose: The most common fungal disease among mango trees, anthracnose causes black dots on leaves, flowers, and fruits. In order not to get wet, leaves must be avoided, and there should be enough space between plants for air circulation. Application of a copper-based fungicide will help in controlling the infestation of this disease.

By monitoring your mango tree closely, you can prevent or treat most problems before they begin affecting the general health of the plant.

Summary

Growing mango from a mango seed probably is one of the most tempting projects you can do, for growing your very own tropical fruit tree from scratch. By selecting a seed, preparing it, then sprouting, planting in the soil, and giving proper after-care, one can grow a healthy mango tree. These are, of course, susceptible to certain pests and diseases, but with regular monitoring for early signs of either, your tree will thrive. Then, with time and proper care, in a few years you will reap the rewards of enjoying your very own homegrown mangoes. Have a Happy Journey!