How To Sprout a Mango
Mangoes grow on tropical evergreen trees that can grow up to 100 feet in their native climate. As potted plants, however, they grow much shorter. The mango fruit surrounds a large seed that is sealed inside a hard husk. Mangoes grow true from seed, making it possible to plant them from fruit purchased at the market. The seed grows into a small plant or tree that makes an attractive houseplant or outdoor potted plant. In time, the tree may even produce its own mango fruit. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Cut the husk of the seed open with a sharp knife. Peel the husk away from the seed inside.
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2
Fill a bowl with warm tap water. Soak the seed in the water for 24 hours. Soaking weakens the seed coating so the seed germinates more readily.
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3
Stack three paper towels and wet them thoroughly. Wrap the seed in the soaked towels and place it in a plastic bag to help retain moisture during germination.
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4
Set the bag in a warm, sunny location, such as on a windowsill. Moisten the paper towels if they begin to dry.
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5
Check the seed once weekly for germination. Germination typically takes between one and two weeks.
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6
Fill a 6-inch diameter planter with moist potting soil once the seed sprouts. Plant the seed in the soil with the root end down and the top of the seed ¼ inch above the soil surface.
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Set the pot in a sunny window. Moisten the soil with water if the surface begins to dry out.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep mango plants indoors in the winter, as the trees can't tolerate frost. They grow well outdoors during the summer months.
It takes a mango approximately six years to reach maturity after planting, but pot-grown trees may never produce fruit.
Mango seeds and fruit skins contain sap that can cause skin irritation. Wear gloves when handling and planting the seed.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
