Holly's Homestead — Subtropical Fruit Tree
Mango
Mangifera indica · Cashew family
DIFFICULTY Moderate
TYPE Evergreen perennial tree
MATURITY 3–5 years to first fruit
TYPE Evergreen perennial tree
MATURITY 3–5 years to first fruit
Sun
Full sun, warm and frost-free
Water
Regular while establishing, then reduce before flowering
Soil pH
5.5–7.0
Spacing
8–10m
Depth
as per pot, root flare at soil level
01Dry spell triggers flowering
Mature mango trees benefit from a distinct dry period before spring — this stress is often what triggers a strong flowering flush, so ease off watering through late winter.
02Planting
Method
Plant with the root flare at soil level; stake young trees.
Soil
Well-drained, moderately fertile.
Timing
Plant in spring, in a warm, frost-free, sheltered position.
03Growing care
- Water regularly while young, then reduce over the dry season to encourage flowering.
- Feed lightly with a balanced fertiliser after harvest, not while flowering.
- Protect from frost while young — established trees handle brief cold better.
- Prune lightly after harvest to manage size and shape.
04Problems
- Anthracnose — dark fruit and leaf spotting in humid, wet weather; improve airflow.
- Fruit fly — net or bag developing fruit.
- Frost damage — young trees are vulnerable; shelter through winter.
- Poor flowering — too much water or nitrogen late in the dry season.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Colour develops at the stem end, fruit softens slightly.
Method
Cut with a short stem, sap can irritate skin so handle with care.
Curing
Ripen at room temperature over several days.
Storage
Ripe fruit in the fridge a few days.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
Native groundcoversAvoid nearby
Dense underplantingRotation note
Not applicable — long-lived perennial tree.