The mango (Mangifera indica) is one of the world’s most widely consumed fruits, originating in South Asia and now cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions. Growing a mango tree from a single seed is a multi-year journey involving distinct phases of preparation, initial growth, and long-term care. Successfully propagating a tree from a common grocery store mango requires specific attention to each phase.
Preparing the Seed for Planting
The first step is extracting the inner seed from the hard, fibrous pit (endocarp). After cleaning the pit of all fruit pulp, the hard outer shell must be opened carefully, often using a sharp knife or shears along the seam, to expose the inner, bean-shaped seed without damaging the embryo. Mango seeds are “recalcitrant,” meaning they cannot withstand drying out and must be kept moist to remain viable.
Once the inner seed (cotyledon) is revealed, it is ready for immediate planting or germination. The seed may be monoembryonic or polyembryonic, which impacts the resulting tree. Monoembryonic seeds produce a single seedling that is a genetic hybrid, meaning the fruit will likely differ from the parent. Polyembryonic seeds, common in Southeast Asian varieties, produce multiple seedlings, most of which are clones of the mother tree and will produce identical fruit.
The Germination Process
Germination requires sufficient warmth and moisture. A common technique is the paper towel method: the seed is wrapped in a damp towel, placed in a sealed plastic bag, and kept warm (ideally 70°F to 85°F). This humid microclimate encourages rapid sprouting, often within two to three weeks.
Successful germination is marked by the emergence of the radicle (embryonic root) from the seed’s pointed end. Soon after, the hypocotyl (embryonic shoot) begins to push upwards. Alternatively, the seed can be planted directly into a pot with the pointed end facing down and the top slightly exposed. Regardless of the method, the seed must be monitored closely to ensure it does not dry out, as this quickly leads to the death of the embryo.
Nurturing the Young Mango Seedling
Once the seed has sprouted, the young plant must be transplanted into a container with well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A mix of loamy or sandy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH is preferred, as mango roots should not be waterlogged. The seedling initially benefits from partial shade while its first leaves harden off, before transitioning to a location that receives full sun for at least six to eight hours daily.
The soil must be kept consistently moist, but overwatering is a frequent cause of failure. Young seedlings are susceptible to early growth issues, most notably the fungal disease anthracnose, which appears as dark, sunken lesions on new tissue and thrives in high humidity. Proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering help mitigate this risk. Monitoring for sap-sucking pests like mealybugs is also necessary, as they can weaken the tender new growth.
Progression to a Maturing Tree
Once the seedling is established, it enters the vegetative growth phase, characterized by distinct “flushing cycles.” During these cycles, the tree produces a burst of new growth from its branch tips. The newly emerged leaves are often limp and display striking reddish-purple, bronze, or pale yellow colors. This coloration is temporary; the leaves eventually harden and turn a deep, glossy green as they mature and begin photosynthesis.
The established seedling can be transplanted to a permanent location once it is at least a year old, ensuring sufficient space for its mature size. The tree’s nutritional needs evolve during maturation. Young trees require a balanced fertilizer with higher nitrogen to support leaf and stem development. As the tree nears maturity, switching to a formula higher in potassium and phosphorus (e.g., an 8-3-9 NPK ratio) encourages flowering and fruit production. Patience is necessary, as a tree grown from seed typically requires five to eight years before it produces its first fruit.