Mangos grown from seed do better in marginal climates (Phoenix is a marginal climate for mangos) than plants grafted to root stock. Removing the shell from seeds will improve germination. The strongest seedlings in Phoenix that I have heard reports of are from Antonio fruit. Some people have reported several feet of growth in the first year. Most other seedlings don’t grow more than a foot the first year.

Things that commonly go wrong with mango trees in Phoenix is cold and sun exposure the first few years, poor drainage, and pH. Needs late afternoon shade, pretty good drainage system, and needs to be protected from frost the first few years.

A rough recipe I hear from people more experienced than my self is to plant trees within 2 feet of the east or north side of a house using lots of organic matter in the back fill. Mulch regularly, fertilize and use soil sulfur to lower the pH. Planting close to the east or north side of a house protects from both heat and cold without any extra intervention from the gardener.

Fertilization routine

Azomite: A cup every 6 months 1st year. One cup per year 2-5. Supposedly after 5 years, you’ve got a lifetime supply in your soil.^[1]

Propagation

Seed

When planting mango seeds position them on their edge with the concave side down.^[1]

Branching in small seedlings may mean that the tap root has hit the bottom of the container and started branching.^[1]

Grafting

Maybe don’t graft onto a seedling until it is several years old. Grow the tree until the trunk is thick and the scaffold branches are well formed.^[1]

Modified cleft graft.

Tips for Successful Mango Grafts in California

• These tips may or may not translate well to Phoenix
• Fresh scions give much higher success rate. If shipped, cut and ship overnight same day.
• Disinfect scions with fungiside and pat dry before wrapping.
• use buddy tape AKA aglis (by on ebay)
• Night time temps above 60F
• Spring scions from Florida are the healthiest Florida scions.
• Active buds are better than dormant, but not that much better.

Cultivars

• White Pirie
  • performs well in dry climates^[1]
• Sweet Tart^[1]

Poor Performers

The following cultivars have been reported to not do well in Phoenix.

• Sugar Loaf^[1]
• Cat Hoa Loc^[1]

Root stock

• Glenn^[1]
• 13-1^[1,2,3]
  • root stock that performs better in calcareous soil
  • seeds have a low rate of zygotic embryos.^[1]

Links

• Root system of mango tree
• How to feed your mango trees
• Nutrition Deficiencies
• Nutritional deficiencies of Mango
• Tropical Acres Farms (source for CRFG mango tasting)
• How to Graft a Mango Tree w/ Dr. Richard Campbell

Plant Logs