tropicaltrees
Mad About Mangos These Luscious Favorites Are Easy to Grow
by Beth Davis F
ew fruit trees elicit as much adora- tion in Southwest Florida as the mango. Revered for its rich flavor, productivity and beauty, it is sometimes referred to as the “apple of the trop- ics,” although some feel this description does an injustice to the mango’s unique flavor and exotic appeal.
Native to subtropical and tropical lowlands, the mango tree originated in India about 4,000 years ago and has been grown in Florida since the 1860s, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sci- ences (IFAS).
The mango is a medium to large evergreen tree, from 25 to more than 80 feet high, with a symmetrical, rounded canopy, ranging from low and dense to upright and open. Its alter- nately arranged, spear-shaped leaves are often pinkish, amber or pale green when young, becoming dark green and leathery at maturity.
Naples master gardener Frank DeNardis, the area’s self-proclaimed “Mr. Mango,” due to his love of the fruit—more than 50 varieties grow on his property in North Naples—says the tree is easy to grow and adapts well to conditions in South Florida. He recommends buying a healthy nursery tree and planting it in full sun for best growth and fruit production. Mango trees can become very large if not pruned to contain their size, so choose a loca- tion away from structures, power lines or other large trees. A newly planted tree should be watered every other day for the first week or so, and then just once or twice a week for the first few months. During the dry season, DeNardis suggests watering a couple of times each week until the tree is two or three years old and well-established. After that, it requires little to no maintenance.
To promote growth and regular fruiting, DeNardis also advises picking the fruit while it is very small, but only for the first year or two. “You want to build the strength of the tree; therefore, the tree’s energy is better spent on growth, rather than fruit production,” he explains.
According to IFAS, there are two main types of mango, the Indian and the Indochinese. The Indian cultivar, which accounts for most commercial Florida varieties, produces rounded, highly colored fruit that is susceptible to anthracnose, a fungal disease that can greatly reduce yield. Indochinese mangos tend to produce elongated fruit, usually with green or yellow skin, are tolerant of high humidity and are also relatively resistant to anthracnose. DeNardis says hundreds of mango varieties are available in Southwest Florida, and many are appropriate for the home garden, making it possible to enjoy the fruit from late May through October. A mature tree can produce 250 or more fruits annually, which should be picked when firm and then allowed to
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ripen for several days before eating. Depending upon the variety, mango fruits may be green, greenish- yellow, yellow, red, orange or purple, and weigh from a few ounces to more than five pounds. The edible flesh is pale yellow to deep orange and sur- rounds a single, large seed enclosed in a woody husk.
Mangos are delectable eaten out of hand, the most popular way to enjoy them, but the versatile fruits can also be frozen, dried, canned or cooked in jams, jellies, preserves and chutneys. The luscious flesh is also used to create refreshing ice creams and sorbets. Fresh mangos are an exceptionally healthy treat, high in dietary fiber, low in carbohydrates and virtually fat-free. According to the USDA National Nutri- ent Database, they are also an excellent source of potassium and contain impres- sive amounts of vitamins A, C, E and B6
.
Whether buying the fruit or plant- ing a tree, it’s wise to be aware of the mango’s known hazards. Mango peel contains urushiol, the chemical in poi- son ivy and poison sumac, so exposure to oils in the fruit skin and leaves may cause contact dermatitis in susceptible people. Also, mango pollen may cause some individuals to experience respira- tory allergies.
DeNardis adds what he says is one of the most important things to remember about growing a mango tree: “You are the boss of the tree. That means that you can control its growth by proper pruning, and its health and production by taking the proper steps from the beginning.”
For more information or to make an ap- pointment to visit DeNardis’ nursery at 108 Viking Way, in Palm River Estates, call 239-597-8359. See ad, page 54.
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