To grow a mango tree from seed, follow these steps: 1. Extract and Prepare the Seed:
- Eat the mango and carefully remove all the fruit flesh from the husk (the large seed casing).
- Clean the husk thoroughly to remove any remaining fruit fibers.
- Let the husk dry for 1-2 days.
- Carefully cut open the husk along the seam without damaging the seed inside.
- Remove the seed from the husk and peel off the thin papery covering around the seed.
2. Germinate the Seed:
- Wrap the cleaned seed in a damp paper towel.
- Place the wrapped seed inside a sealable plastic bag or container.
- Keep it in a warm (around 70°F or 21°C), dark place.
- Check every few days to ensure the paper towel remains moist.
- Within 1 to 3 weeks, roots and shoots should start to emerge.
3. Plant the Sprouted Seed:
- Fill a pot (about 8 inches) with a well-draining potting mix.
- Plant the seed with the bulging side down and shoot side up, about 1/2 to 1 inch deep.
- Water the soil thoroughly but avoid waterlogging.
- Place the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
4. Care for the Growing Mango Plant:
- Mango trees thrive in warm, humid conditions.
- If grown indoors, provide plenty of light and warmth.
- Transplant to a larger pot or outdoors (in USDA zones 9 and above) after the seedling is well established, typically after the second growing season.
- Be patient: mango trees grown from seed can take 5 to 8 years to mature and potentially bear fruit.
Additional Tips:
- Mango trees grown from seed may not produce fruit identical to the parent fruit.
- Growing mango trees indoors is possible but fruiting is rare without tropical conditions.
- You can also germinate the seed suspended in water, similar to avocado seed germination, but planting in soil is generally preferred for better growth.
This method is straightforward and suitable for gardeners in warm climates or as a tropical houseplant project
