Mangifera indica Mangoes

Planting position: Full sun. For subtropical, frost-free regions only. Spacing of 10x10m, for large gardens only.
Requires regular watering, never allowing soil to dry out completely. Well-draining, compost-enriched, 2m deep loamy soil and generous layers of mulching. Plant container-grown trees, during the rainy season, in holes 3cm shallower than the container’s depth. Prepare planting holes two months prior to planting. No pruning necessary.
Propagate from seed, but ideally purchase a named variety from a reputable nursery.

Fertilising programme: Mangoes harvest better with less fertilising. At the beginning of each season, apply a quarter of the following applications: 1st year - 500g of 3:1:5 and 250g LAN; 2nd year - 1kg of 3:1:5 and 500g LAN; 3rd year - 1,5kg of 3:1:5 and 750g LAN.
Harvesting is done when the fruit has a ripe colouring.
Pests, diseases and their cures: Fruit fly - spray, 6 weeks prior to maturity, with dimethoate. Pink wax scale - spray with carbaryl and mineral oil, when young scales emerge. Powdery mildew - spray with Blitox or dust with Sulphur.

This evergreen tree provides lovely shade and numerous large, streaked flowers of yellow and white during the growing season. The sweet fruit is rich in Vitamins A, B and C, has yellow- to orange flesh, and different coloured skins according to variety.