Growing Mango in Australia: The Complete Guide
Mango is a moderate subtropical fruit tree to grow, needing full , warm and frost-free sun with regular while establishing, then reduce before flowering watering.
Mango is one of the moderate additions to a home garden, and this article walks through everything behind our one-page printable guide in a bit more depth.
Dry spell triggers flowering
Mature mango trees benefit from a distinct dry period before spring — this stress is often what triggers a strong flowering flush, so ease off watering through late winter.
Planting Mango
Method — plant with the root flare at soil level; stake young trees. Soil — well-drained, moderately fertile. Timing — plant in spring, in a warm, frost-free, sheltered position.
Day-to-Day Care
Worth paying attention to:
- Water regularly while young, then reduce over the dry season to encourage flowering.
- Feed lightly with a balanced fertiliser after harvest, not while flowering.
- Protect from frost while young — established trees handle brief cold better.
- Prune lightly after harvest to manage size and shape.
What Can Go Wrong
Keep these points in mind:
- Anthracnose — dark fruit and leaf spotting in humid, wet weather; improve airflow.
- Fruit fly — net or bag developing fruit.
- Frost damage — young trees are vulnerable; shelter through winter.
- Poor flowering — too much water or nitrogen late in the dry season.
Harvest and Storage
Signs — colour develops at the stem end, fruit softens slightly. Method — cut with a short stem, sap can irritate skin so handle with care. Curing — ripen at room temperature over several days. Storage — ripe fruit in the fridge a few days.
For the condensed, printable version of everything above, head to the main mango guide page.