Grow Mango Tree From Seed of Store Bought Fruit

How I grew a mango tree from the seed of a store bought mango.

First - enjoy the mango fruit then extract the seed from the endocarp.
Now peel the coating and cover with a damp paper towel for a 3-6 weeks until you see it has germinated.

Lightly cover with soil with the roots facing down and the stem facing up.
Cover the seedling with a large plastic bag and keep moisture inside as the tree begins to grow. Watch the video above for seed to 4 month progress. 


How to Grow a Mango Tree from Seed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Growing a mango tree from seed can be an exciting and rewarding experience for any gardener. Mangoes are tropical fruits that thrive in warm climates, and although growing one from seed takes patience, it’s a fun and affordable way to bring a piece of the tropics into your own backyard or home. Whether you dream of having your own homegrown mangoes or just love the idea of cultivating a beautiful tropical tree, this guide will walk you through the process from start to finish.

Why Grow a Mango Tree from Seed?

While you can certainly buy a mature mango tree from a nursery, growing one from seed offers several unique benefits:

  1. Cost-Effective: If you’ve ever enjoyed a delicious mango, you already have the perfect seed to start your tree. This means you can skip the cost of purchasing a tree from a nursery.

  2. Fun and Educational: Watching the seed germinate and grow into a tree is a great learning experience. It’s a perfect project for families, beginners, or anyone interested in learning about plant growth.

  3. Personal Connection: Growing a mango tree from seed means you'll have a connection to the tree, from the very beginning stages to, potentially, harvesting fruit years down the line.

That being said, it's important to note that mango trees grown from seed may take longer to produce fruit compared to grafted trees, and their fruit may not always match the quality or variety of the parent mango. However, the process itself can be quite fulfilling, and you'll have a unique tree in the end.

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing a Mango Tree from Seed

Here’s how to grow a mango tree from seed, whether you’re starting indoors or preparing to plant outside.

1. Choose a Ripe Mango

The first step in growing a mango tree from seed is selecting a ripe mango from which you can extract the seed. Choose a fruit that is fully ripe, with a sweet flavor, and preferably organic, as you won’t want any chemicals on the seed.

After eating the fruit, save the pit or seed. You will need to clean off any remaining fruit pulp to avoid mold and bacteria growth.

2. Remove the Seed from the Pit

The mango seed is encased in a large, hard pit. To remove the seed, follow these steps:

  • Use a knife to carefully cut away the outer shell of the pit. Be cautious not to damage the seed inside.
  • Once the outer shell is removed, you’ll see a flat, oval-shaped seed. Be gentle when handling it to avoid damaging it.

Tip: Some people like to soak the seed in water for a few hours or even overnight to soften the outer pit, making it easier to remove.

3. Prepare the Seed for Germination

There are two methods you can use to germinate the mango seed: the direct soil method and the water germination method.

  • Direct Soil Method: Plant the seed directly into a pot with well-draining soil. You can place the seed about 1-2 inches deep in the soil with the flat side facing down. Water lightly to moisten the soil, but avoid overwatering.

  • Water Germination Method: This is a popular method for indoor gardeners. Place the seed in a shallow dish of water, ensuring that the seed is partially submerged. Use toothpicks to balance the seed on the rim of the dish so that water can reach the bottom of the seed. Change the water every day to keep it fresh. After a few weeks, you should begin to see a taproot emerging from the seed.

Note: Regardless of the method you choose, it’s important to keep the seed warm—mangoes need warmth to germinate, so place the seed in a warm, sunny spot.

4. Wait for Germination

Mango seeds can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks to germinate, depending on the temperature and method you’re using. If you’ve chosen the water germination method, check the seed regularly for signs of a sprout or root. When the taproot is about 2-3 inches long, it’s ready to be planted in soil.

If you’re using the direct soil method, simply monitor the seed and water it as needed. You’ll start to see a sprout emerging from the seed, signaling that it’s ready to grow.

5. Plant the Seedling

Once the seed has sprouted, it’s time to plant it in a larger container if it’s not already in one. Choose a pot with good drainage and fill it with well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil. Mango trees prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5 to 7.5).

  • Plant the sprouted seed or seedling with the root facing downward, leaving the top of the seed exposed just above the soil.
  • Water the soil gently and place the pot in a sunny spot where the seedling will receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day.

6. Care for the Young Mango Tree

Mango trees are tropical plants and thrive in warm conditions. To ensure healthy growth, provide your young mango tree with the following care:

  • Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mango trees don’t like sitting in water, so be sure the pot has good drainage. Water the tree once the top of the soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering.

  • Sunlight: Mango trees love sunlight. Make sure to place your tree in a spot where it can get plenty of direct sunlight, especially during the warmer months.

  • Fertilizing: Once your mango tree has grown large enough to be considered a young tree (typically after 3-6 months), you can begin fertilizing it with a balanced fertilizer that’s rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

  • Temperature: Mango trees thrive in temperatures above 70°F (21°C). If you live in a colder climate, keep your tree indoors during the winter months. Alternatively, you can move it outside during the summer if you live in an area that’s warm year-round.

7. Transplant the Mango Tree (If Necessary)

As your mango tree grows, it will eventually need to be moved to a larger container. If you plan to grow it indoors for an extended period, a large pot will be necessary. However, if you live in a warm climate and want to plant your mango tree outside, you can transplant it into the ground once it reaches 1-2 feet in height.

If transplanting outdoors, choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil. Mango trees do best in locations with warm temperatures and no frost.

Final Thoughts

Growing a mango tree from seed is a slow but satisfying process. While it may take several years for your tree to bear fruit (if it even does), the journey of watching it grow from a tiny seedling to a full-fledged tree is a truly rewarding experience. Plus, you’ll have the pleasure of knowing you grew your tree from scratch.

Whether you’re growing your mango tree indoors in a pot or outside in a tropical garden, following these steps will give you the best chance at success. 

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