Mango Growing Guide for Mediterranean Climates
Mango (Mangifera indica) is an evergreen tree from the Anacardiaceae family, cherished for its delicious fruit and ornamental beauty. Native to Southern Asia (especially India, Burma, and the Andaman Islands), mango has been cultivated for over 5,000 years. Today, it thrives in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide — making it a prized choice in warmer parts of the Mediterranean, such as the south of Portugal and Spain.
To ensure successful mango cultivation in the Mediterranean climates, we summarized what we understand as good efficient practices, based both on our practical experience at the Orchard of Flavours and on advice by the best mango growing experts.
We’ll be covering quite a few different aspects about growing healthy and productive mango plants in our Southern European climate. Feel free to find the content you’re looking for in the index below:
History and Significance
Ancient Heritage: Mangoes have a rich history, with some trees still bearing fruit after 300 years.
Global Spread: Originally from Asia, mango cultivation now spans 89 countries. India alone boasts over 1,000 varieties.
Super Fruit: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, mango is often called a “super fruit,” recognized for its potential health benefits.
Transplanting a mango tree that became part of the Orchard of Flavours’ Mango Project, a project established to provide more controlled conditions and support successful mango cultivation in the Mediterranean climate regions
Cold Sensitivity and Growth: I hate below 0 Celcius!
Cold Sensitivity: Young and flowering mango trees are highly vulnerable to cold. Even temperatures just above 0°C can damage leaves and blooms. Mature trees handle cold better but may still suffer at around –1°C. Consider installing an anti-frost system—such as a special sprinkler that creates a warm mist when temperatures drop below 4°C.
Growth Rate: In Mediterranean regions like southern Portugal, dwarf rootstocks typically grow about 30 cm per year, reaching a maximum canopy diameter of around 3 meters. Here in the Algarve, we saw 20 year old mango trees with a height of about 4 meters maximum.
Drought Tolerance: Once established (after 2–3 years), mango trees can endure dry spells. Younger trees need regular watering to develop strong, healthy roots.
Site Selection: full sun!
Sunlight: Mango trees need 8–10 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ideal temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C. Avoid planting in dense food forests; mangoes thrive best with plenty of open space and light.
Soil: Choose loamy or sandy loam soil with good drainage. Aim for a pH of 5.5–7.5. Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils, and do not plant in very alkaline soil, as the tree will struggle to grow.
Wind Protection: Strong winds can break branches and knock off flowers or fruit. Use windbreaks or plant in a sheltered spot to minimize damage.
Planting: acidic soil and good drainage!
Planting Time: Late spring to early summer is best, giving young trees time to settle before cooler weather. Do not plant when night temperatures are below 15ºC.
Planting Hole: Dig at least 1m x 1m. For heavy clay soil, mix in 20–30% compost and 10% river sand. If your soil is slightly alkaline, add at least 70 liters of acidic substrate (like pine or orchid compost). Include about 35 liters of well-composted horse manure. At the botanical garden, we add up to 100 liters of Orchid substrate in our heavy clay soil. It acidifies the soil and improves the drainage. We also add 50 liters of either perlite or expanded clay.
Protection: At the Botanical Garden, we shield new saplings for at least three months with a wire mesh and a 30% UV reduction fabric.
Watering
Young Trees (First 3 Years): Water every two days in dry periods to ensure deep root growth. Clay soil: around 60 litres per week. Reduce or stop watering once the rainy season starts.
Established Trees: Avoid waterlogging at all cost. A dwarf mango typically needs around 120 liters per week in hot weather. Pause or cut back on watering in winter, especially in sandy soils.
Growth Stages:
Early Growth (Spring–Early Summer): Keep soil evenly moist to support new shoots.
Flowering (Late Winter–Early Spring): Water moderately—too much water can reduce fruit set.
Fruit Development (Summer): Maintain consistent moisture for proper fruit formation.
Ripening (Late Summer–Fall): Slightly reduce watering to prevent fruit splitting or rotting.
Fertilizing
Early Years: High nitrogen supports strong vegetative growth and root establishment.
Mature Trees: Switch to a balanced fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium to boost flowering and fruit quality.
Micronutrients: Watch for iron, zinc, or boron deficiencies. Correct these with iron chelates, zinc sulphate, or borax as needed.
Maintenance and Pruning
Pruning Time: After harvest or in late winter/early spring, before new growth.
Why Prune: Shapes the tree, improves airflow, and increases fruit yield. Use sharp, clean tools and avoid removing too much foliage.
General Care: Regularly clear fallen leaves and debris to reduce pests and diseases.
Pruning is key for both health and productivity
Make sure you use clean and sharp cutting tools when pruning
Pest and Disease Management
Common Issues: Anthracnose, Powdery Mildew, Mango Malformation, Bacterial Canker, and Fruit Flies.
Prevention: Provide proper spacing for good airflow, avoid overhead watering during flowering, and promptly remove infected plant material.
Treatment: Use recommended fungicides or insecticides if infestations become severe. Monitor trees regularly, especially in humid periods.
Harvesting
Be Patient: Ideally, avoid keeping any fruit during the first 2 or 3 years to help the tree develop strong branches. It’s best not to remove the flowers but to remove the small fruit; otherwise, the tree may blossom again.
Fruit Thinning & Branch Support: Mango trees can be very productive. Thinning excess fruit helps improve overall quality. Heavily loaded branches often need support from wooden posts or a metal framework
Timing: Mango is climacteric and continues to ripen after picking. Harvest when the fruit is mature but still firm; it will soften and develop full flavor off the tree.
Edible Parts: The sweet, juicy flesh is the main edible portion. Mango leaves and flowers have traditional medicinal uses but are not commonly eaten. Mango seeds—or more precisely, the kernels inside them—are processed into mango seed oil or mango butter, and these are widely used across the globe in both food and cosmetic industries.
Providing strong support to one of our mango trees
Delicious mangoes ripening on the tree!
Propagation
Seed: Easiest method but may not grow true to the parent variety.
Grafting: Ensures reliable fruit type within 3–4 years. Widely used in both home gardens and commercial farms.
Air Layering: Will also produce true-to-type trees, with roots forming while still attached to the parent.
Species and Varieties grown at Orchard of Flavours Botanical Garden
These are the different existing mango varieties at the Pomar dos Sabores:
Mangifera indica ‘Alampur Baneshan’
Taste: Sweet and aromatic, with a rich, creamy flavor.
Fibrous? Minimal fiber, smooth texture.
Fruiting Season: Typically mid to late season.
Fruit Size: Medium-sized fruit.
Mangifera indica ‘Ataulfo’
Taste: Very sweet, with buttery flesh.
Fibrous? Almost no fiber; exceptionally creamy.
Fruiting Season: Early to mid season.
Fruit Size: Small to medium.
Mangifera indica ‘Coconut Cream’
Taste: Sweet and rich, with a hint of coconut aftertaste.
Fibrous? Very little fiber.
Fruiting Season: Mid season.
Fruit Size: Medium-sized fruit.
Mangifera indica ‘Cotton Candy’
Taste: Intensely sweet, reminiscent of cotton candy.
Fibrous? Low fiber, smooth texture.
Fruiting Season: Mid to late season.
Fruit Size: Medium.
Mangifera indica ‘Glenn’
Taste: Sweet, mellow flavor with peachy notes.
Fibrous? Minimal fiber, smooth flesh.
Fruiting Season: Early to mid season.
Fruit Size: Medium.
Mangifera indica ‘Harvest Moon’
Taste: Strong classic mango flavour with slight refreshing acidity.
Fibrous? Virtually fiberless.
Fruiting Season: Mid to late season.
Fruit Size: Large.
Mangifera indica ‘Irwin’
Taste: Sweet and mild, often described as pleasantly balanced.
Fibrous? Low fiber.
Fruiting Season: Mid season.
Fruit Size: Medium.
Mangifera indica ‘Kesar’
Taste: Sweet, intense flavor with a strong aroma.
Fibrous? Generally low fiber, though slightly more than the creamiest varieties.
Fruiting Season: Mid to late season.
Fruit Size: Medium.
Mangifera indica ‘Lemon Zest’
Taste: Sweet with a bright, citrusy hint.
Fibrous? Minimal fiber, smooth flesh.
Fruiting Season: Mid to late season.
Fruit Size: Medium to large.
Mangifera indica ‘Manzanillo’
Taste: Mild sweetness with a slightly tangy finish.
Fibrous? Can have moderate fiber (varies with growing conditions).
Fruiting Season: Mid to late season.
Fruit Size: Medium to large.
Mangifera indica ‘Maya’
Taste: Sweet and mild, with a balanced flavor.
Fibrous? Low fiber, smooth texture.
Fruiting Season: Early to mid season.
Fruit Size: Medium.
Mangifera indica ‘Nam Doc Mai’
Taste: Very sweet with a hint of floral aroma.
Fibrous? Virtually fiber-free.
Fruiting Season: Mid to late season.
Fruit Size: Medium.
Mangifera indica ‘Osteen’
Taste: Sweet yet mild, slightly resinous undertone.
Fibrous? Generally low to moderate fiber.
Fruiting Season: Mid to late season.
Fruit Size: Medium to large.
Mangifera indica ‘Palmer’
Taste: Mildly sweet, sometimes with subtle tart notes.
Fibrous? Low fiber.
Fruiting Season: Late season.
Fruit Size: Large, elongated fruit.
Mangifera indica ‘Sensation’
Taste: Sweet-tart flavor, often described as refreshing.
Fibrous? Minimal fiber.
Fruiting Season: Mid to late season.
Fruit Size: Small to medium.
Mangifera indica ‘Tommy Atkins’
Taste: Mild sweetness with a faint tartness; not as complex as other varieties.
Fibrous? Moderately fibrous flesh.
Fruiting Season: Mid to late season.
Fruit Size: Large, oval-shaped fruit.
Mangifera casturi
Taste: Very sweet and rich flavour, pleasantly musky or floral aroma.
Fibrous? Slightly fibrous but smooth flesh
Fruiting Season: Mid to late season.
Fruit Size: Small
Mangifera laurina
Taste: Slightly acidic, citrus flavour.
Fibrous? Usually moderately fibrous but the flesh ‘melts’ as it matures and can be sucked out of the fruit.
Fruiting Season: Nearly year-round, peaking in summer.
Fruit Size: Small
Come find all these different mango plants at the Orchard of Flavours, in Tavira, Algarve! 🥭
And discover our Mango Project, designed to show how providing the right conditions can allow for successful mango cultivation in the Mediterranean climate regions of the world.
Interested in buying mango trees? Check out our curated list of trusted plant nurseries. In Portugal, Lima’s Fruits has the largest collection of mango varieties and is highly knowledgeable—especially skilled in grafting techniques.
This article was compiled by Miguel COTTON. If you have any questions or suggestions, do not hesitate to contact us: miguel@orchardofflavours.com