How to grow mangoes in Perth

Mango trees usually are around 8-12m tall, 5-7m wide with dark green leaves. They like a warm, sheltered position and well-drained soil and they do best in the tropics and subtropics, although they’re well worth a try in Perth. Mangoes as well as being delicious are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, and fibre.

If you have ever wondered how to grow mango trees in Perth then look no further. A relatively simple fruit tree to grow there are a few tricks to successfully growing mangoes in Perth, Western Australia but get these right and you will be laughing.

Mango varieties in Western Australia:
The most common variety in Perth is Kensington Pride, however Irwin, Florigon, Haden, R2E2, Alphonso are all suitable to a Perth climate. Trees can take up to three years before they commence fruiting but in year four it is possible to harvest 50+ fruit and in year five 100+ fruit.

The R2E2 variety has huge fruit compared to Kensington Pride, often growing to more than one kilogram in weight and having a juice factor guaranteed to make you wish you had chose to sit in a bath and eat it.

When to plant mangoes in Perth:
Mango trees thrive in hot, dry conditions . Mangoes are evergreen trees and have few pests of any consequence. In the first couple of years it is wise to pick the flower heads off to encourage the tree to develop a strong frame to hold the fruit. Mango trees like their fertiliser, so feed young trees in spring and late summer with Dynamic Lifter or a complete plant food (eg, citrus food). The trees initially require a good hand watering three times a week but after a couple of summers they can be reduced to one soaking a week and then occasional watering. Late spring (around October/November) is the best time to plant all tropical fruit trees, including mangoes.

The trees traditionally grow to a large size, often reaching 8-12m high over 20 years, with a 5-7m spread however there are dwarf varieties available. Irwin, for instance, which will grow well in a half wine barrel and produce high-quality succulent fruit.

How to grow a mango tree in the backyard:
Growing mango trees in the backyard is a great idea in Perth. Follow this simple mango tree growing guide.

1. Choose a full sun location with well-drained soil. Enrich the soil with a quality dynamic lifter and soil improver. Gypsum will need to be added clay based soil.
2. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the mango tree from the pot, tease the roots and cut away any tangled roots before planting.
3. Position the mango tree in centre of the hole and back-fill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go to the base of the plant. Water in well.
4. Mulch around the base with organic mulch like straw, keeping it away from the trunk.
5. Water deeply, twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
6. Feed the mango tree with a quality dynamic lifter soil improver and plant fertiliser at least three times a year, in spring, summer and in autumn after harvest.
7. When the tree starts to bare fruit (in its third or fourth year), supplement feeding with Citrus fruit liquid plant food.
8. Harvest your mangoes when the skin turns from green to yellow or orange.

How to grow a Mango tree in a pot:
Growing mango trees in pots is a very good option as it allows you flexibility and to control the size of the mango tree. If planting in a mango tree in a pot, look for dwarf varieties like ‘Palmer’ or ‘Sensation’.

1. Choose a pot at least 50 cm wide. Position in full sun and fill with a premium potting mix.
2. Remove the tree from the pot, tease the roots of the mango tree and cut away any tangled roots.
3. Position the mango tree in hole and back-fill, gently firming down. Water in well.
4. Water deeply, two or three times during the week, depending on weather conditions.
5. Feed the mango tree with a dynamic lifter soil improver and plant fertiliser at least three times a year, in spring, summer and in autumn after harvest.
6. When the mango tree starts to produce fruit (normally in its third or fourth year), supplement feeding with a Citrus fruit liquid plant food.
7. Harvest mangoes when the skin turns from green to yellow or orange.

When to harvest mangoes:
Mangoes will ripen more slowly in cooler spots such as Perth, compared with tropical zones. In summer, watch the skin colour: when it starts to turn from green to yellow, sometimes orange or red, they’re ripening. Once picked you can ripen mangoes at room temperature inside the house, and once fully ripe they can be refrigerated for several days.

When to prune mango trees in Perth:
The best time to prune mango trees in Perth is after harvest. You should prune as close to harvest as possible. Mango harvest season is typically March and April in Perth. You want to avoid pruning near flowering time.

When to fertilise mango tree in Perth:
Mango trees don’t need loads of fertiliser. For the first four years, apply a good, mixed fertiliser each month from August to April. A well balanced fertiliser for fruit trees will do the trick. A small dose of fertiliser in spring, summer and in autumn after harvest.

Tips for growing mangoes in Perth:
Enrich the soil you plant your mangoes into with high organic matter. The key to fast growth and establishment success is nutrient availability for the trees, along with soil moisture consistency. Newly planted trees also need protection from hot and cold wind, frost etc. Provide protection for at least 1 or 2 years.

Tell us your tips on how to grow mangoes in Perth in the comments section below.

Check out our other how to grow in Perth guides:

• Growing bananas in Perth
• Growing lychees in Perth
• Growing oranges in Perth