Growing a mango tree from the seed of a store-bought fruit is a rewarding journey into tropical horticulture. Successfully growing a mango to a mature, fruit-bearing stage requires specific procedural steps and patience. The process begins immediately after enjoying the fruit, focusing on preparing the seed for germination.
Preparing the Mango Seed
After extracting the seed, thoroughly clean the pit of any remaining fruit pulp. Residual mango flesh can easily lead to fungal growth and rot once the seed is introduced to a moist environment. Use a stiff brush and clean water to remove this organic matter completely.
The mango’s pit is protected by a tough, fibrous outer husk that slows down natural germination. Removing this shell accelerates sprouting by eliminating a physical barrier to the emerging root and shoot. Gently cut the husk open along the edge with strong scissors or a sharp knife, taking care not to nick the soft, inner seed.
Once the hard husk is removed, the inner seed, known as the kernel, is exposed. This exposed kernel is primed for faster water absorption (imbibition), which activates the enzymes necessary to trigger growth. Some growers choose to soak this cleaned kernel in warm water for about 24 hours to further soften the seed coat and maximize initial water uptake.
Sprouting the Seed
The paper towel technique is an effective method for starting germination, allowing for easy monitoring of the seed’s progress. Wrap the cleaned mango kernel in a paper towel dampened until it is moist but not soaking wet. Excessive moisture can quickly lead to mold or rot, so the towel should not drip when squeezed.
Place the wrapped seed inside a plastic bag or sealed container to create a humid, mini-greenhouse environment. Warmth is required for tropical seeds; maintaining 77–86°F (25–30°C) is ideal to accelerate the metabolic rate for sprouting. Keep the sealed bag in a consistently warm location, such as on top of a refrigerator or in a warm cupboard.
Check the seed every few days to ensure the paper towel remains damp and to look for the first signs of growth. Germination typically occurs within one to four weeks, beginning with the emergence of the root (radicle), followed by the shoot. Once the root is visible and a small shoot has begun to form, the sprouted seed is ready to be moved into a planting medium.
Transplanting the Seedling and Early Care
The sprouted kernel should be transitioned into a small pot (0.5 to 1 gallon) that has excellent drainage holes. Mango trees require a well-draining soil composition to prevent root rot from standing water. A suitable mix combines standard potting soil with materials like coarse sand, perlite, or coco coir to enhance aeration and drainage.
When planting, place the seed with the root pointing downward and the emerging shoot pointing upward. Burying the seed too deeply can hinder the shoot’s ability to break the surface, so covering it with about one inch of the potting mix is usually sufficient. Position the seed so the top remains partially uncovered, allowing the grower to monitor its health.
After planting, the young seedling needs consistent moisture and specific light conditions to establish itself. Keep the soil evenly moist but never saturated; water thoroughly, then allow the top layer to dry slightly before watering again. The new seedling thrives in a warm spot that receives bright, indirect light, as direct, intense sunlight can scorch the tender new leaves. This balance is necessary for the first six to twelve months until a strong root system and small trunk have developed.
Understanding Maturity and Fruiting
A mango tree grown from seed requires a considerable time commitment before it produces fruit, typically taking five to eight years to reach maturity. This lengthy timeline is a natural consequence of growing a tree from seed, unlike the accelerated fruiting seen in commercially grafted trees. Seed-grown plants must undergo an extended vegetative phase before they are physiologically capable of flowering and setting fruit.
The fruit produced by a seed-grown tree will not necessarily be identical to the parent fruit due to genetic variability. Most store-bought mangoes are monoembryonic, meaning their seeds result from sexual reproduction and carry a mix of genetic traits from two parent trees. This means the resulting fruit may differ in flavor, texture, or fiber content.
Some varieties are polyembryonic, producing multiple embryos, some of which are clones of the mother tree and will grow true to type. However, for most home growers, the seed will yield a unique tree with unpredictable fruit characteristics. If the tree is grown indoors outside of a tropical climate, the lack of sufficient heat, humidity, and intense light will likely prevent it from ever flowering or fruiting.