The intriguing name “apple mango tree” sparks curiosity among gardening enthusiasts and fruit lovers. This unique fruit has gained popularity for its appealing characteristics and delicious taste. Cultivating this tree from planting to harvest can provide a rewarding experience and a bountiful supply of fruit. This guide offers insights into the apple mango, its growth requirements, and how to successfully grow it.
Understanding the Apple Mango Tree
Despite its name, the “apple mango tree” is not a hybrid but a specific variety of mango, Mangifera indica. This tropical fruit tree is native to South Asia, with origins in India and the Philippines. It is now cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of Southeast Asia and Kenya. The “apple” in its name primarily refers to the fruit’s rounded shape and crisp texture when unripe, which can resemble an apple. It does not indicate any genetic relation to apple trees.
Characteristics of the Apple Mango
The apple mango fruit is typically medium to large, 9 to 11 centimeters in diameter, with a rounded to slightly oblong shape. Its skin color can vary from green to yellow, frequently displaying a blush of red or orange, particularly when exposed to direct sunlight. The flesh inside is smooth, juicy, and non-fibrous, transforming from firm and crisp when unripe to tender as it matures. Ripe apple mangoes offer a sweet, subtly tangy, and aromatic flavor profile, often described as a delightful balance of tropical sweetness with hints of citrus or berry-like nuances.
The evergreen apple mango tree can grow significantly in size, reaching heights of 10 to 20 meters, though cultivated varieties are often kept smaller for easier harvesting. It develops a dense canopy of dark green, long, and narrow foliage.
Cultivating Your Apple Mango Tree
Apple mango trees thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, requiring temperatures between 25°C to 35°C, and have little tolerance for frost, with damage occurring below -1°C (30°F). They need full sun exposure, ideally receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production. Well-drained soil rich in organic matter is preferred, with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. Waterlogged conditions should be avoided.
Consistent and regular watering is important, especially for young trees during their growing season, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mature trees benefit from deep, thorough watering, with weekly soakings often adequate during warmer months. Fertilization can be applied two to four times a year, in late winter/early spring and late summer/fall, using a balanced fertilizer or one specific for fruit trees. Applying a slow-release fertilizer or mulching with rich compost can provide sustained nutrients.
Pruning apple mango trees to maintain their size, shape, and promote fruit production is best done after harvest. For young trees, initial pruning helps establish a strong structure by encouraging branching and a scaffold of main branches. Removing dead or diseased branches and thinning overly dense areas improves air circulation and light penetration, important for tree health and fruit quality.
Common pests and diseases that can affect mango trees include anthracnose, powdery mildew, mango hoppers, and mealybugs. Regular monitoring and appropriate cultural practices, such as good sanitation and proper air circulation, help manage these issues.
Harvesting and Enjoying Apple Mangoes
Determining when apple mangoes are ripe involves several cues. The skin often shifts from bright green to a golden yellow, sometimes with a more pronounced red blush. A ripe mango will yield slightly to gentle pressure, similar to a ripe peach or avocado, and will emit a sweet, fruity aroma, particularly near the stem. Some varieties may also develop slight wrinkles or white/brown speckles on their skin when ready.
When harvesting, gently twist or cut the fruit from the tree, aiming to leave a small portion of the stem attached to prevent sap from oozing onto the fruit, which can cause sap burn. If sap does exude, it is important to neutralize it to protect the fruit’s skin. Apple mangoes are versatile and can be enjoyed fresh, sliced, or added to fruit salads. Their sweet and tangy flavor also makes them suitable for smoothies, desserts, or savory dishes like salsas and curries.