The mango (Mangifera indica) is a tropical fruit tree whose successful cultivation requires specific environmental conditions. While the tree grows in many warm climates, producing a consistent harvest depends on a delicate balance of temperature, moisture, and seasonal timing. The ideal climate is found in monsoonal tropics and subtropics. These regions are characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons that align perfectly with the tree’s natural growth and fruiting cycle.
Temperature Requirements and Cold Tolerance
Mango trees flourish in consistently warm conditions, with the optimal temperature range for health and fruit development between 75°F and 81°F (24°C to 27°C). Within this range, metabolic processes function most efficiently, supporting vigorous growth and high-quality fruit. Mature trees can tolerate high temperatures, sometimes enduring peaks up to 118°F (48°C) without significant damage. The tree is extremely sensitive to cold, which is the primary limiting factor for cultivation. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) during flowering can severely damage blossoms and prevent fruit setting, and sustained temperatures near or below freezing (30°F / -1.1°C) are often lethal.
The Essential Dry Season for Flowering
A crucial climatic requirement for abundant mango fruiting is a well-defined period of cool, dry weather, typically lasting between two and four months. This environmental stress signals the tree to switch from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. Without this stimulus, the tree remains in a vegetative state, resulting in poor fruit set. The combination of dryness and slightly lower temperatures, often with night temperatures between 50°F and 59°F (10°C and 15°C), promotes the initiation of flower buds. If rain or high humidity occurs during the flowering and fruit-setting stage, it is highly detrimental, interfering with pollination and creating an environment for fungal diseases like anthracnose to spread.
Humidity, Rainfall, and Soil Conditions
Mango trees require significant water, with ideal annual rainfall ranging from 35 to 49 inches (890 to 1,250 millimeters), though the timing of precipitation is more important than total volume. High rainfall is beneficial during the vegetative phase to build energy reserves, but it must be followed by low-moisture conditions for flowering. The tree demands well-drained soil, as it cannot tolerate waterlogging, which quickly leads to root rot. Ideal soil types are deep, loamy, or sandy, allowing for rapid water movement, and mangoes tolerate a wide pH range (5.5 to 7.5). High relative humidity can promote fungal diseases on leaves and fruit, emphasizing the need for a dry flowering season.