The mango, a stone fruit originating in the Indian subcontinent, is a globally beloved tropical commodity. Its sweet, fragrant flesh and vibrant color make it highly sought-after worldwide. Mango seasonality is complex and varies significantly depending on where the fruit is cultivated, unlike many temperate fruits. Global production and trade allow for a continuous supply of mangoes, ensuring they are available year-round.
Global Mango Availability
Global availability largely determines when mangoes are in season, split primarily by hemisphere. The Northern Hemisphere, including major producers like India, Mexico, and Thailand, generally sees its peak harvest from April or May through September. This period supplies the majority of fresh mangoes during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer and early autumn.
The Southern Hemisphere, with significant production in countries like Peru, Brazil, and South Africa, provides its harvest during the opposite time of the year. Their season typically begins around October and continues through March. This alternating schedule makes it possible for consumers to find mangoes year-round. However, the quality, price, and specific variety available shift based on which region is currently reaching its peak harvest.
Factors Influencing Harvest Timing
The precise timing of the mango harvest is influenced by climate requirements and specific tree characteristics. For a mango tree to initiate flowering, it requires a distinct period of environmental stress, often a dry period coupled with cooler temperatures. Ideal conditions for floral induction involve night temperatures dropping to 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, followed by daytime temperatures around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Heavy rainfall or high humidity during the flowering stage can negatively affect the process and delay fruit set. The choice of mango cultivar also plays a significant role in determining the final harvest date. Some varieties are naturally early maturing, requiring less time from flower to fruit, while others are late-maturing. This variation allows growers to stagger their crops and extend the season in any given region.
Understanding the Mango Growth Cycle
The journey from a flower bud to a mature mango involves a series of distinct biological stages. The cycle begins with flower induction, where the tree’s terminal buds shift from vegetative growth to forming a floral panicle. This shift is primarily triggered by cool, dry environmental conditions. The resulting inflorescence, a cluster of small flowers, must then be successfully pollinated for fruit set to occur.
Once the tiny fruit is set, it enters a prolonged period of development and maturation on the tree. The time required to reach a harvestable size varies based on the cultivar and local climate conditions. Generally, a mango takes approximately three to five months (100 to 150 days) from flowering to full maturity. Growers typically harvest the fruit when it is physiologically mature but still firm, allowing it to complete the ripening process off the tree.