This easy method shows how to grow a mango tree from seed using a mango from the grocery store. Eat the mango, save the seed, and follow these simple steps to grow it into a plant.
You can also grow an avocado from seed using the same method.
Growing a Grocery Store Mango Seed
Did you know the husk inside mango fruit contains a seed? And it’s a nice big seed! And that’s what we sow to grow a new mango plant.
If you live in a cold climate, without outdoor tropical growing conditions, you can still grow mangos indoors as houseplants, beginning with a mango fruit.
I’ll show you a simple way to prepare the seed, make it sprout, and grow it as a houseplant. These are tropical plants, so you’ll want a sunny, warm place in your home to provide the best growing conditions.
So, what makes this method easy?
By starting the mango seed in damp paper towel (see below), we can first determine if the seed is viable (will grow).
You could also plant it directly in damp potting mix, but that means waiting to see if there is growth (for several weeks).
The easy method reveals which seeds are good ones so we don’t waste time on the duds.
Will it grow fruit?
Probably not, unless you manage to provide exceptional, tropical-like growing conditions for many years that eventually trigger flowering and fruiting. Grafted mango trees can produce fruit.
How long does it take to grow a mango tree?
A mango tree grown from seed indoors can take 5 to 8 years to mature.
A grafted mango tree may take 3 to 4 years to reach fruit-bearing age.
How to Grow a Mango from Seed
Supplies
To get started, gather your supplies. In addition to a ripe mango fruit, you will need these items.
Organic Potting Mix | Amazon
Flower Pots with Saucers | Amazon
Reusable Paper Towels | Amazon
or regular paper towels
Fiskars PowerCut Scissors | Amazon
Steps
1Buy a Ripe Mango
Every mango has a seed inside. It’s protected by that thick, husk-like thing you set aside when preparing the fruit for eating.
You have to start with a ripe mango because otherwise the seed within the husk may not be mature enough to grow into a plant.
2Remove the Husk/Seed from the Mango
Use the edible fruit (yum!) and set aside the husk. They tend to have stringy pieces of fruit attached to them and we’ll take care of that in the next step.
If you like propagating stuff like this, get my Kitchen Propagation Handbook here for more projects.
Want more propagation tutorials?
3Clean and Dry the Husk
Next you want to gently scrub off the pulp/stringy bits of mango fruit from the husk. The purpose of this step is simply to help the husk dry faster and make it easier to cut open.
You can hold the husk under tap water and use a soft scrub brush to push the pulp off.
Or, very carefully scrape it off with a small knife, always aiming away from yourself!
When the husk is fairly pulp-free, dry it off with a towel and set it somewhere to further dry for a day or two (not much more).
4Remove Seed from Husk
After 2 days, the mango seed husk is dry enough to cut open.
This is the part that amazed me the first time I did it. I have eaten a lot of mangos over the years, and I had no idea there was a great big seed in there!
- You want to cut the edges of the husk so you can pry it open without damaging the seed inside.
- I use good scissors that can cut thick things like leather (not your fabric or paper scissors or you’ll wreck them) and trim away the edges.
- You could also put the husk in a vice and use a fine wood saw to trim off the edges.
- Then, peel back the husk and see what’s inside.
5Clean Off the Seed
This is a mango seed found within the husk of the fruit.
Pretty cool! It’s like some sort of giant bean seed. And no two mango seeds look the same.
- Gently remove the seed from the husk and take off any loose paper-like layers around it but don’t force or peel anything.
Some mangos produce polyembryonic seeds, but the ones shown here are singles (monoembryonic). Plants from polyembryonic seeds produce fruit true to the parent (like grafted plants do since they are created from vegetative cuttings). Our grocery stores have very little variety so I’ve only ever seen two types of mango seeds here and they are always singles.
If the seed appears shriveled or rotten, start again with another mango.
6Sprout Seed
The mango seed is wrapped in moist towel and placed in a plastic bag.
I use this method for sprouting all sorts of the things including avocado seeds and ginger. I like this method because it shows me I have a viable seed before I go to the trouble of planting it in soil.
There is no need to buy plastic bags for this step. Just use any plastic bags or wrap you have.
- Dampen a cloth (can be a washcloth) or paper towel (see eco-friendly reusable ones here) in warm water so it’s moist but not dripping.
- Wrap your mango seed with the damp cloth and place it in the plastic bag.
- If you are sprouting several seeds, put one on the damp towel, fold over, add another, fold over and so on. I keep them apart with a layer of towel to prevent any roots from growing together or becoming entangled.
- Place the bag in a dark kitchen cupboard. You can also put it in a warm spot, which is always good to speed up germination, but be sure the towel does not dry out.
- Set a timer on your phone to check on it every 3 days. Take photos each time to keep track of changes.
7Check for Sprouting
After 3 weeks, the seed is sprouting.
- Every few days, open up the paper towel and check for signs of sprouting.
- Dampen the paper towel again if needed.
The mango seed pictured above (after 3-weeks) is growing a red sprout!
I wait until any new growth is 2 to 3-inches long before planting in potting mix.
My mango seed split open during germination. Is this normal?
Yes, some seeds will split open during germination. It happens when parts inside grow or swell, pushing open the shell. It’s fine.
8Keep Checking for Growth
After 5 weeks, there is enough new growth to plant the seed in potting mix.
At this point you can see how the red sprout is also growing roots, and there is another sprout on top. This took 5 weeks to grow.
That new sprout on top (right) is pale in color because it is growing without light. It will turn green when exposed to sunlight.
Now it’s time to plant the seed in potting mix.
9Plant the Sprouted Mango Seed
At week five (or when there is a few inches of new growth), we plant the seed in potting mix.
Some of the new growth will become roots and the other parts are shoots, but it’s very hard to tell what’s-what at this stage.
Because of this, it’s fine to plant the seed flat in the pot (the way it is in the photo, above). The plant will sort itself out just fine.
Your pot should be a few inches wider than the seed and have room for several inches of root growth. The pot I used is 8-inches deep total, but 6-inches would be fine too.
Also, be sure the pot has drainage holes and a drip saucer to avoid water-logging the plant.
- Fill the pot with potting mix (suitable for houseplants) leaving two inches below lip of pot.
- Water the potting mix thoroughly, let it settle, top it up to same level (2-inches below lip) and set sprouted seed on top.
- Cover seed in an inch of potting mix, water it and top it up.
- You want to end up with about an inch of space between top of potting mix and lip of the pot for easy watering without overflowing.
10Grow Your Plant
At six weeks, a shoot has emerged from the potting mix and leaves are forming.
Mangos are tropical plants and enjoy warmth and humidity.
- Place your plant in a sunny location but not in direct, hot sun where it could dry out.
- Keep soil moist but not damp.
The mango plant in the photo (above, 6-weeks old) decided to send its shoot up at the side of the pot. That’s fine! It’s approximately 4-inches tall and nice and healthy.
11Don’t Worry About Limp Leaves
During the early growth stage, the leaves may be limp. It’s normal.
Limp leaves! I’ve had this several times and I’ve seen others mention it so I’m confident it’s normal.
- As the mango grows its first leaves, they may look limp, as if the plant is over— or under—watered.
- Unless you have been a bit off with your watering and/or have stressed the plant, this limp stage is normal.
- Keep providing proper care and it will perk up. And don’t be tempted to change your water routine if you know it’s fine.
12Grow as Houseplant
Just a week later, my mango plant perked up:
After 9 weeks, the leaves have perked up and the plant is approximately 9-inches tall.
At this point the mango plant is approximately 9-weeks old (from the day we put it in paper towel) and it’s nine inches tall.
The five main leaves formed early (week 3) and no additional leaves have appeared since then.
It’s fairly cool in our home (just below 20°C / 68°F), so growth will be slower than you’d get in a warmer space with better humidity.
After 18 months, the main stem is starting to die off at the top of the plant but a lot of new side shoots with leaves have formed.
Basic Indoor Mango Plant Care Tips
Ideally, you will mimic tropical conditions in your home, or as close to it as you can manage.
- Warmth | Mango trees grow best in ambient temperatures ranging between 21º to 24ºC (70º to 75ºF).
- Temperature | Mango trees die at temperature below .5ºC (33ºF) but can tolerate up to 48ºC (118ºF).
- Humidity | 50-60% until/if flowers form (then lower it).
- Light | Needs heat more than intense light; do not allow the plant to dry out.
- Summer | Place outdoors in dappled sun for maximum warmth.
- Fall to Spring | Keep indoors.
- Fertilizer | I cannot find any research on specific fertilizer needs for indoor mangos. This is what is recommended for outdoor ones: Fertilizer may be a 1:1:1 or 1:2:2 N-P-K ratio formulation, such as 16-16-16 or 10-20-20 N-P-K.
- Warnings | Mango trees are in the same family as poison ivy. The skin, bark, and leaves can cause strong reactions. [Read more here at University of Illinois]
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can grow mango plants indoors. You can start a mango tree from the seed inside the fruit or buy a grafted tree, which is much more likely to grow fruit, although it does take several years and the right growing conditions.
It takes a few months to grow a small mango plant from seed. With the method listed above, it took 9 weeks from the day I started the germination process to having a 9-inch tall plant.
A mango seed will germinate as fast as possible when conditions are optimal. Because mango plants grow best in when the ambient temperature is between 21º to 24ºC (70º to 75ºF), it’s a fair assumption that the seed would sprout fastest at temperatures just above that.
After many years an indoor mango tree could reach six-feet tall whereas a mango tree growing in its native tropical climate during the same period of time could reach 35 meters if not pruned.
Growing indoors, both because conditions are not optimal and the plant is restricted to a container, will limit growth.
It is highly unlikely an indoor mango tree will ever produce fruit, especially when started from a grocery store seed. If you want fruit, start with a grafted mango tree (from a nursery that specializes in them). These are intended for growing fruit, although the quantity will be small.
Provide optimum growing conditions including intense heat without drying out the soil.
Grafted mango trees are reported to take 3-5 years to flower and fruit.
Some say mango seedlings (like we’re germinating here) can grow into fruit-producing trees after 5-8 years, but I have not yet found anyone to confirm this.
The fruit, if you do get some, will vary depending on the source. Mango seedlings cannot produce fruit true to the parent plant (because they are hybrids). But grafted mango plants can (because they are clones). But really, it’s such a cool achievement to grow the plant to produce fruit, either way I’d be happy.
Resources
The instructions for propagating mango are included in this ebook:
Ebook
Kitchen Propagation Handbook
7 Fruits & Vegetables To Regrow As Houseplants
by Melissa J. Will
Learn how to grow houseplants from avocado, oranges, lemons, ginger, and more using leftover pits, seeds, and roots.
About This Ebook | Visit Ebook Shop
This ebook is a digital file (PDF format) you save to your device. It is not a physical product.
PayPal, Credit Card, Apple Pay
Buy Grafted Mango Trees
If you want much better odds of eventually getting fruit, buy a grafted mango tree.
More Information
- How to Grow and Harvest Mangos | UCDavis.edu (PDF format)
- Mango Growing Information at www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/crops/i_mango.htm
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
How to Grow Mango From Seed
Equipment
Supplies & Materials
- 1 whole Mango ripe
- 1 Tea towel or paper towels
- 1 Plastic bag or food container
- 1 8-inch Flower pot with drainage holes and saucer
- 1 bag Potting Mix
Instructions
Prepare Husk
- Carefully remove all edible fruit from mango and set aside the husk. This is the seed.
- Use a soft scrub brush to remove any remaining stringy bits from husk.
- Dry husk with tea towel and set aside to further air dry for 1-2 days maximum.
Prepare Seed
- Husk should now be quite dry (crisp). Carefully cut away edges and remove husk to reveal seed inside. Do not cut seed.
- Take before photo.
Sprout Seed
- Place seed between damp tea towels or paper towels and place in plastic food bag or container. Towel should be moist but not soaking wet.
- Place bag in dark, warm kitchen cabinet.
- Set reminder on your phone to check on it every 3 days.
Check for Growth
- Every few days, unwrap seed to check for signs of growth.
- Take photos to monitor growth.
- Over the next few weeks, the seed will start to swell a bit. Shoots or roots will start appearing from one end. Some seeds are polyembryonic and may sprout from several locations.
Plant Sprouted Seed
- When the new growth is around 3 inches long, the seed is ready to be planted.
- Fill 8-inch flower pot with potting mix leaving two inches below pot lip. Water thoroughly and top up soil as needed.
- Lay sprouted seed on soil and cover in one inch of potting mix. Water again and top up soil as needed stopping one inch below lip of pot.
Grow Your Mango Plant
- Mangos are tropical plants that enjoy warmth and humidity.
- Choose a sunny location but not in direct, hot sun where it could dry out.
- Keep soil moist but not damp.
Notes
John Breeden says
Hi Melissa
I successfully separated the plants in the first pot then the other two, it turned out each stem had its own tap root system albeit intertwined (I had to cut one root that was joining two plants), I found one pot actually had a 3rd shoot, so short story I have 7 plants from 2 original seeds all growing happily 7 days after separation, the biggest is 6″ with 6 leaves and 4 others are 5″ with 5-7 leaves.
I’ve planted my next crop of 4 seeds and have 6 plants so far, albeit small.
I was just reading your article above about indoor plants, as a MATTER of INTEREST my parent KP tree that I’m growing these seedlings from, I collected as a germinated plant from a discarded seed in the garden and transplanted it about 21 years ago at about 1 year/15″ tall, from memory it yielded 5 good size fruit in the 3rd year (4yo) and now it is 7-8m tall and yields a good crop every year (except once 3 years ago), we’ve had a massive amount of beautiful big fruit this year, been giving them away to family & neighbours and eating heaps ourselves. We’re in Perth, Western Australia.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi John,
That’s quite a yield from those original seeds.
Sounds like you are in the right place for mango propagation!
Your update is much appreciated.
John Breeden says
Extremely helpful, clear explanation of what to do.
I’ve successfully sprouted 2 KP seeds, which was exciting, however one seed broke in two and both sprouted (hadn’t observed it was a multi section seed beforehand.
I’ve potted all 3 and they have all sent up stems, but all three have double stems?? Why did that happen, I would have thought just a single shoot each.
I was now wondering that if I carefully recovered the seed from the potting mix whether I could try dividing each in two, I did note that all three had double root shoots when I plnted them? Could they be two plants each?
Melissa J. Will says
Hi John,
It’s often hard to tell without ruining the plant—you may have two plants in one or plants with two stems as you’ve said.
If you don’t mind the risk of killing one, you can try a careful division—or at least uncover the stem further to see what’s going on.
But, if you heart will be broken if you cause its untimely demise, just leave it and enjoy double-stems. Many gardeners would prefer this because it can create a fuller-looking plant in the long run.
John Breeden says
Hi Melissa, thank you for your feedback, all 3 are doing well, I’m just surprised all 3 have 2 stems. I’m going to do a few more as your method was so simple and successful using seeds from our 22yo KP that I grew from seed and has such a fantastic crop of big mangos – thank you for your guidance.
I’m going to carefully remove one from the soil, wash it gently and see if it’s feasible to separate into 2 plants, if not I will re-pot as is. I will report back.
thank you again
Melissa J. Will says
It does sound like a genetic windfall that you’ve got double stems. Please do report back—I’m very interested to hear.
Victor Lubemba says
I have found this site to be so helpful thanks a lot.
Victor Lubemba
Vilja K. says
Hello!
In the latest update to this article you said that the main stem started dying, does this always happen/can it be prevented? If it’s guaranteed to die what should one do about it?
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Vilja,
I wish I knew why. I’ve never seen an explanation or prevention tip. It’s just something people experimenting with this report. And no, it’s not every time, just sometimes. Best wishes,
Michele Lisowski says
Hi, I followed your instructions and my mango trees are growing nicely in my apt but will eventually be planted at my home in Florida. I’m hoping eventually they will produce fruit. Question…. About watering… you said keep soil moist but not damp. What does that mean? I don’t want to under water or over water. Thank you
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Michele,
Here are some watering tips that should help answer your question.
Use good quality potting mix.
When you water, use a moisture meter to check that the soil is getting dry at root level.
When you water, water thoroughly so the entire volume of potting mix gets moist.
If excess water collects in the saucer, pour it out after about 30 minutes.
Conditions are too damp when surplus water is present ongoing.
Happy growing,
Norene Germain says
When I plant my mango seed in a pot, will adding egg shells and coffee grounds be safe or should I not do this?
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Norene,
No need for either of those. Just use a good quality potting mix intended for food crops.
Nancy says
I just cut open some mango and noticed that there were little root sprouts coming right out of the seed, so that gave me the idea that I should try to grow it. Now I found your website with all this great information. Two of my seeds actually did have like three little roots -stem -stocks coming out, but I accidentally broke a couple off washing it. I’ll put them in the dark cupboard for those little roots to get a little longer. Or do you think I should just plant them now, I think they should be a bit longer. I live in Canada, I know I won’t get a tree out of this, but I have grown some beautiful pineapple plants so I’m excited for an mango plant. Thanks for the great information, wish me luck!
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Nancy,
The seed will continue growing if exposed to moisture. This can be in moist paper towel or potting mix. I prefer paper towel for the initial stage because it makes it easier to ensure the entire seed remains moist. Good luck!
Audrey says
Hi Melissa! I’ve been using your wonderful instructions to great success – up until a strange point, please advise!
First, the mango seed sprouts beautifully; I plant it, it shoots up; within days I have a little plant forming; within weeks it’s tripled in size and has big beautiful leaves, and a second, even third stem coming up! And then… It dies.
I’ve tried 4-5 mango seeds at this point, over a series of months – the first lasted the longest at around 2 months. The last barely made it two weeks. First the newest growth withers, than the leaves start to die, then the whole plant is dead. When I perform the autopsy, it seems the seed is rotting – is there a step I’m missing in planting? The first plant I watered regularly, the last I watered infrequently to let it dry out as much as possible in between, the middle was a mix, and regardless: DEAD, DEAD, DEAD. I can get the seed to sprout, grow, and become a beautiful little houseplant, but only for a brief period of time.
Incidentally, I have followed your instructions on avocado plants and have a successful little army of them happily growing away.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Audrey,
You’re being such a good plant mom only to have disappointment!
There are lots of possibilities (or some combination of things):
Sounds like you’ve tried different watering approaches — could the water itself be a problem? Is it hard or soft(ened)?
Do you use a moisture meter to check moisture levels at root level?
Are you using the right potting mix? Are there any additives or signs of mold or fungi?
Have you tried growing at different times of year? Indoor climates vary alot through the year.
Light – is the sun too severe?
Are your indoor humidity levels fairly consistent? Around 50% is great. Mine drops to 30% in winter and that’s hard on my houseplants.
Food – are you using fertilizers? Too much or too little can be a problem.
As for the seed rotting — that’s normal. It’s just there to nuture the young plant until the roots take over.
It’s so hard to tell from afar without seeing the whole process. Let me know if anything I’ve mentioned might be a consideration. If everything seems right, you probably have me stumped.
I’ve had some mango and avocado plants just die suddenly over the years. In each case I’m pretty sure it was a delayed reaction to a drastic humidity change (at time of year when furnace is turned on).
Dani says
I planted from seed as per you instructions, the plant shot up in two weeks with lots of leaves. The leaves are reddish and very limp looking, am I doing something wrong, it is by a sunny window and the soil is moist. What more should I be doing?
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Dani, This is mentioned in the article – they tend to go limp after planting and then recover. The color can indicate the sun is a bit too strong. Set it back a bit from the window and keep growing. 🙂
Susan says
Hello, I am sprouting my first mango seed. So far 2.5 week in all is going well. Sprout is 2″ long. Only thing seed is splitting open. I am keeping it plenty moist and see no problems otherwise. But can find no information on this. Have you ever had this happen and should I be worried? Thanks for any advice.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Susan,
Yes, some seeds split open while germinating. It’s normal. You can plant your sprouted seed now or wait a bit.
Susan says
Thanks so much Mellisa. I will be planting it on Friday then. I have been keeping notes and photos and will add this to it for future reference. Love your site.
Mary Ings says
My first try at planting from fruit seed. Directions are simple and clear. Hopefully,I will have success. Thank you! Mary
Ginger says
I like this site. Simple, easy, direct. That’s all this gardener needs. Thanks.
Margarita Molodow says
Ii have a mango plant in a very large pot, plant is 4 feet tall and pot 4 feet tall. Planted from seed not to produce fruit but just for a plant, plant is about 4 years old. I wish to plant in the ground. Where can I find s9me advice for transplanting. Thank you
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Margarita,
Do you live in a tropical climate? I only have experience growing them indoors in cold climates. I’d seek out advice from someone who grows them successfully in conditions similar to your own.
Molly says
Great instructions going to try with some foraged mangos!
E Ballard says
Hi, I followed these instructions and it worked great, my mango seed grew roots! But when I potted the seed it seems like the roots have now died and stopped growing. Do you have any idea what I might have done wrong? Thank you
Melissa J. Will says
It’s hard to guess from afar. The most commmon problem is over or under-watering, assuming all other growing conditions recommended in the article were also provided (light, potting mix, humidity, water…). If it did not survive, do try again, starting a few so you have insurance. I find with any seed starting like this including avocado and mango, some just have limited life spans and I do not know why. But a few always carry on. 🙂
Lethabo says
This was so much helpful.
Thank you so much.
I prepared about 7 Mango seeds for germination 10 days ago and all of them have now sprouted, with more than 1 sprout each and the sproutsare about 2cm/0,8 inches long. The sprouts are redish in the middle and greenish at the tip, would you reccomend that they are ready to be planted in soil?
Melissa J. Will says
I would wait until the sprouts are at least 1-2 inches long. Some may die off between now and then.
Nat says
Thank you
Ella Gill says
Is there a way to store mango seeds to prevent them from germinating
Melissa J. Will says
Yes, keep the seeds in dark, dry conditions below 40F (5C) but not below freezing.
john kosich says
Impressive step by step, commonsense directions. Look forward to seeing more.
HveHope says
Melissa,
I fully agree with John’s comment! Your site is full of excellently prepared & communicated gardening information. Though I’ve gardened for years, you have explained many mysteries to me in such clear, lucid terms with ideal photo illustrations. Your site is the one I consistently recommend as it’s become a trusted source of information. Thank you for all your efforts!!!!
Melissa J. Will says
Thank you for your kind words. Glad you find the information helpful!
Oksana says
My mango is 1 month old in 6 inches pot, however root is already out of the pot. I do not know what to do. Should I report it, or leave it as it is? Thank you
Melissa J. Will says
You didn’t mention if the root is growing out the bottom of the pot or coming up out of the soil surface?
Either way, if you think it’s just one extra long root, just trim it back.
If all the roots are getting long and starting to come out the bottom or spiral inside the pot, it’s definintely time for a larger pot.
Sounds like you got a good grower! Sometimes the fast ones are also short-lived but I hope yours is an exception.
Rebecca White says
I tried this and I now have two mango trees starting to grow (one of my plants is twins!!) 🙂 I’ve tried other methods, but the starting in a paper towel method works the best. Thank you!
C says
We were able to germinate so many seeds in bags thanks to your method! (Kids loved it). However once planted in soil, they grew for a week or two and then stopped. We still have some seeds in the paper towels in bags and those are growing much faster. Now the stems/leaves are sticking out of the bags. Guessing it has to do with the humidity – any thoughts on how to continue growing in bags? Thanks 🙂
Melissa J. Will says
Can you tell me more about what you mean by ‘stopped’ growing? Do you mean the stem or leaves or what? Mangos are slow-growing once the seed has sprouted but I’m not sure that’s what you mean.
Growing in bags may go on for some time but at some point the seed will use up its resources and need energy from somewhere else to continue growing. That’s why they get planted in potting mix.
Glad the kids enjoyed it. You might want to try seeds from avocodo, oranges, lemons, limes, etc. for more projects.
Steffen Haurholm-Larsen says
I’ve tried your method successfully 2 times now. The first time the plant grew for a few weeks and then died. This time they’re about a few weeks into post potting and now I have 2 nice little plants. One of them with red leaves! Excited!
A M says
Thanks a lot!
I have started off, and the seed that came out of the husk was a bit green here and there. Is this normal?
Melissa J. Will says
Yes, just about every seed looks slightly different. Keep going. 🙂
A M says
Yes, but this seed has patches which are wrinkly and green. Can it be a fungus?
Melissa J. Will says
It’s impossible for me to judge from a distance and without a lab test you may never know. If it doesn’t look right, I would discard it and grow another.
A M says
No worries about that now.
The seed started germinating within three days of keeping it moist! – thanks a lot for the help. I hope it keeps on growing at this pace.
Devi Juddoo says
I never a mango seed was in the husk,I lived abroad in a tropical island for 6 years and ate them daily! I did want you recommended from 2nd of June 2020 and now I have a couple of mango plants about 5 inches tall. Many thanks they are gorgeous
Brenda says
Hi, I did everything that this site said to do and all I got was a the seed turned black with no growth. Any ideas on why the seed turned black? I will try again.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Brenda, If I had to guess I would say the paper towel was too damp and it rotted the seed or caused mold. If your home is humid, that would also contribute to the problem. If excess moisture was not the issue, it could just be a bad seed. Do try again!
Chen says
I germinated a mango pit several weeks ago and now it’s about 1 feet tall and 6 leaves. It’s currently in a gallon milk bottle. Is it time to move to a bigger pot? And, when should I fertilize the plant? If so what kind of fertilize and how often should I do that?
Melissa J. Will says
See the section, Basic Indoor Mango Plant Care Tips for all the info I have on this.
Sheka says
I stared growing my grocery store mango seed May 17, 2020 according to your directions and I planted it in soil June 2, 2020. I have been taking pictures twice a week to watch the steady growth of the plant once soiled, it grows extremely fast. I wish I could send pictures!!!
Thank you
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Sheka,
You’re welcome to share pics on the Empress of Dirt Facebook page. We’d love to see your plant. https://www.facebook.com/empressofdirt/?fref=ts
Sheka says
Thank you just uploaded
Ready to be planted. 🥰🥰
Jeanne says
Should I prune leaves to encourage growth?
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Jeanne,
You can pinch off top leaves (at the base of their stems) to encourage side shoots once the plant is well-established (9 months to a year old) but it may do it naturally by then without your assistance.
Use gloves if you handle the plant and wash your gloves thoroughly afterward: the sap is not safe to touch.
Jeanne says
i’m shocked at how fast it’s growing!! thank you – – I never would have known you could grow mango houseplants!
Steve Y says
I accidentally germinated a mango pit (long story) and planted it 10 years ago. I pruned it a few weeks ago after it was pushing past 7 feet tall. Still no flowers or fruit, however. (I’m not holding my breath for that!)
I think I’ll use your recipe to spawn another mango seedling.
Laya says
Hi !! at first I thought it wouldn’t work (bc I live in Paris and the climate is kinda cold) but just a week after placing my seed in a bag it started growing up, so thank you for sharing this method !
Jolene says
Since you germinated this mango seed, has your tree produced any fruit? How tall did it get after all? I am very happy to be experimenting with my own mango seeds and was fortunate to find your page.
Thank you for your help 🙂
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Jolene,
My current mango plant is about 18 inches tall and just over a year old. It just spent 6 months in indirect light in a cool room, having a rest for the winter. I have not had one produce fruit and would be amazed if it did. I give them away as gifts once they get bigger. Good luck with your experiments–that’s my favorite part.
Sakina says
Thank you for sharing. I’m trying to grow a champagne mango!