Mango Trees
Mango
(Mangifera indica)
Mango trees are a large fruit tree with some varieties reaching a staggering 30m tall at full maturity and are suspected to have originated in southern Asia, where they’ve been domesticated and grown for quite some time.
They grow well in the warmer, more tropical climates of the world, but can be grown in some subtropical regions as well. Australia commercially produces several varieties of mango which come out of the Northern Territory and Queensland, as those climates are most favourable for reliable growth and good flavour.
Gardeners in the greater Sydney regions can still have success with mango trees by choosing planting locations carefully. Ideally, the warmest spot in your garden that can offer a wind break and make it easier to protect the mango tree during the colder months. Especially for younger trees, winter protection can be important.
Soil is another factor, with good drainage being key to getting young trees established. Mango trees can do well in a variety of soil types, as long as they are nutrient rich and not too heavy or prone to holding too much moisture.
Mango trees are self-pollinating and do not need a partner to produce fruit, however cooler temperatures can affect the viability of flower pollen as well as fruit set, so this is always something to consider. Fruit production may be inconsistent depending on how long winter or the cooler weather persists into springtime in the greater Sydney regions.
Mango fruit typically ripens from mid to late summer and it can be eaten fresh off the tree or picked when slightly unripe to pickle or make a variety of preserves like chutney and jams.
Since mango trees can grow to be quite large, pruning can be important to keep them manageable while allowing fruit to be picked more easily. Major pruning should be done toward the end of winter, before flowering. Minor pruning can be done through the summer to keep the tree in shape or remove dead or damaged branches. Mangoes are tip bearers, with fruit appearing on the end of branches, so more lateral branches mean more potential for fruit to form.
For more detailed information, check out the NSW Department of Primary Industries guide on mango growing.
Fullsize Varieties
$60.00
Max Height: 8 – 10m
- Kensington Pride
Mango Variety Information
Click on the names below for more details about our mango range, as well as pollination information.
Kensington Pride (Bowen) Mango Information
The Kensington Pride mango is also known as the KP, or Bowen mango. It’s a variety that’s native to Australia, having emerged in Bowen, Queensland in the late 1880s. As such, it’s the most popular variety in Australia, valued for its good size and flavour.
KP mango trees can grow from 8 – 10m tall in ideal conditions, though they’re likely to stay a bit smaller in cooler regions, like the Sydney surrounds. Fruiting can also be inconsistent in these regions as the flowers are delicate and can be damaged by cooler or more wet spring conditions.
The fruit is large with a greenish-yellow skin that takes on a red blush when ripe. The inner flesh is a golden yellow, dense and very sweet. The flavour can be somewhat affected by cooler weather.
Fruit ripens: January – February (weather dependent)
Cross Pollinators: Self-pollinating