Here’s How To Plant Mango Tree Right So It Bears Plenty of Fruits

Mango is one of the most popular fruits in the world. This tropical fruit has a distinct flavor, shape, and smell that is very well-known. In Asia alone mango is considered the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. While its tree is considered a national tree of Bangladesh. In Indonesia, mango is so popular that it can be found in almost any restaurant, fruit vendor, and supermarket. 

Originating in India over 4,000 years ago, mango has been enjoyed all over the world in some form or another. In Mexico, mango is mixed with avocado, chili powder, and garlic and served as a dip or condiment as mango ceviche. In Europe, mango is enjoyed as a healthy snack or a smoothie, and in Asia, mango is enjoyed from its ripe form, like in mango sticky rice from Thailand, to its semi-ripe, like in Indonesia’s fruit salad, rujak. 

The popularity of mango is not just from their distinct flavor and texture but also their benefit. Mango is rich in vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, and vitamin C, essential in forming collagen and improving skin elasticity. Vitamin C available in mango is also important in aiding iron absorption, promoting cell growth and repair, along with improving the immune system. Mango is also a good source of minerals like copper and folate, which are especially important during pregnancy.

Here are some other benefits of consuming mangoes:

• Low in calories. Mango is popular among people on a diet or just wanting to be healthier in general. This is due to mango being low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. According to Healthline, one study even found that consuming fresh fruit like mango before a meal could help keep from overeating. 
• Help prevent diabetes. Mangoes have naturally high sugar compared to other fresh fruit, with over 22 grams per serving. Though it may seem like it’s worrisome to people with diabetes or those trying to lower their sugar intake, no evidence suggests eating fresh mangoes lead to diabetes or is unhealthy for people with the condition. There are, however, studies that concluded that consuming fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C and carotenoids, such as mango, could help prevent the onset of diabetes. Though like all things in life, too much of a good thing can be bad, so it may still be better to consume mango in moderation.
• Supports a healthy heart. Mango contains nutrients like magnesium and potassium that help maintain a healthy blood flow and is connected to lower blood pressure and a regular pulse. It also contains mangiferin, an antioxidant that early studies suggest may help to reduce inflammation of the heart. In addition, it may also help to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides, and fatty acids in blood levels. 

A Guide on how to plant mango trees so that they bear plenty of  fruit

The many benefits of mango make it a popular tree to plant in Indonesia. Mango can be found almost year-round in Indonesia, due to its many different varieties. Its seasons depend on the region it is grown, and according to the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) Center for Tropical Horticultural Studies, it comes in a variety of shapes, sized flavors, and colors. In Indonesia, mango season begins during the warmest and driest point of the year, from around June until December, with peak production in September. 

Mango trees can be grown in almost all parts of Indonesia, they are also fairly easy to cultivate from seeds, grafting, or cuttings. Here are some tips to plant mango trees while optimizing fruit production.

Select the right seeds. There are many types of mango grown in Indonesia. From Harum Manis, which as the names suggest has a sweet taste and is fragrant, to Golek, which has crispy flesh with a more sour taste. Whichever one it is, try to select a high-quality variety that is resistant to pests and diseases.

Prepare the planting media. Proper care of soil before planting ensures that the plant has the best possible house to grow and thrive. Mango trees require loose soil that contains lots of humus. To prepare the planting media, make a hole with a length, width, and depth of 1 m, and make sure to space the holes if planting multiple trees. Then leave the hole for one month to remove any toxins in the soil. After that, cover the holes with soil that has been mixed with manure or compost, then let it sit again for two weeks. These extra steps ensure the best result in the long run.

Properly plant the seeds. When planting trees, it is better to start with a sprouted seed for a higher chance of the seed surviving. When planting the seed, make sure to dig back the previously prepared soil and place the seed approximately 20 cm above the root neck. Don’t forget to press the soil a little bit to give more support to the plant. Also, for the first few months of the plant, provide shade with a tilted position to the west, so the seed doesn’t get too much sun exposure. 

Fertilize at the start of the rainy season. Any fruit tree fertilizer is suitable for mango trees, but applying manure or compost at the start of rainy seasons ensures a slow and continuous supply of nutrients for the plants. Not to mention, the water from the rain allows the plants to absorb the nutrients better. To do this, dig a hole around the tree and sprinkle in the manure, then cover it again with soil. 

Prune at each stage of growth. Pruning in plants promotes growth. To ensure a fruitful mango tree, prune them after one year of growth. At 1 year old, cut 50 cm of the stem from the ground. Be sure to cut above the joint, leaving 3 branches that spread out. Next, after 2 years old, prune again leaving 1-2 shoots and maintaining 3 shoots growing on each branch. After that, do the same as the previous, but keep all the shoots growing. This should continue until harvest time. After that, to prepare for the next growing season, prune away the branches that grow downwards, dry, and dead. (Safaanah)