How Much Does a Mango Tree Cost?

Mango trees grow up to 130 feet tall and the radius can grow up to 32 feet.  The leaves are evergreen and the flowers are produced in terminal panicles that can grow three to 15 inches long.

“mango tree” (CC BY 2.0) by  robert and fabienne

How much does a mango tree cost?

On average, a mango tree that comes in a 5-gallon pot can cost $40 to $125, depending on the nursery and specific variety. For example, the Julie dwarf mango tree grows up to eight feet and can cost $60 to $110.  This 3.4-gallon mango tree at Lowe’s can retail for about $50.  Refer to our table below to see what the prices may be for a specific variety.

Type of mango trees

Mango tree overview

Mango trees can be purchased at a local nursery or if you have the patience, they can be grown from a seed.  Trees found at a nursery will often be grafted and will be able to produce fruits, if it hasn’t done so already, in close to three to four years.  Seedling trees can take closer to eight years to bear fruit for the first time.

The average mango tree is an evergreen with a glossy, dense foliage.  The new shoots will be reddish and mature leaves will be a darker green.  Depending on the variety, these trees can grow close to 120 feet tall; however, if pruned, the tree can remain small.

The mango tree is strictly a tropical fruit, meaning it will do best in tropical climates with a dry winter and moist summer.  These trees tend to do well in free draining soil and won’t need a richer soil to survive.  All mango trees will grow in a frost free environment; however, the flowering will greatly depend on the temperature, and without the flowers, little fruit will come.

What are the extra costs?

Fertilizers are highly recommended in the spring and summer when younger and can be mixed with water before being applied to the soil.  Fertilizers are usually sold in bags and are priced anywhere from $15 to $35.  However, as the trees grow old, too much nitrogen fertilizer may make the tree bear less fruit.

Smaller dwarf trees may require a pot if you don’t plan on planting it outside (or at all) right away.

For larger trees, a professional may be needed to plant it properly.  Each tree may cost $50 to $100 or more, depending on the size.

Shipping fees may apply with some online nurseries if the minimums are met.

Tips to know:

Tropical Permaculture says seedling mango trees will be much stronger and bigger than one purchased at a local nursery.

When purchasing more than one mango tree, see if it’s a late or early fruiting variety.  Since these trees tend to produce a lot of fruit at the same time, you won’t want to have all your trees bearing fruit at once.  Try your best to have a mix of both early and late fruiting trees.

Overwatering your tree can kill it, especially if the soil is heavier.

A common disease, known as anthracnose, is a fungus that turns the flowers black.  Some varieties may be more susceptible than others and will be the worse in wetter weather.  Unless you want to spray a fungicide on it, you may have to live with it. Stronger trees tend to show fewer infections and a lot can be prevented by simply using compost.  Other mango tree diseases can include red rust, powdery mildew and verticillium wilt.

If pests are getting to your fruits before you do, you can pick them while they are half green.  At room temperature, they can continue to ripen.

How to plant a mango seed

First, you will have to understand the seed selection is very important.  The seed will need to come from what’s known as a “polyembryonic” variety, a term that means the seed will sprout into several identical trees and will be identical to the parents.  Try to learn about the parent to see if it can grow in your area.

The best time to plant your seed will be at the beginning of your wet season, which will usually be right when the summer begins.

Eat the mango you want to plant and remove as much flesh as you can from the seed. Let it dry out on a paper towel for at least two to three days before planting.

To germinate, plant the seed in a warmer, moist area in the full sun and wait for it to sprout; it can take up to 10 days to see any growth.  This can either be done in a garden or if you prefer, it can be planted in a small pot.  It’s recommended, however, you plant the tree where you want it to grow so you don’t have to move it later.  If you’re worried about something getting to it, consider placing a barrier around it.  Once sprouted, trim all but the smallest one since experts recommend picking out the smallest sapling for the best flavor.

How can I save money?

The more trees you purchase at a nursery, the more you may be able to save since many nurseries offer bulk discounts.

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