Description
Keitt mangoes are large, late-season fruits that originate in Florida, USA. Because they are on the tree for longer, the sun has longer to sweeten the creamy flesh, making them particularly delicious. Unlike most mango species, Keitts don’t have fibrous pieces in their flesh and remain green when ripe. This creamy, sweet fruit is excellent for desserts, salads, smoothies and preserves.
The Tommy Atkins mango is favoured for its long shelf-life and its resistance to bruising when transported. It has beautiful blushed yellow, red and purple skin with irresistible yellow flesh.
DIMENSIONS: 27 × 27 × 100cm
Position:
Mangoes thrive in full sun and temperatures between 10°C and 35°C. They are sensitive to frost and wind. When planting in a cold climate it will be necessary to protect with frost cover during winter.
Size:
Double-grafted mango trees can be controlled through pruning to grow to a manageable size, typically around 3 to 6 meters tall and wide, making them suitable for smaller spaces, although unpruned trees can grow much taller. Regular pruning is essential for both controlling size and making the fruit easier to harvest.
Prune it in summer and again in winter to prevent it from becoming too big for your space. You can also stake the branches horizontally.
Soil Type:
Mangos thrives in sandy soil rich in organic matter and drains well, with a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5. The hole should be deep because the tree’s roots extend far down. Add a bag of acid compost to your soil.
Watering:
Water your mango tree every two to three days in the summer and every two to three weeks in the winter (if at all). When you first plant your young tree, you may need to water it a little more frequently for a few weeks. This helps to establish it and prevent the root ball from drying out.
Mulch:
Apply organic mulch to your nectarine tree all year round.
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Fertilising:
Just before flowering, use a rapid-release nitrogen fertilizer to boost the health and abundance of fruit and flowers/dig in some aged manure if available.
Use our slow-release, nitrogen-rich, Berry/All-plant Fertiliser. For young trees, apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. The roots will absorb what they required.
Harvesting:
Pick your juicy fruit about 4 or 5 months after the tree has flowered.
Pruning:
Remove dead and diseased branches to give your mango tree the best conditions under which to produce the healthiest fruit. For the best results, prune your tree to have only three or four main branches and plenty of space in the canopy.
