Description
The unique deliciousness of a ripe mango is unmistakable, and the Extrema mango (Mangifera indica) is no exception. It is sweet and juicy, and the tree has vibrant colours. It is evergreen and native to Southeast Asia and India.
Young leaves are a vibrant pinkish-orange in colour. As they mature, this changes to a darker green, leathery leaf. The fruits are firm and sweet, making for delicious desserts, smoothies, or on-the-run snacks.
The fruit attracts bugs and birds, adding value and beauty to your garden.
Position
The Extrema mango thrives in full sun. Space about eight mts apart from other trees. This allows the tree space to spread and grow. Mangoes thrive in temperatures between 10°C and 35°C, and are sensitive to frost and wind.
It is a big tree and shouldn’t be grown in a pot.
Size
This mango tree grows to a height of about 4 to 9 metres with a spread of 4 metres, depending on their growing conditions. However, you can 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 to the ground.
Soil type
The Extrema mango 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.
Mulch
Use from 2 to 5 cm 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.
Watering
Your mango tree needs a fair amount of water to flourish, especially between the first blooms and the time that the fruit. Water them generously to saturate the soil right down to its long tap root. Then, allow the top 10 cm of the soil to dry out before you water the tree again. Don’t water the tree at all for two months before flowering. Water it again as soon as fruits begin to form.
Fertilising
Just before flowering, use a rapid-release nitrogen fertilizer to boost the health and abundance of fruit and flowers. Don’t over-fertilise them, as this will reduce the number of fruits and flowers that appear.
However, using too much fertiliser will give you an abundance of flowers and no fruit.
Our high nitrogen slow-release Berry/All-plant Fertiliser works well with all plants and trees. For young trees, apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months.
Pruning
Remove dead and diseased limbs and thin out the canopy so the sun can penetrate it. Then, prune it once or twice yearly to keep it at the desired height.
Harvesting
Harvest your delicious mangoes when they change from green to mainly yellow. When the fruit is ripe, it should come off the branch easily when you gently tug it.
Pest and Disease Control:
Mango trees common pests such as mango fruit fly and mango scale. Use appropriate insecticides or organic pest control methods as needed. Diseases such as anthracnose and powdery mildew can affect mango trees; ensure good air circulation, proper irrigation practices, and fungicide treatments if necessary.
We recommend Effective Microorganisms to prevent the spread of these pests and diseases. It is organic and more affordable than most other products.
Our Neem Oil Pesticide is also and excellent pest control
