Description
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.
Mangoes are wonderfully nutritious. They contain calcium, fibre, protein, tryptophan, iron, and the vitamins A, B1, B2 and B3. They are delicious fresh, dried, or added to smoothies, ice creams and other desserts.
The cultivar ‘Tommy Atkins’ is one of the most popular as it produces abundant well-sized, coloured fruits and is disease-resistant.
Mango trees start producing fruit at 3 years old. These fruits are high in fibre and have good amounts of vitamins A, B and C, as well as potassium. They also contain many phytochemicals and mineral salts and are used to fight heartburn and indigestion.
Position
Traditionally, mangos are commercially grown in tropical areas. They adapt successfully in higher-lying areas and can tolerate various climatic conditions.
Frost cover is recommended if the temperature drops below 5° Celsius in winter. Mango trees cannot tolerate harsh winds.
Plant your Tommy Atkins mango tree in full to partial sun, where natural light can warm and sweeten the fruits. Allow plenty of room around your tree to let the canopy spread.
Size
This tree grows to a height of around 4-5 metres, similar to the canopy’s width.
Soil Type
This tree thrives in basic soil with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.2. It is fairly hardy and only really requires soil that drains well so that it doesn’t retain too much water (which would cause the roots to rot). A rich loam deep enough for the roots to extend into it is ideal.
Mulch
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.
Watering
Mango trees should only really be watered around the flowering period. Water it every 2 or 3 days as soon as flower buds appear. Give your tree 60 to 80 centimetres of water under at least 40% of the canopy area. During the rainy season, let the tree survive just on the rainfall.
Fertilising
Just before flowering, use a rapid-release nitrogen fertilizer to boost the health and abundance of fruit and flowers. 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 require.
Pruning
Trim the tree of dead branches and keep it down to three (max four) main branches for the best results. You should also try to keep the canopy fairly open, not overrun with branches.
Harvesting
The Tommy Atkins can produce gorgeous fruit in its first year. The mangoes are usually perfect for picking 4 or 5 months after the tree has flowered. They should have gorgeous purple-red or red-yellow skin and should not be too firm.
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
