Are you one of those poor souls who simply doesn’t have enough space to grow a full-sized mango tree? If this is you, I’m here to tell you there’s a wee bit of hope in the form of condo and dwarf mango trees. What this means to you is that you can partake of the mango tree goodness if you have a teeny- weeny outside area or balcony. As their names so obviously imply, condo mango trees and dwarf mango trees both fit well in small spaces and are ideal for growing in warm areas. They bear the same delicious and nutritious fruit as regular mango trees. The only difference between the two is their size.
• Condo mango trees can be maintained at six to ten feet, making them suitable for container growing. They are perfect for greenhouses, suburban backyards, and balconies.
• Dwarf mango trees can grow from ten to twenty feet, which is perfectly suited for a smaller backyard.
A good place to buy condo mango trees is Pine Island Nursery. Pine Island Nursery sells 9 varieties of condo mangoes. You can choose among the Alampur Baneshan, Carrie, Cogshall, Fairchild, Lantecilla, Mallika, Pickering, Nam Doc Mai & Ice Cream varieties. The nursery is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You may also order ahead for pick up at 16300 SW 184 St. in Miami. And yes, there’s a mail order option! Call 305-233-5501.
If you have a slightly bigger backyard for a dwarf mango tree, try Plantogram. Plantogram sells a wide variety of dwarf mangoes such as Carrie, Fairchild, Ice Cream, Julie, Mallika, and more. If you live in Central Florida, you may visit their store at 1173 Windermere Rd., Windermere, Florida. They also ship worldwide. Just visit their website https://plantogram.com/ to get up to 28% discount on their mango trees.
Like any tree, condo & dwarf mango trees need proper care to grow successfully. Below are some easy steps courtesy of Fairchild Tropical Gardens (the mango experts) for perfect home results. As a double check, consult with the nursery you choose to buy your trees from for tidbits related to the variety you select – and ask them about any tricks and tips they can share about successfully growing their trees.
Choose a healthy tree: A 2-gal container is a good size. Small trees will establish more quickly and grow better roots.
Choose a location where the tree gets sufficient sunlight for good production.
Water the tree until established – typically 1 to 3 months. For inground trees , do not irrigate after establishment – as irrigation will increase disease and lower fruit quality. When you buy your trees, inquire about watering frequency for container mango trees for your location and climate.
Fairchild Tropical Gardens (the experts!) recommends that NO nitrogen fertilizers be applied and to fertilize when your tree is active – and not during the winter time. Try a 0-0-50 formulation. Additionally, fertilize 3 times per year with foliar micro-nutrients that include magnesium, zinc, and manganese.
Begin tipping in the first year and continue for the life of the tree. Click here for a how-to video by Dr. Richard Campbell.
Prune trees for size control after you harvest your fruit each year. Pruning maintains the health, productivity and size of your tree(s).
Thin major limbs within the canopy annually to improve fruit color, disease resistance and fruit production.
Identify insects first before taking action – most are not damaging! Pesticides should be the final option.
For inground trees, weeds provide a nectar source for bees, flies and wasps during the spring flowering season.
Harvest fruit when mature on the tree and store for proper ripening.
Okay, so there you have it. Aren’t you motivated to have a mango tree? With successful planting and proper care, you can grow a healthy mango tree that will provide you with delicious and nutritious fruit all through the years. And that, my mango friends, is all the reason any rational person needs. Shazam!