Let mango seeds germinate in water

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Let mango seeds germinate in water

Mangoes are the perfect fruit for anyone who likes sweet, exotic and healthy. If you let the mango seed germinate in water, you can easily grow your own mango plant.

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In a nutshell

  • not every mango is suitable for cultivation
  • partially treated with germ-inhibiting agents
  • Fruit formation in self-grown plants rather rare
  • Germination in water particularly promising

Table of contents

  • Find germinable core
  • Prepare mango kernel
  • Let mango seeds germinate in water
  • Important when planting
  • frequently asked Questions

Find germinable core

Most mangoes from the supermarket are not suitable for self-cultivation. They have often been treated with germ-inhibiting agents that make germination practically impossible. In addition, the long transport, an early harvest and intermediate cooling can have a negative effect on the seeds or seeds. affect the germination behavior.

mango and mango stone

You probably have the best chances with the core of an organic mango, which is untreated and has better germination. Of course, the mango in question must be fully ripe. Mangoes should generally be avoided due to their poor climate balance.

A notice: Since mango trees usually grow under completely different conditions, home-grown specimens in this country usually do not produce any fruit.

Prepare mango kernel

Once you have bought a suitable mango, it is a matter of preparing the core for germination by first uncovering it and then the actual seed inside.

  • Carefully separate the core from the flesh, taking care not to damage the core sleeve
  • Let the core dry for about a week
  • Remove the last remains of pulp, for example with a root brush
  • Carefully break open the core with a knife or scissors from the tip over the long side
  • Seed appears
Break open the mango core with the screwdriver

The seed inside the kernel is shaped like a flat bean. It should be light green, whitish-green or brown, only then is it viable. Do not injure this when prying open the core.

Tip: Sensitive people should wear gloves when handling the core because it contains irritating substances.

Let mango seeds germinate in water

If the seed is exposed from the mango pit and undamaged, it can be germinated by soaking it in water.

  • Gently scratch the surface of the seed or rub with sandpaper
  • both accelerate germination 
  • Soak the seeds in warm water, preferably in a shallow bowl, for 24 hours
  • then wrap in a damp paper handkerchief or kitchen towel
  • place everything in a ziplock freezer bag
  • put in a dark and warm place
  • Keep kitchen towel moist until germination, aerate frequently
  • or change carefully every 2-3 days
  • Mango seeds germinate after about two weeks
Mango seed germinates

After a few days, the first roots have usually formed. The seedling will soon follow. When this has reached a size of 2-3 cm, it is ready for planting.

Tip: Instead of a kitchen towel, which you have to keep moistening or changing, you can also use normal moss. This usually remains permanently damp and does not have to be changed.

Important when planting

You can initially place the core and seedling in a smaller one breeding pot plant and as soon as it has developed enough roots transplant it into a larger container. You can save yourself this step by planting it directly in a sufficiently large pot:

  • choose a deep pot with a minimum diameter of 40 cm
  • use loose, nutrient-poor, slightly acidic substrates
  • mixture of normal garden soil, compost and coconut fiber optimal
  • alternatively commercially available growing substrates or peat-free potting soil
  • Seedlings sensitive to fungi and soil pests
  • It is therefore best to make the substrate sterile
  • Then put the seeds upright in the ground
  • Seedling must look out of soil

The soil should be kept slightly moist in the first few weeks, but waterlogging should be avoided at all costs. In addition, care must be taken to ensure high humidity and constant temperatures. If everything worked, should after approx. a small mango tree has already grown in six weeks.

Planted mango kernel

Tip: The planter must be deep enough so that the long taproots that a mango tree form, find enough space.

frequently asked Questions

Which varieties are best suited for self-cultivation?

It should be mainly small varieties. Unfortunately, this is usually not the case when you buy a mango. In Germany, the varieties 'Cogshall' and 'Carrier' are mainly found. Both are very suitable. In its natural habitat, a mango tree can reach heights of up to 45 m. Here they usually don't get bigger than two to three meters, also because of the way they are kept in buckets.

When is a core no longer germinable?

If it shows a gray color and a shriveled structure, it is no longer germinable, so breeding will not succeed.

Can mango seeds also be germinated in winter?

This is generally possible all year round. However, it may take a little longer for the seed to germinate in winter due to the reduced light supply and lower temperatures.

Can a mango plant tolerate hard water?

The mango plant reacts sensitively to lime in the irrigation water. If possible, you should only water with soft, i.e. rainwater. If only tap water is available, it must be stale for at least a week. The water should also be soft for occasional spraying of the plant. Lime could also leave unsightly white spots on the leaves.

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