How to Plant a Mango Seed
Have you ever eaten a juicy mango and wondered if you could grow your own mango tree? Good news—you can! Planting a mango seed is a fun and easy project that even kids can do. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to plant a mango seed and help it grow into a small tree. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these simple items:
- A ripe mango (to get the seed)
- A knife (ask an adult for help!)
- A small pot or container with drainage holes
- Potting soil
- Water
- A sunny spot, like a windowsill
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting a Mango Seed
Step 1: Eat the Mango
First, enjoy a delicious mango! When you’re done, you’ll find a big seed inside. This is what we’ll plant. Rinse the seed under water to remove any fruit bits.
Step 2: Open the Husk
The mango seed has a tough outer layer called the husk. Carefully use a knife (with an adult’s help) to cut around the edge of the husk and open it. Inside, you’ll find a flat, smooth seed that looks like a big bean.
Step 3: Dry the Seed
Let the seed dry for 1–2 days in a sunny or airy spot. This helps it get ready to grow. Don’t let it get too dry, though—just a little is enough.
Step 4: Plant the Seed
Fill a pot with potting soil. Make a small hole in the soil and place the seed in it, with the pointy end facing up. Cover it with about an inch of soil, but don’t bury it too deep.
Step 5: Water and Wait
Water the soil so it’s damp but not soaking wet. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot, like near a window. Mango seeds love warmth and light!
Step 6: Be Patient
In about 2–4 weeks, you might see a tiny sprout poking out of the soil. This is your baby mango tree starting to grow! Keep watering it when the soil feels dry.
Caring for Your Mango Seedling
Once your mango seed sprouts, it needs a little care to stay healthy
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but not too wet. Water it every few days if the top of the soil feels dry.
- Sunlight: Mango plants love sunlight. Make sure your pot gets at least 6 hours of sun each day.
- Warmth: Mango trees like warm places, so keep your plant somewhere cozy, above 70°F (21°C).
- Repotting: If your plant gets too big for its pot, move it to a larger one with fresh soil.
It takes a few years for a mango tree to grow big and produce fruit, so be patient. For now, enjoy watching your little tree grow!
Planting a mango seed is a fun way to learn about plants and grow something special. With a little care, your seed can turn into a beautiful mango tree.