The Tropical Fruit Forum
Tropical Fruit => Tropical Fruit Discussion => Topic started by: FlMikey on March 26, 2017, 08:01:25 PM
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Hello,
My local nursery has Pickering, Fairchild, and Ice Cream available. I want to keep the mango plants in pots for the long-term, and was concerned with them becoming rootbound. I spoke to one of the nursery employee's, and was told I could plant them in a 60 gallon pot (I'm buying 3g's), and I can leave them there. I thought I had to size up the pots as the plant grew. The employee's point was that it's equivalent to planting a tree in the ground. Is that true, and is this the correct way to successfully grow these varieties?
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Lesson to be learned...you cant always listen to nursery workers as many have no clue. None of these are true dwarf, Pickering is the closest out of the three.
No, you definitely dont want to plant a 3 gal directly into a 60 gal. You would want to step it up gradually.
The Pickering would be the easiest to manage in a pot. Fairchild would be more difficult. Ice Cream is not worth growing at all...taste is not great and it has disease issues in Florida.
A 60 gal is questionable for a Pickering's lifetime. You would definitely need to root prune over the yeats and add fresh soil. You would be much better off with ultimately a 10o gal or larger as the tree marures.
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Thanks Rob. I'm glad you're confirming what I was thinking. My initial plan was to use a fabric pot coated with Spin Out to prevent the roots from growing out of the pot. My concern was damaging the roots once I needed to move the plant to a bigger fabric pot, and from what I understand about Spin Out, it would help mitigate that risk. The medium I was thinking about using was Fafard or Promix commercial versions. Does this sound like a good approach or would you recommend a different type of pot / method?
Side note - what top varieties would you recommend for container growing?
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I agree, the nursery employee was incorrect. I have a Pickering, Lancetilla, and Malika in pots. My Pickering looks the best of them all. When potting up trees, you definitely want to step up slowly. Check out this link to get a better understanding of root systems growth.https://rootmaker.com/sites/default/files/pdf/4inchRuleWeb.pdf (https://rootmaker.com/sites/default/files/pdf/4inchRuleWeb.pdf) Your plan for fabric pots seems like a good idea. Although, spinout seems unnecessary with the fabric bags. I personally have not had problems with my trees coming through my smart pots. Spin out definitely couldn't hurt though.
For my media I am using the gritty mix in rootmaker pots. I probably won't get them again since I can accomplish the same thing with spinnout/microkote. I am new to the gritty mix but I like it so far. I too plan to leave my mangoes in pots indefinitely. I have heard many people speak of the benefits of the gritty mix and how easy repots/potting up. Some of my trees had spinning roots after I bought them from the nursery, so I'm glad I bare rooted them and repotted.
As far as other varieties, check out PIN's website http://www.tropicalfruitnursery.com/container-trees.shtml (http://www.tropicalfruitnursery.com/container-trees.shtml) to see a list of good container mango trees with good descriptions.
-Holden
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Yes, use fafard or promix. Do not waste your time and money with gritty mix.
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Thanks Rob. I'm glad you're confirming what I was thinking. My initial plan was to use a fabric pot coated with Spin Out to prevent the roots from growing out of the pot. My concern was damaging the roots once I needed to move the plant to a bigger fabric pot, and from what I understand about Spin Out, it would help mitigate that risk. The medium I was thinking about using was Fafard or Promix commercial versions. Does this sound like a good approach or would you recommend a different type of pot / method?
Side note - what top varieties would you recommend for container growing?
Spin-Out is still available? Been using it for decades and still have a spray can available. Yes, that is the way to go or a Rootmaker product. I had a Pickering doing very well in Rootbuilder. Such trees usually don't go to this extreme but it died from root girdling, came out of a 3 gal. pot from PIN.
I don't like fabric because every time you move it you'll buggar up the roots.
Check out the Pickering just received and planted in Rootbuilder. http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=7511.msg96609#msg96609 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=7511.msg96609#msg96609)
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Yes, use fafard or promix. Do not waste your time and money with gritty mix.
Do you think these mixes will be a good option for a tree that will spend its entire life in a pot? I plan on keeping mine in pots until they stop producing or until I die. So, they could be in pots for 50 years. I'm not sure how that soil will look and perform after a few decades.
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Thanks everyone for the replies. Sorry I meant microkoat instead of Spin Out. The goal of coating the fabric pot with microkoat was to prevent the roots from growing through the bag, and damaging the roots when repotting.
If I repot with fafard or promix evety couple years, is that ok?
Also, the varieties I mentioned were rated as condo mangos from PIN. Was hoping members could comment on true dwarves conducive for pot growing seeing as the PIN descriptions may not be entirely accurate.
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I've been doing a bit of research, and could use some input. The mango's I'm most interested in growing in fabric pots are (listed in order):
1. Pickering
2. Honey Kiss
3. Pina Colada
4. Florigon
5. Julie
Which of these would be best for container growing? It sounds like I could get away with Pickering, but are any of the other choices good?
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Graham supposedly stays small enough to keep in a pot. I planted mine when it was nice and bushy only to have the deer come along and almost destroy it so I couldn't tell you from experience how big they actually get. Pickering as you know stays relatively small. I was going to in ground it but I think I will get a bigger rootmaker pot and try to find a cotton candy mango for that spot in the yard.
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I've been doing a bit of research, and could use some input. The mango's I'm most interested in growing in fabric pots are (listed in order):
1. Pickering
2. Honey Kiss
3. Pina Colada
4. Florigon
5. Julie
Which of these would be best for container growing? It sounds like I could get away with Pickering, but are any of the other choices good?
Jotted down a comment from Rob that Orange Essence is compact. Perhaps he will chime in. Many of the new Zill releases have yet been thru the test of time and that doesn't mean exclusively in Florida either. There are many mango growers in other states especially here in Texas.
Use the search option for "dwarf mango trees". Starch, a mod living in Arizona, started a dwarf mango tree thread that was VERY extensive.
Regarding potting soil, I do 50/50 organics and I'm not picky. I have piles of whatever on the farm but usually use a small amount of peat moss (it will break down), pine bark, compost....whatever. Inorganics for me is a lot of coarse vermiculite and washed builders sand which is granite based. I never buy bagged stuff unless it's end of the season sales.
Mark
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Bookmarked that thread. Well worth a read.
http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=17443.0 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=17443.0)
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I've been doing a bit of research, and could use some input. The mango's I'm most interested in growing in fabric pots are (listed in order):
1. Pickering
2. Honey Kiss
3. Pina Colada
4. Florigon
5. Julie
Which of these would be best for container growing? It sounds like I could get away with Pickering, but are any of the other choices good?
I have a Pickering and Florigon in 65gal fabric pots and they are doing quite well. Tons of BB's on the florigon and pickering has flowers all over it.
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I've been doing a bit of research, and could use some input. The mango's I'm most interested in growing in fabric pots are (listed in order):
1. Pickering
2. Honey Kiss
3. Pina Colada
4. Florigon
5. Julie
Which of these would be best for container growing? It sounds like I could get away with Pickering, but are any of the other choices good?
I have a Pickering and Florigon in 65gal fabric pots and they are doing quite well. Tons of BB's on the florigon and pickering has flowers all over it.
Nice!
Last year's grafted Sweet Tart (not a dwarf) is flowering so heavy had to stake it yesterday. Think I'll let this little tree hold a few fruits as there is plenty of root mass and canopy to support some, at least one or two.
(https://s15.postimg.cc/k9uxg9cqv/Sweet_Tart_March27_Blooms.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/k9uxg9cqv/)
Remember those old sticks of Pineapple Pleasure and Fruit Punch I had about 6 weeks ago? Had enough good wood to bark graft to Mallika branches. Bark is finally slipping nice and clean. I've stored scions for months in the fridge and still had takes.
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Way to go on the takes. That's a long time in the fridge too!
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Thanks for the replies everyone. Yes I've been through Starch's very well though-out and amazing thread :). I learned quite a bit there (it's actually how I came up with my list), but it was slightly unclear which varieties were true dwarfs conducive for container growing or those that can be topped to be a condo mango.
Where can I buy Orange Essence - I've never heard of it and haven't seen many threads?
Ideally, I'm looking for the best variety to grow in a container. Do my top 5 choices look good - they're all from Starch's thread or should I replace with something else? It'd be nice to spread the season out, but I'd rather buy plants that I know can be sized up in Fabric Pots, and have them be healthy and fruit well.
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Thanks for the replies everyone. Yes I've been through Starch's very well though-out and amazing thread :). I learned quite a bit there (it's actually how I came up with my list), but it was slightly unclear which varieties were true dwarfs conducive for container growing or those that can be topped to be a condo mango.
Where can I buy Orange Essence - I've never heard of it and haven't seen many threads?
Ideally, I'm looking for the best variety to grow in a container. Do my top 5 choices look good - they're all from Starch's thread or should I replace with something else? It'd be nice to spread the season out, but I'd rather buy plants that I know can be sized up in Fabric Pots, and have them be healthy and fruit well.
http://plantogram.com/product/mango_orange_essence/ (http://plantogram.com/product/mango_orange_essence/)
It's pretty pricey but I have never seen another site with so many varieties. I am in the same situation as you. I plan to grow exclusively in pots. I am holding off on accumulating more trees bc I am about to move. Although, I'm not too concerned with having a dwarf tree. I don't mind a 12' tree in a pot under a sky light.
Excalibur also has Orange Essence, but they do not ship. I'm sure you could find someone here to shop you one.
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I currently have my mango tree in a 15 gallon pot, what is the next size to move up to?
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Is Orange Essence really a dwarf variety? I haven't seen anything conclusive except from the plantogram link from above.
Charlie - I'm not sure, I'm new to container growing too.
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(https://s18.postimg.cc/9r3e7zegl/IMG_2587.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/9r3e7zegl/)
Pickering pushing buds in 60gal fabric pot.
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That pot looks smaller them my 25 gal. plastic pot.
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'Orange Essence' is medium vigor, and not at all compact, unless it is specially pruned.
'Pina Colada' is probably less than medium vigor, but has a very open, non-compact growth habit.
'Florigon' can get very large, but kept small by annual pruning, it still fruits very well.
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(https://s18.postimg.cc/9r3e7zegl/IMG_2587.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/9r3e7zegl/)
Pickering pushing buds in 60gal fabric pot.
You sure thats a 60 gal?
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Thanks Guanabanus. I was considering Orange Essence over a Julie, but I think I'll stick with the Julie. Do you have any insight into Honey Kiss? My top choices right now based on the variety I think will do best in a fabric pot:
1) Pickering
2) Honey Kiss
3) Pina Colada
4) Julie
FruitFreak - Your pickering looks very healthy! It's interesting - I read fabric pots should be elevated, but yours isn't, yet your tree looks great.
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Thanks Guanabanus. I was considering Orange Essence over a Julie, but I think I'll stick with the Julie. Do you have any insight into Honey Kiss? My top choices right now based on the variety I think will do best in a fabric pot:
1) Pickering
2) Honey Kiss
3) Pina Colada
4) Julie
FruitFreak - Your pickering looks very healthy! It's interesting - I read fabric pots should be elevated, but yours isn't, yet your tree looks great.
You dont want to mess with Julie in Florida. Some have success but for the most part, its disease resistance is poor. Its also not what I would rank in the elite class, IMO.
Orange Essence is ok but not in the tops as far as newer releases.
You could probably keep Fairchild in check with a normal pruning regimen and the quality is very good.
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Thanks Rob. So I'll go with:
1. Pickering
2. Honey Kiss
3. Pina Colada
4. Fairchild
Thanks for everyone's help!
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I currently have my mango tree in a 15 gallon pot, what is the next size to move up to?
Follow the 4" rule and you should be fine. That would mean not increasing the diameter more than 8" (4" each direction) and the depth by 4". You might not want to jump that much though and only go to a 20-25 gallon.
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My Pickering in a 20gal rootmaker pot is blooming like crazy again, and it still has three golfball sized mangos from a little earlier in the season developing. Nice and pinkish purple. Its currently my best performer out of the 4 I have, but it had an unfair advantage of not getting raided by deer or those damn weevils that destroyed the tree or all the blooms(in that order). I hear Pickerings aren't the best tasting compared to some others, but the taste is very subjective, but it seems to be a good all round general grower and producer that the weevils that attacked mine simply ignored.
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My Pickering in a 20gal rootmaker pot is blooming like crazy again, and it still has three golfball sized mangos from a little earlier in the season developing. Nice and pinkish purple. Its currently my best performer out of the 4 I have, but it had an unfair advantage of not getting raided by deer or those damn weevils that destroyed the tree or all the blooms(in that order). I hear Pickerings aren't the best tasting compared to some others, but the taste is very subjective, but it seems to be a good all round general grower and producer that the weevils that attacked mine simply ignored.
so how you like the taste of your pickering then?
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If they make it to ripening I will let you know. This is its second year. It fruited its first year but dropped everything at BB size.
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(https://s18.postimg.cc/9r3e7zegl/IMG_2587.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/9r3e7zegl/)
Pickering pushing buds in 60gal fabric pot.
You sure thats a 60 gal?
I'm actually not sure and it looks a lot smaller in the picture. It may be 60 divided by 2 :)
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(https://s18.postimg.cc/9r3e7zegl/IMG_2587.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/9r3e7zegl/)
Pickering pushing buds in 60gal fabric pot.
You sure thats a 60 gal?
I'm actually not sure and it looks a lot smaller in the picture. It may be 60 divided by 2 :)
more like 15 gallon, 25 the most.
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(https://s18.postimg.cc/9r3e7zegl/IMG_2587.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/9r3e7zegl/)
Pickering pushing buds in 60gal fabric pot.
You sure thats a 60 gal?
I'm actually not sure and it looks a lot smaller in the picture. It may be 60 divided by 2 :)
more like 15 gallon, 25 the most.
Based on the tree size, I am in agreement with that.
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Pickering is a very good tasting mango....it's a good producer as well
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(https://s18.postimg.cc/9r3e7zegl/IMG_2587.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/9r3e7zegl/)
Pickering pushing buds in 60gal fabric pot.
You sure thats a 60 gal?
I'm actually not sure and it looks a lot smaller in the picture. It may be 60 divided by 2 :)
more like 15 gallon, 25 the most.
Based on the tree size, I am in agreement with that.
Ok guys. The picture is really decieving. I just pulled the measurements and it was 18" high x 27" dia. I then went to the gro-pro website and looked up the spec sheet. Ladies and gentlemen I stand corrected as it is a 45.
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Its 9" wider than it is tall?
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Its 9" wider than it is tall?
It sure doesn't look it by the picture but yes. I was standing on a five gallon bucket angled down and wanted to capture the whole tree in the frame.
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Pickering is a very good tasting mango....it's a good producer as well
Yep! Kudos to whomever developed it. Mine was a reliable heavy producer of great tasting fruit.
(https://s28.postimg.cc/rzq36jou1/Pickering_Mango_Aug.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/rzq36jou1/)
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Flmikey,
My recommendation is to sample and taste the mango yourself before deciding to grow it. Case in point I really love the taste of the ice cream mango. Last year I had my neighbors over for a small tasting some mangos coco cream, lemon zest, mallika, carrie, VP ect and the most liked mango was ice cream, not kidding last year the ice cream mangos were exceptional from truly tropical, so much I ripped out my 15ft fruiting Bangkok lemon jackfruit, to plant a 3 gallon ice cream in a premium spot in my lawn. Here is a bad pic of it it loaded in blooms a month ago, indeed a small compact grower. Have heard from multiple sources the ice cream has anthracnose issues which affects productivity, but from my personal samplings the unique creamy consistency of the flesh with its minty lemon resin flavor make it well worth growing. Pickering not a bad choice to grow, for consistent mango sustinance but would love to hear from others on here if they had to eat a prime ice cream mango or a prime Pickering mango what you gonna pick?
(https://s10.postimg.cc/vkfhilqcl/IMG_0032.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/vkfhilqcl/)
-joep450
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Ice Cream mango is also prone to scab, on the foliage and fruit.
Pickering vs Ice Cream....quite simple, PICKERING.
With that being said, and we can all make fun of someone, criticize them or make endless jokes when they say the like variety x (Carrie comes to mind) however bottom line tastes are subjective and one must grow and choose what they like.
Oh, and just for shits and giggles, I would choose a Bangkok Lemon jackfruit over an Ice Cream mango 24/7/365...
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I personally like Ice Cream mango. In the 3-4 seasons I've been able to get fruit from my tree, it was a treat to eat them amongst the other cvs I have and fruit I've bought. I've had no issues with scab and Ice Cream in my yard- the same can't be said for some other seedlings I have. The problem though is production. The trend seems to be in the first season bloom it sets allot of golf ball sized fruit, then they get all aborted when the second bloom comes in which does not set any fruit at all. It's truly a connoisseur's mango. I'd say its more compact than Pickering. If the OP has an opportunity to, try Imam Pasand mango. It is one of thee slowest growing trees in my yard. Barely two growth flushes a year, takes well to tipping, though it can be lanky- which can be offset somewhat by buying a nice structured 3 gal plant. I've had 3 seasons of production from it and it's barely 5' 5" tall. I have no doubt it would do well in a 45-60 gal pot.
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Try them before you select the cultivar? You must be kidding. Try getting Florida Zill mangos in Texas! >:(
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I have been growing the following mango trees in containers since the end of 2015:
1. Sweet Tart is growing in a 25 gal. container and is now setting fruit.
2. Coconut Cream is growing in a 45 gal. container which I pugged in July 2016.
3. Mallika is growing in a 25 gal. container is blooming presently.
4. Fruit Punch is growing in a 7 gal. container and is going to be stepped up to a 15 gal. this week.
5. Mahachanok is growing in a 45 gal. container is blooming and setting fruit presently.
6. Pickering is growing in a 25 gal. container is blooming and setting fruit presently.
The last four varieties are Honey Kiss, Cotton Candy, Kathy, and Phoenix are all growing in 3 gal containers.
(https://s28.postimg.cc/boweyu9cp/IMG_3684.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/boweyu9cp/)
(https://s14.postimg.cc/owj7goel9/IMG_3688.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/owj7goel9/)
(https://s27.postimg.cc/lz1eeanf3/IMG_3540.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/lz1eeanf3/)
(https://s17.postimg.cc/osjtwcbxn/IMG_3542.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/osjtwcbxn/)
(https://s23.postimg.cc/z8i1nbxvb/IMG_3544.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/z8i1nbxvb/)
(https://s1.postimg.cc/grswx8kgb/IMG_3550.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/grswx8kgb/)
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Thanks for all the replies and pics :)
It seems like all these varieties have their pro's and con's. JoeP, I consider myself a mango lover, but maybe not a connoisseur haha!
I went to the nursery to check out the tree's, and I noticed what looks like a little bit of Anthracnose on the upper part of the tree trunk for the Fairchild (3 gal) and Pickering (7 gal). I asked the nursery employee (different one than the one that said I can just transplant the 3g into 65g), about it, and he said that it was normal. Also, that if I'm concerned about it, I probably shouldn't be growing mango tree's. He said they don't spray, so that's why it's there, and that the tree's all come from Zills. I didn't see any Anthracnose on the Honey Kiss (3gal) or Pina Colada (3gal). Other than the little bit of Anthracnose I saw, I was really pleased with the size of all the tree's and overall health. Should I not buy the tree's where I noticed the Anthracnose, or is it normal for them to have it? I have seen Pickering and Fairchild without Anthracnose at a different nursery, but they were smaller.
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Obviously, without anthracnose is better than with--- and breathing air without dust is better than with. The commonness is about the same.
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Agreed - I don't feel like dealing with an Anthracnose problem day 1.
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I have been growing the following mango trees in containers since the end of 2015:
1. Sweet Tart is growing in a 25 gal. container and is now setting fruit.
2. Coconut Cream is growing in a 45 gal. container which I pugged in July 2016.
3. Mallika is growing in a 25 gal. container is blooming presently.
4. Fruit Punch is growing in a 7 gal. container and is going to be stepped up to a 15 gal. this week.
5. Mahachanok is growing in a 45 gal. container is blooming and setting fruit presently.
6. Pickering is growing in a 25 gal. container is blooming and setting fruit presently.
The last four varieties are Honey Kiss, Cotton Candy, Kathy, and Phoenix are all growing in 3 gal containers.
(https://s28.postimg.cc/boweyu9cp/IMG_3684.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/boweyu9cp/)
(https://s14.postimg.cc/owj7goel9/IMG_3688.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/owj7goel9/)
(https://s27.postimg.cc/lz1eeanf3/IMG_3540.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/lz1eeanf3/)
(https://s17.postimg.cc/osjtwcbxn/IMG_3542.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/osjtwcbxn/)
(https://s23.postimg.cc/z8i1nbxvb/IMG_3544.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/z8i1nbxvb/)
(https://s1.postimg.cc/grswx8kgb/IMG_3550.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/grswx8kgb/)
nice trees. If you're in FL, why not put them in the ground? Not like you can move them now if there's any freeze in the winter....
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Is the Fafard professional potting mix good for mango container growing? It's the only one I found locally at a nursery. http://fafard.com/products/?id=166 (http://fafard.com/products/?id=166)
Or I also have miracle gro moisture control available too.
Which would be better?
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I have hear good things about fafard. I wouldn't get anything moisture control for mangos. I usually fight rot more than retention.
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All my mangoes in containers are growing in Fafard soil.
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Thanks for the reply guys. I know bsbullie recommended Fafard 3 mix(http://www.sungro.com/professional-products?brandID=2&catID=1&productID=185 (http://www.sungro.com/professional-products?brandID=2&catID=1&productID=185)), Fafard Nursery Mix (http://www.sungro.com/professional-products?brandID=2&catID=1&productID=189 (http://www.sungro.com/professional-products?brandID=2&catID=1&productID=189)), or Fafard 52 (http://www.sungro.com/professional-products?brandID=2&catID=1&productID=187 (http://www.sungro.com/professional-products?brandID=2&catID=1&productID=187)), but I wonder if those are superior to the Fafard Professional Potting Mix (http://fafard.com/products/?id=166 (http://fafard.com/products/?id=166))?
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Thanks for the reply guys. I know bsbullie recommended Fafard 3 mix(http://www.sungro.com/professional-products?brandID=2&catID=1&productID=185 (http://www.sungro.com/professional-products?brandID=2&catID=1&productID=185)), Fafard Nursery Mix (http://www.sungro.com/professional-products?brandID=2&catID=1&productID=189 (http://www.sungro.com/professional-products?brandID=2&catID=1&productID=189)), or Fafard 52 (http://www.sungro.com/professional-products?brandID=2&catID=1&productID=187 (http://www.sungro.com/professional-products?brandID=2&catID=1&productID=187)), but I wonder if those are superior to the Fafard Professional Potting Mix (http://fafard.com/products/?id=166 (http://fafard.com/products/?id=166))?
That is not the commercial product. Dont be fooled by a name on the package. The options I posted are commercial and far superior products.
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Thanks BsBullie. It looks a little harder than I expected to find those Fafard soils down here in South Fl. I think I can probably get ProMix much easier. Is Pro Mix BX Mycorrhizae a good one (http://www.pthorticulture.com/en/products/pro-mix-bx-mycorrhizae/ (http://www.pthorticulture.com/en/products/pro-mix-bx-mycorrhizae/)), or Pro-Mix HPCC Mycorrhizae (http://www.pthorticulture.com/en/products/pro-mix-hpcc-mycorrhizae/ (http://www.pthorticulture.com/en/products/pro-mix-hpcc-mycorrhizae/)) or are there any others from ProMix I should try to source?
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I think I'm going to go with the Pro Mix HP Mycorrhizae (http://www.pthorticulture.com/en/products/pro-mix-hp-mycorrhizae/#tab:product-specification (http://www.pthorticulture.com/en/products/pro-mix-hp-mycorrhizae/#tab:product-specification)). My only concern is it has 65% - 75% Sphagnum Peat Moss - is that too high? Also is Mycorrhizae really beneficial? It sounds good, but idk if it's marketing hype. From their site,"Mycorrhizae - GHA297 Technology is a Biological Growth Enhancer that increases the yield of flower, fruit and vegetable plants by extending the root system to acquire the most of available nutrients in the soil. Mycorrhizae also improve resistance to root diseases and stresses."
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I have been growing the following mango trees in containers since the end of 2015:
1. Sweet Tart is growing in a 25 gal. container and is now setting fruit.
2. Coconut Cream is growing in a 45 gal. container which I pugged in July 2016.
3. Mallika is growing in a 25 gal. container is blooming presently.
4. Fruit Punch is growing in a 7 gal. container and is going to be stepped up to a 15 gal. this week.
5. Mahachanok is growing in a 45 gal. container is blooming and setting fruit presently.
6. Pickering is growing in a 25 gal. container is blooming and setting fruit presently.
The last four varieties are Honey Kiss, Cotton Candy, Kathy, and Phoenix are all growing in 3 gal containers.
(https://s28.postimg.cc/boweyu9cp/IMG_3684.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/boweyu9cp/)
(https://s14.postimg.cc/owj7goel9/IMG_3688.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/owj7goel9/)
(https://s27.postimg.cc/lz1eeanf3/IMG_3540.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/lz1eeanf3/)
(https://s17.postimg.cc/osjtwcbxn/IMG_3542.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/osjtwcbxn/)
(https://s23.postimg.cc/z8i1nbxvb/IMG_3544.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/z8i1nbxvb/)
(https://s1.postimg.cc/grswx8kgb/IMG_3550.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/grswx8kgb/)
Wow, you've been doing a great job with those container mango as they look really good. Thanks for posting!
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Wow, you've been doing a great job with those container mango as they look really good. Thanks for posting!
The dedication and success these container growers like this fella has is amazing. Kudos! There are many Texas growers that fruit every kind of exotics fruit you can imagine and are grafting "fools". For example we have a lady in our FB page that has been doing this for decades. Root prunes occasionally too. Hauls hundreds of pots into a greenhouse every winter.
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Thank you guys for the encouraging words. I am also growing Rollinia in a 45 gallon container, a Lisa Atemoya in a 45 gallon container, Gefner and Dream in 25 gallon containers, two Abiu's in 15 gallon containers, and various other Annonas, Citrus, White Sapote, Guavas, Ilamas, Figs, Custard Apples, and Mulberries. The Lisa, Gefner, Dream, and two Sugar Apples are all multi-grafted with 3 to 4 different varieties of Atemoyas and Cherimoyas.
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Bigal - your tree's look great, and I saw your other post mentioning BWI in Homestead for Fafard. I'll be picking up some Fafard 3 from them next week. Are you mixing anything else into it (fertilizer?), or just planting your trees straight into it?
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FlMikey- I am using the Fafard 3B mix with a handful of Azomite and some worm castings.
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I have room for 1 more compact tree to grow in a container. I was thinking about Kesar. Is this a good tree for container growing?
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FlMikey,
My Mahachanok was one of my favorite tasting mangoes last season. I think it's a great container mango, it has good disease resistance and is a good producer. I would definitely recommend Mahachanok besides it's a nice looking mango.
(https://s9.postimg.cc/qfm85amnf/IMG_2967.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/qfm85amnf/)
(https://s9.postimg.cc/69iq6eqzv/IMG_2970.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/69iq6eqzv/)
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Hey BigAl,
I was thinking about Mahachanok too. Was it in the 45 gallon when it was fruiting? How many did you get?
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I hear that 'Jumbo Kesar' is a more compact tree than the regular 'Kesar.'
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That'd be great if the jumbo kesar was more compact. I was watching a video last night of a farm full of kesars and jumbo kesars in the dominican republic, and the jumbo fruit size is really quite nice.
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Kesar is a fairly vigorous tree, much more vigorous than Mahachanok, Cogshall and the like.
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FlMikey,
I believe I got about 25 to 30 Mahachanok mangoes last year. It was in the 45 gallon container
at the time. After I harvest the fruit this year, I will be repotting the Mahachanok into a 65 gallon
container.
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It's settled - will go for the Maha. I think that's a pretty good haul for the Maha BigAl. How old is your tree?
As a side note, I have a Honey Kiss and Pina Colada in 3 gallons, and am going to be transplanting to larger containers this weekend. Is it too fast if I move them from a 3 gallon to 15 gallon container? I will be using Fafard 3 as the medium. I know it's usually recommended to go 3 -> 7 -> 15 ->25 etc, but wondering would I risk root rot going from 3 -> 15?
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OK, took you guys advice as well and picked up my go to nursery's last Mahachanok. Also got a Cotton Candy that I have been hunting for. If you are in Orlando area, Green Jungle still has CCs.
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Yes, 3-gallon mangos into 15-gallon is standard procedure in nurseries.
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It's settled - will go for the Maha. I think that's a pretty good haul for the Maha BigAl. How old is your tree?
As a side note, I have a Honey Kiss and Pina Colada in 3 gallons, and am going to be transplanting to larger containers this weekend. Is it too fast if I move them from a 3 gallon to 15 gallon container? I will be using Fafard 3 as the medium. I know it's usually recommended to go 3 -> 7 -> 15 ->25 etc, but wondering would I risk root rot going from 3 -> 15?
You should be fine from 3 to a 15 if the roots of the 3 are well developed (not rootbound but developed). If the Honey Kiss is a new, small 3 gal, make sure the roots sre ready so the rootball doesn't fall apart when transplanting.
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Thanks guys! I have a 7 gal Pickering and wanted to get a 7 gallon maha tomorrow. I was initially going to move those to a 15 gallon. Could those go to a 25 or is that too much?
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To those growing in containers I recommend a system that terminates the root tip which induces a very fibrous efficient root system in a pot half the normal size. That system can be either a air/light system like the Rootmaker products or copper hydroxide paints like MicroKote.
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Thanks for the reminder Mark. I've got the Microkote ready :) I'll be using black standard gro pro nursery containers.
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Thanks for the reminder Mark. I've got the Microkote ready :) I'll be using black standard gro pro nursery containers.
Good luck with that. Here's a home brew you can make. http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=3239.0 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=3239.0)
I've got a huge, bottomless RootBuilder pot ready for a newly grafted cherimoya.
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Thanks Mark. I may try that homebrew next time. I think I want to try the 7 -> 25, unless its a really bad idea. But if I can go 3 -> 15, it makes proportional sense to me I can go 7 -> 25.
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Applied 2 coats of microkoat to all my pots, so tomorrow will be transplanting everything. I also see that Har said it's possible to go from a 7 -> 25, which is a good thing, considering I already applied the Microkoat :) http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=20337.0 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=20337.0)
I think the only thing I'm missing right now is mulch. Is this Pine Bark from Home Depot any good - http://www.homedepot.com/p/2-cu-ft-Pine-Bark-Nuggets-363936/202526086 (http://www.homedepot.com/p/2-cu-ft-Pine-Bark-Nuggets-363936/202526086) ?
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Thanks Mark. I may try that homebrew next time. I think I want to try the 7 -> 25, unless its a really bad idea. But if I can go 3 -> 15, it makes proportional sense to me I can go 7 -> 25.
Why containers, do you need to move them?
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Applied 2 coats of microkoat to all my pots, so tomorrow will be transplanting everything. I also see that Har said it's possible to go from a 7 -> 25, which is a good thing, considering I already applied the Microkoat :) http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=20337.0 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=20337.0)
I think the only thing I'm missing right now is mulch. Is this Pine Bark from Home Depot any good - http://www.homedepot.com/p/2-cu-ft-Pine-Bark-Nuggets-363936/202526086 (http://www.homedepot.com/p/2-cu-ft-Pine-Bark-Nuggets-363936/202526086) ?
Good on ya! Pine bark makes good mulch, so does pine needles. For economy of scale I try to buy materials in bulk whether it be washed builder's sand, vermiculite, manure, or mulch from our landfill which is "dirt cheap". :D I mulch my big greenhouse pots with the trees' leaves and pine needles. Floor of the greenhouse is also covered in leaves around the bottomless pots.
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Thanks Mark. I may try that homebrew next time. I think I want to try the 7 -> 25, unless its a really bad idea. But if I can go 3 -> 15, it makes proportional sense to me I can go 7 -> 25.
Why containers, do you need to move them?
HOA shenanigans, and the last time I had a small Julie tree in my backyard, the gardeners ran it over not once but twice and destroyed it. I have a back patio where I'm planning on taking care of the trees which should keep them safe, and don't have to deal with HOA.
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Thanks Mark. I may try that homebrew next time. I think I want to try the 7 -> 25, unless its a really bad idea. But if I can go 3 -> 15, it makes proportional sense to me I can go 7 -> 25.
Why containers, do you need to move them?
HOA shenanigans, and the last time I had a small Julie tree in my backyard, the gardeners ran it over not once but twice and destroyed it. I have a back patio where I'm planning on taking care of the trees which should keep them safe, and don't have to deal with HOA.
Do any of the governing documents disallow fruit trees? Are there any other homes with fruit trees in their back yards?
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Thanks Mark. I may try that homebrew next time. I think I want to try the 7 -> 25, unless its a really bad idea. But if I can go 3 -> 15, it makes proportional sense to me I can go 7 -> 25.
Why containers, do you need to move them?
HOA shenanigans, and the last time I had a small Julie tree in my backyard, the gardeners ran it over not once but twice and destroyed it. I have a back patio where I'm planning on taking care of the trees which should keep them safe, and don't have to deal with HOA.
Do any of the governing documents disallow fruit trees? Are there any other homes with fruit trees in their back yards?
In my sub development, no I haven't seen any fruit trees. There's a very large mango tree in a different sub development. It's just a matter of the HOA approving the request - really not sure what's in the HOA docs tbh. Part of my request to the HOA would entail the removal of a different dead tree on the property to be replaced with a mango tree.
The other concern is gardeners running over the plant. I suppose this can be mitigated by purchasing a large 7 gallon tree - although I really don't trust the gardeners? I had sticks circling my Julie with string around it forming a circle and they still managed to run it over twice. It was about 4 feet tall too.
Last concern is theft from the gardeners and damaged / lost crop from critters. I'd need a tree that yields a high quantity of mango's such that I'd still have quite a lot even if accounting for the losses.
I'll probably send a request to the HOA, and if they clear it, then I'd research the right tree for the circumstances.
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No offense but that's a lot of restrictive crap. Only you can weigh the risks and all the hoops you gotta go thru.
Where I live we have little to no rules, don't need them as most folks use common sense and respect others' property. Californians would be shocked at the hands off approach of our County commissioners. They don't believe in rules and let the private sector do pretty much what they want and it works.
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Thanks Mark. I may try that homebrew next time. I think I want to try the 7 -> 25, unless its a really bad idea. But if I can go 3 -> 15, it makes proportional sense to me I can go 7 -> 25.
Why containers, do you need to move them?
HOA shenanigans, and the last time I had a small Julie tree in my backyard, the gardeners ran it over not once but twice and destroyed it. I have a back patio where I'm planning on taking care of the trees which should keep them safe, and don't have to deal with HOA.
Do any of the governing documents disallow fruit trees? Are there any other homes with fruit trees in their back yards?
In my sub development, no I haven't seen any fruit trees. There's a very large mango tree in a different sub development. It's just a matter of the HOA approving the request - really not sure what's in the HOA docs tbh. Part of my request to the HOA would entail the removal of a different dead tree on the property to be replaced with a mango tree.
The other concern is gardeners running over the plant. I suppose this can be mitigated by purchasing a large 7 gallon tree - although I really don't trust the gardeners? I had sticks circling my Julie with string around it forming a circle and they still managed to run it over twice. It was about 4 feet tall too.
Last concern is theft from the gardeners and damaged / lost crop from critters. I'd need a tree that yields a high quantity of mango's such that I'd still have quite a lot even if accounting for the losses.
I'll probably send a request to the HOA, and if they clear it, then I'd research the right tree for the circumstances.
Just a suggestion. Review all your docs (Dec, Rules & Regs, ARC Guidelines, etc.). If the docs are silent or say you can have, that is in your favor. Alao, it makes most sense that its in your back yard. Dont mess with putting in the front, that would be asking for problems.
You have two methods once you determine that there are no limitations. Put in a request and hope for the best. State uou have reciewed the governing documents and are keeping in compliance. May work, may not...
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Remove dead tree and just plant the mango. IF they say anything, its sometimes better to ask for forgiveness and request permission.
If on the other hand, your docs clearly do not allow fruit trees, take your chances and keep fingers crossed but prepare for the worst...
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Where are you guys getting this special potting soil? Online? Going to keep a Maha potted and want to try this stuff out. Farfard, is that a local south FL potting soil? I haven't seen it in Central FL. The only local stuff I have seen is HD's Kellogg potting soil which is a little dirt mixed with ground up pine bark for the most part.
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Where are you guys getting this special potting soil? Online? Going to keep a Maha potted and want to try this stuff out.
Have to go to a distributor like Harrell's which is in Florida. May have to buy a pallet and set up a commercial account. Call 'em up.
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Remove dead tree and just plant the mango. IF they say anything, its sometimes better to ask for forgiveness and request permission.
You mean "it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission". That's my approach too.
Personally I wouldn't take the risk and don't like some group micro managing me while I pay them some outrageous fee to do so.......reason why I live on a farm and do damn well what I please.
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Thanks for the reminder Mark. I've got the Microkote ready :) I'll be using black standard gro pro nursery containers.
Good luck with that. Here's a home brew you can make. http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=3239.0 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=3239.0)
I've got a huge, bottomless RootBuilder pot ready for a newly grafted cherimoya.
Mark I just got off the phone with fruit growers supply and they have Kocide 2000 ( 56 % copper hydroxide ) If i'm understanding you correctly then I would mix 26 ouces of this dry powder to a gallon of white latex paint in order to make my own mixture of microkote ?
William
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Remove dead tree and just plant the mango. IF they say anything, its sometimes better to ask for forgiveness and request permission.
You mean "it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission". That's my approach too.
Personally I wouldn't take the risk and don't like some group micro managing me while I pay them some outrageous fee to do so.......reason why I live on a farm and do damn well what I please.
Yeah, thats what I meant to say. Lol
Thats also why I am moving to a non-HOA community.
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Yes, use fafard or promix. Do not waste your time and money with gritty mix.
are these fafards and promixes cheaper?
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Yes, use fafard or promix. Do not waste your time and money with gritty mix.
are these fafards and promixes cheaper?
If you live close to a BWI wholesaler, you can get 2.8 cu feet of Fafard for approximately $14. I think that's pretty economical.
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Yes, use fafard or promix. Do not waste your time and money with gritty mix.
are these fafards and promixes cheaper?
Its not a matter of being cheaper, its what is better for the plants (my comment wasn't monetary based but that spending all that money to make a gritty mix when there us no benefit).
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Tropheus, there is a BWI in apopka off 441, I got some Faford from there
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Thanks for the reminder Mark. I've got the Microkote ready :) I'll be using black standard gro pro nursery containers.
Good luck with that. Here's a home brew you can make. http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=3239.0 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=3239.0)
I've got a huge, bottomless RootBuilder pot ready for a newly grafted cherimoya.
Mark I just got off the phone with fruit growers supply and they have Kocide 2000 ( 56 % copper hydroxide ) If i'm understanding you correctly then I would mix 26 ouces of this dry powder to a gallon of white latex paint in order to make my own mixture of microkote ?
William
Haven't made that homebrew but if that's the recipe I'd go with it. You won't know until you treat the pots, plant, and then upcan later and observe the root system. There should be no peripheral roots, like this one which was planted into a pot treated with Griffin's Spin-out. I still have some spray cans and apply 3 light coats to a clean, scrubbed pot.
(https://s18.postimg.cc/ldbqpml11/Rootball_2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ldbqpml11/)
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If you live close to a BWI wholesaler, you can get 2.8 cu feet of Fafard for approximately $14. I think that's pretty economical.
If that's a typical bale, like 42" X 18" then that's a good buy IF you can walk in off the street and buy. Am a niche farmer and have a commercial account with them but haven't done biz with them cause they're a rip, at least the Schulenberg, TX op is. They only sale wholesale too. Best bet is buy it by the pallet and split with friends after the requirement to set up an account which is lots of fun. :-\ I would end up amending it anyway so it's best for me to buy discounted end of season closeout bags of compost, cow manure, humus....whatever..... and mix my own based on feel, smell and looks. I add stuff like blood and bone meal, alfalfa slop I make from alfalfa horse nuggets (for the triacontanol value), dolomite lime, peat (for the humates), etc.
Drill is - you see bags and bags of gardening stuff on the parking lot of Walmart or lumber yard, many of them broken so you approach the store manager and make him an offer to take them off his hands. Works for me.
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If you were making your own soil mix for mangos in a pot using easily obtainable(from a big box, no material selling nurseries close by) off the shelf materials what would you use?
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If you were making your own soil mix for mangos in a pot using easily obtainable(from a big box, no material selling nurseries close by) off the shelf materials what would you use?
I use whatever I have on hand. Point being folks make too much out of this. I do recommend a mychorzzial drench which I've done to thousands of trees, grapevines and plants.
I use a mix using my carport floor, tractor bucket and my back to put it together. I dump bags of pine bark, compost, peat moss, vermiculite and builder's sand and the goodies I mentioned in the previous thread. I move a tractor bucket to the greenhouse and shovel the mix into RootBuilder pots. Here's a newly grafted and planted Sweet Tart from last year. It is now a healthy tree with about 50 fruitlets on it.
(https://s16.postimg.cc/kvqtvkhr5/Sweet_Tart.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/kvqtvkhr5/)
Here's a Moro blood orange showing very little perimeter roots, only large white roots growing into native soil. I was adding panels to enlarge the pot.
(https://s23.postimg.cc/ctf9feq6f/Moro_Repot_June2014.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ctf9feq6f/)
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Pine bark? Ground up pine bark or whole chunks? Doesn't that raise the acidity of the soil? Any particular ratios?
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I have 1 more Microkoated pot from the first batch of trees I planted (Pickering, Honey Kiss, Fairchild, Maha Chanok, Pina Colada), and I think it deserves a tree :) . My choices are Angie, Florigon, Providence, or Venus - but I haven't had a chance to try any of these cultivar's yet. As far as taste, I prefer mango's that taste like mango's. This season I've had a Lemon Zest, and Lemon Merengue, and while they are good, I prefer a more classical mango flavor. I like bold flavors, also like coconut flavors and tropical flavors in mango's. Because it's going to be in a pot for many years, I'd also want a variety that's precocious & likely to set fruit annually - figure productivity will be limited due to container growing conditions, so looking for a "workhouse" tree. I live in West Pembroke Pines, so I'd want something that will do well here & disease resistant. Which one would do best?
I'm leaning towards Angie based on reviews. What are some of you mango aficionado's opinions on these varieties as it relates to container growing, precociousness, disease resistance?
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Pine bark? Ground up pine bark or whole chunks? Doesn't that raise the acidity of the soil? Any particular ratios?
Fines and small chunks. Lowers pH, not raises.
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I'm leaning towards Angie based on reviews. What are some of you mango aficionado's opinions on these varieties as it relates to container growing, precociousness, disease resistance?
I'm not sure Angie is a suitable choice for container growing. I wouldn't call it particularly compact, as it likes to spread its branches.
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Angie also has scab issues. From your taste descriptions, I would go with Venus or Providence out of that group but I can tell you now, you will have to be doing some creative pruning to start (tip pruning to create shape, not severe whacking) and down the road (to thin and limit size).
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Thanks Rob & John. Rob, do you still think Venus has the same or similar growth habit to Maha Chanok (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=16712.msg212254#msg212254 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=16712.msg212254#msg212254))? I ask because if that's the case, then I would graft Venus on to it, and plant the Providence. Or would Providence have more of a similar growth habit to the Maha?
As far as tipping and pruning, I've been watching Dr. Campbell's videos and really enjoyed this other video I found on youtube (starting at around 8:30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh1AnvNa6mc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh1AnvNa6mc) but thought the whole video was educational). Between the videos, and this article (http://www.growables.org/information/documents/MangoPruningStrategies.pdf (http://www.growables.org/information/documents/MangoPruningStrategies.pdf)), I think I have the foundation..hopefully :)
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When I tip prune, I am a little more aggressive than what Dr. Campbell shows. I have been successful with more tipping, tipping new growth when still soft and tipping at less growth length.
Providence, Mahachanok and Venus are somewhat similar yet all ultimately different but with peuning, they would make good partners when top working and multi-grafting.
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Thanks again Rob. Would you say Providence or Venus is more precocious and consistent setting fruit?
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Thanks again Rob. Would you say Providence or Venus is more precocious and consistent setting fruit?
I think I would have to say Venus.