The Tropical Fruit Forum

Hi,

How do you determine how much to water these particular plants? I have a few different soils (miracle gro, coir mix, gritty mix) so I was wondering if someone could share their estimated watering frequencies and any tips. I'm also in CA zone 9b.

Also, I tried the paper towel germination method and 3 out of 6 seedlings sprouted roots very well, the successful ones making several punctures in the paper towel. The not so successful 3 just had a bit of black on them and didn't sprout at all, though I did buy them international (therefore irradiated). I planted them anyways just incase they might turn around though I'm not really expecting it to do so. Should I be setting these in sunlight or shade the first few weeks?

Thank you all.

I did the paper towel in a Ziploc bag method. 100% germination for me. I just left it on a table.

Thanks, could I ask how long you let it sit? I'm assuming you left it in shade and not in an area where sunlight would shine down on it?

Quote from: Sidd on August 23, 2018, 11:02:06 PM

Quote from: bsbullie on August 23, 2018, 10:15:11 PM

Never seen any stores that sell seeds.  You are in California,  just find some Manilla fruit and plant away.  When sized up enough, graft the variety you want (I dont recommend Alphonso for your area).

By Manila fruit do you mean Manila Mangoes? Thanks.

Yes, correct.

Also, are Manila mangoes the same as Phillipine mangoes or Carabao mangoes?

Never seen any stores that sell seeds.  You are in California,  just find some Manilla fruit and plant away.  When sized up enough, graft the variety you want (I dont recommend Alphonso for your area).

By Manila fruit do you mean Manila Mangoes? Thanks.

Sid, my understanding is that "Manila" is commonly used as root stock in California, so you can either buy seedlings already started or just buy some locally grown Manila fruit, and plant the seeds.   Florida root stock ( generally Turpentine )  does very poorly here in the DR.  and have read it does not do well there in California,  couple years ago or so, I planted a Manila seed,  and I have never seen any other local variety grow so fast.   I intend to use that tree as a source of fruit for seeds,  the fruit is not bad also. 

It's so much easier to just go out and buy/order a Alphonso tree,  but I understand many want to start from scratch and do it themselves.  it is exciting to start your own seedling and graft onto it.   you still need access to Alphonso scions though.

Hi Tropic,

Thanks for the info, I've also heard that Manila rootstocks tend to be better in California from another grower. Could I ask where you found your Manila seeds? I'm having trouble locating online stores that sells seeds in particular, since most want to sell either scions or small trees.

Sidd... Alphonso is a mono which means the seedling will not be true to type..... Buy or grow a rootstock tree & then graft .... This will give you what you want or just buy a grafted Alphonso tree........ Mike

Do particular mangos work as good rootstocks for grafting? I would think two different types of mango rootstocks with the same Alphonso graft would turn out different, but I'm curious if there's one thats used typically.

Also, does that mean rootstocks should typically be polyembryonic and not monoembryonic? And does that mean a monoembryonic seed can't have the characteristics of the parent tree, or that there is just no guarantee? Is it basically a risk to plant mono seeds? Also, can monoembryonic varieties produce fruit that have polyembryonic seeds, however unlikely, or is that just not possible?

Thank you!

For your mangoes, did you graft them all onto one tree, or do you have each mango variety as a separate tree? Of the listed mangoes, which do you enjoy the most?