Mango seedlings-Best seed choices as rootstock for grafting for cooler SoCal

[Vid_nand]

Hi all,
I’m planning to start a few mango seedlings as fun project to share with people and also for future grafting.  I also need one rootstock to add to my existing five year old Mallika mango tree (To double  the rootstock thanks to the suggestion from our fellow member @Nullzero).  I was planning to use Manila or Ataulfo as root stocks. After seeing an old post (pls check below) from MangoProfessor, I got confused. He suggests kent & few other as better options than Manila.

https://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=7089.0

Could someone pour your thoughts on which route stock I should choose ex. Mono or Poly.  Manila, Kent etc.  As we live in Torrance , CA - 90504( close to beach),  I prefer getting a suitable rootstock for our cooler weather even though I’m trying to give the tree a bit more heat by adding rocks at the bottom & supplemental heat from the landscape lighting after late evening.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks in Advance!

Vidyaa

[spaugh]

Kent is fine.  You can use florida mangos as rootstock like sweet tart and then not need to graft it.  IMO adding another rootstock is kind of a waste of time.  To get mature mango tree just takes lots and lots and LOTs of patience in CA.  Theres no way to really speed it up. 

You can try but I think its better to just plant another seperate tree away from the 1st one. 

Can we see how the 5 year old tree is looking?

[Vid_nand]

Hi Brad,
Thanks for your input.  Here comes a picture of our tree.  I couldn’t figure out whether it is airlayered or grafted.  Got it from Champa nursery around 2019 (came with few baby fruits & 1 got matured that yr)The tree is around 4 ft tall & 3.5 ft wide.  we have a 5 ft wall (facing north) behind the mango tree which is blocking part of the part of morning sunlight during winter.  Now the tree has grown up bit bigger,  I’m hoping it will get more sunlight. I just added lsome extra rocks at the bottom to add more heat for the plant.










Vidyaa

[spaugh]

Honestly you won't like this but I would ditch the rocks and put mulch there and some blueberry fertilizer under the mulch to juic it up and add some acidity.  The worms will work on the mulch and move the nutrients down and the mulch will help keep the moisture consistent and add nutrients.  Rocks are pretty useless under a tree IMO.  Your mileage may vary.

The small yard with walls and stuff shading is tough for sure.  You just have to try and absolutely maximize your few hot summer months. 

Or rip it out and put a cherry tree in.  The mango tree is likely to never do much. 

[Vid_nand]

Thank you brad.   Got it.  Funny.  I just added the rocks around an hr back.  My back is still hurting from the work.  😂😂.   

[Vid_nand]

Also, I don’t have access to any Florida Mangoes.  Where can i find a sweet tart seed?