Background: loved my mango tree in Miami, moved to Orlando 3 years ago and planted an M-4 (doing well) and a Lemon Sherbet (died in frost, but the turpentine rootstock sprouted, and the 2 stalks I kept are now over 5-feet tall). I'm driving to WPB area August 2/3 and wanted to Buy/Try some varieties to identify those that I want to graft onto the turpentine stock I have. I'd probably arrive in the area late am Saturday, and leave late Sunday. Ideally I'd taste mangos Saturday and return and buy scions on Sunday (though in busy fruiting season I realize this may not be possible). So with that in mind, here's my questions:
1. Where should I go?
I've identified the following options, but open to more:
a) Tropical Acres Farms is open 12-3 on Sat/Sun, though I'd probably have to order the night before
https://www.tropicalacresfarms.com/product-page/mangoes-for-local-pick-up-onlyb) Zill has an address at 7424 Hypoluxo Farms Road, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33463, but no website, so unsure it's open to public.
c) Zill also has an address at 197 SE 27th Ave, Boynton Beach FL 33435, but again no website, so like (b) not sure I can go at all.
d) Truly Tropical at 2759 Seacrest Blvd, Delray Beach 33444 is ONLY open Saturday from 9-noon (no Sunday), so I'd be just catching it on my first day down there, and just the tail end when they may be sold out of some varieties.
https://www.themangoplace.com/blog/2024/7/14/mango-hours-for-the-coming-weekIf Zill isn't open to public, I guess I'd try to catch (d) before it closes at noon, then straight head to (a) to either pick up what I'd reserved the night before, or choose on the spot. But if I do find something I want graft, (d) is closed Sunday, and (a) isn't selling Scions during busy season (and maybe (a) isn't either).
2. Varietal Recommendations:
My guru/grafter recommends pickering, guava mango, beatrice and Maha Chanok, but my ideal plant is
(i) not a coconut-variety (since I already have M-4);
(ii) mid-sized (I have room for a medium tree and want to block views of neighbor);
(iii) ripens after picking (because squirrels); and of course
(iv) grows in central florida.
Bonus for recommendations that are not late-season (as the M-4 I already have is late-season).
I'm leaning towards Indian flavor profile (Angie, Carrie, Super Julie, Juliette, Creme Brulee, Fruit Cocktail, Graham, Ice Cream?), as "the Orlando Gardener" seems to be doing well with Julie/Juliette, and they seem to be early-season.