When is too late to prune a mango

[jf8]

I have acquired a ~2 year-old mango tree. It is roughly 6 feet tall with only one upright stem. I know that it is well past the ideal time to prune for optimal branching. My plan is to prune it soon but I want to be sure I'm pruning it in the best spot. From my understanding, pruning them low is preferred to encourage compact growth but is that still recommended with a plant of this size?

Question summary: Where should a 6ft tall mango seedling that has a single upright stem be pruned?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Dahen]

If it’s a seedling you can go as low as you want . If it’s grafted you should leave enough room above the graft to ensure the top variety grows back . I live in a really windy area and my lower branches hold fruit better. I prefer branching around 2ft . I’m fairly new on here so hopefully someone more experienced chimes in for time line of how late in season but I’m trimming now and hoping at least one more time maybe 2

[Calusa]

Once it starts branching out here's a great video someone on here shared with me a while back showing how to prune the canopy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh1AnvNa6mc

[kapps]

I think your first decision in zone 9a is going to be how tall are you able/willing to let it get and protect it during the winter. Or are you growing in a pot?  Either way, shorter is probably better. Mangoes will grow from whatever height they are cut so 2’ seems reasonable. Then just keep tipping at every growth flush. Seedlings are going to want to grow straight up.

[jf8]

Thank you all for your advice.

[jf8]

Update:

Cut ~2 ft above the base. Stripped the leaves off the bottom 3 nodes of the cutting and I am attempting to root it. Will Likely need to snip the top of the newly rooted section of it does root.

Thanks again.

[Mike T]

After 6.30pm is too late and more that 3 months after harvest is too late. The warmer the climate the bigger the trees can get. The ideal open centre wineglass shape with under ten main thicker laterals can be re-engineered if trees are not huge. 6 ft is small and fine to whip the top off down to 4ft or so if grafted or a seedling.