How To Care And Grow A Mango Seed: All About Mango Seeds
August 20, 2024 | by Noor Nahar Tarin
Planting mango seed is easy. First, clean and dry the seeds. Then, carefully remove the hard shell to get the seeds inside. The seeds are beneficial. They grow and become plants that give us food, shade, and oxygen. It can be used in various ways, from increasing new plants to making healthy oils and powders. Mango seeds can be used in pet food.
Mango seed powder is full of nutrients that are good for your pet. Seeds are also good for the environment because they help plants grow.
The best time to plant mango seeds is in the warm months, usually spring or summer. It provides heat to the seed, which causes it to germinate and grow into a healthy seedling.
What are mango seeds?
A mango seed is the large, hard stuff inside a mango. When you eat a mango, you find the seed in the middle. It is usually brown and oval and helps grow the mango tree. This seed is vital because it contains a small tree that can grow into a big mango tree.
Uses of mango seeds
Mango seeds are often overlooked, but they are beneficial and can be used in various ways. Here are some common uses of mango seeds:
Mango seed oil
Mango seed oil is made by pressing the seeds to extract the oil. This oil is excellent for skin and hair. It can be used in lotions, creams, and even hair products to help you look and feel your best.
skincare
Mango seed oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, making it ideal for hydrating and nourishing the skin. It is often used in lotions, creams, and balms to keep the skin soft and hydrated.
hair care
This oil is also great for hair; it helps reduce dandruff, strengthens hair roots, and adds shine. Use mango seed oil as a hair mask, or mix it with your shampoo or conditioner.
Mango seed powder
Mango seed powder can be used in various recipes. The seeds are dried and ground into a fine powder. This powder can be added to smoothies, soups, or desserts to enhance flavor and nutrition.
healthy drink
Mango seed powder is also used in health drinks. It aids digestion due to its high fiber content and is known to improve overall health.
Anti-aging
The antioxidants in mango seeds help fight the signs of aging by protecting the skin from free radicals that cause wrinkles and fine lines.
Mango seeds for health
Digestive health: Mango seeds are known to improve digestion. The fiber in mango seeds helps regulate bowel movements and can relieve constipation.
Weight management: Some studies suggest that mango seed extract can help manage weight by reducing body fat and controlling appetite.
Mango seed tea
You can make tea with mango seed powder. Just boil the powder in water, strain it, and enjoy a warm, nutritious drink. This tea is believed to aid digestion and boost immunity.
Mango Seed Snacks
In some cultures, mango seeds are fried and eaten as a snack. The seeds have a nutty flavor and are packed with nutrients.
Medicinal Uses
Mango seeds have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are believed to help with diarrhea, dysentery, and high cholesterol.
Natural Remedies
Mango seed powder is often used for gum problems, toothache, and even respiratory problems.
Composting
Mango seeds can be added to compost to enrich the soil. This makes them a valuable addition to any garden.
Mango seed as animal feed
In some places, ground mango seeds are added to animal feed. They are a nutritional supplement that can be beneficial for pets and livestock.
Fertilizer
Mango seed meal can be used as organic fertilizer. It is rich in nutrients that help plants grow strong and healthy.
Seed propagation
You can plant mango seeds to grow new mango trees, contributing to reforestation and providing a sustainable fruit source.
Cosmetics
Mango seed butter is used in lip balms, body butter, and other cosmetic products. It has a creamy texture that helps keep the skin soft and hydrated.
How to Grow a Mango Seed
Growing a mango tree from seed is a fun and rewarding project. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you grow your mango tree at home:
Eat the mango and save the seeds
The first step is to enjoy a delicious mango! Once you’ve eaten the mango, save the large, hard seed in the middle. This is the seed that will grow into your mango tree.
Clean the seeds
After eating the mango, wash the seeds with water to remove any remaining fruit. It is essential to clean the seed so it does not go moldy. You can gently remove any remaining mango pulp with a brush or fingers.
Allow the seeds to dry
Allow the seeds to dry for a few days after cleaning. Place the seeds on a paper towel or plate in a warm, dry place. This will help prepare the seeds for planting.
Open the Seeds (Optional)
Mango seeds have a hard shell. You can leave the seed as is, but to speed up the germination process, you can carefully open the shell to get inside the seed. Use a knife to gently open the hard shell, careful not to damage the seeds inside.
Sow the seeds
Now is the time to plant the seeds! Fill a pot with rich, well-drained soil. Make a small hole about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep in the soil. Place the seed in the hole, right side up, then cover lightly with soil. Water until the soil is moist but not too wet.
Place the container in a sunny location.
Mango seeds require a lot of heat and sunlight to grow. Place the pot in a sunny spot, such as a windowsill, where it can get plenty of the sun. You can keep the pot outside if you live in a warm climate.
Water the seeds regularly
Keep the soil moist with regular watering, but be careful not to overwater. The soil should be damp but not wet. If the soil is too wet, the seeds may rot.
Mango Seed Germination
Germination is when the seed starts to grow. For a mango seed, this takes about 2 to 4 weeks. The seed will sprout during this time, and a small green plant will appear.
The temperature and moisture are very important for germination. The seed needs to stay warm and not too wet so it doesn’t rot.
Ideal growing conditions for mango seedlings
To help your mango seedlings grow, you must provide ideal growing conditions.
sun
Mango seeds prefer a bright spot but should only be exposed to direct sunlight once they’re mature. If they’re indoors, a south-facing window with a whole light.
“If they’re outside, filtered sunlight.” Once fully matured, mango trees should receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight.
soil
Mango seeds can tolerate almost any type of soil as long as it is well-drained. Soil pH can vary from acidic to neutral or alkaline. It is not a demanding plant in terms of soil preference.
temperature
Since it is a tropical plant, it grows in warmer and more humid places. “Mangoes grow best at 65 to 90 degrees. “In the summer, when they bear fruit, the heat is important.” Mangoes are hardy in growing zones 9 to 11.
How to care for mango seedlings
When active growth begins, it is best to wait until spring or summer to plant seedlings.
water
The soil should be kept evenly moist while mango seedlings are growing. “As the seedling grows and develops a stronger root system.
Water thoroughly so excess water drains through the drainage holes and pours excess water from the saucer.” It would help if you only watered your plants when the top 2 inches of soil is dry.
fertilizer
First, there is no need to use fertilizers. Wait until the seedling has developed a few sets of leaves and the pot is full of roots to fertilize for the first time. Use a well-balanced general fertilizer (even amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients).
Common pest problems and prevention
Like many plants, mangoes are susceptible to some common pests and diseases.
- A common disease you may see on your mango trees is powdery mildew. “Powdery mildew looks like someone sprinkled baby powder on the leaves.
- This is usually caused by insufficient lighting and poor air circulation. Apply neem or horticultural oil according to label directions at the first sign of disease.
- Fungal leaf spot, caused by poor air circulation at night and wet leaves, is another disease you may encounter.
- To remedy this, try increasing the space between houseplants and watering the soil at the base of the plant earlier in the day, not over the top.
Insects
You may find mites and aphids on your mango tree, as they are more common in hot and dry conditions.
- “Regular vigorous water blasts on the leaves can help control populations of these pests.
- Additionally, you can use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, but repeated applications will be required. Mealybugs (which look like bits of cotton)
- Mealybugs (which have a hard, shell-like covering) suck the plant’s sap and are challenging to control because of their protective covering.
Transplant into a container
- When planting mango seedlings in a new pot, select a pot with drainage holes and just one pot size larger than the current pot.
- Gradually increasing the pot size of indoor mango plants helps prevent root rot from keeping the roots too wet.
- Loosen the plant from the pot if necessary.
- Running a knife along the inside of the pot can help.
- Tilt the pot and slide the plant (leaving the root ball intact) out of the pot.
- Loosen the curling roots if necessary.
- Place potting soil under the new pot so the plant grows to the same depth.
- Place the root ball on top of the soil and fill the surrounding area with new potting soil.
Outdoor transplant
- It would help if you only planted mangoes outdoors where the temperature is around 55 degrees year-round and the summers are warm.
- Loosen the plant from the pot if necessary.
- Running a knife along the inside of the pot can help.
- Tilt the pot and slide the plant (leaving the root ball intact) out of the pot.
- Dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball and two to three times as wide.
- Scrape the side of the hole and place the plant in the hole.
- Replenish existing soil and water well.
Nutritional value of mango seeds
Mango seeds are full of nutrients. They contain antioxidants, which help keep your body healthy. They also contain fatty acids suitable for your skin and hair. Mango seeds contain fiber, which is good for digestion, and protein, which helps your body to be strong.
Mango seed varieties
There are different varieties of mango seeds depending on the type of mango. Some mango seeds are big, and some are small. The size and shape of the seeds can also vary. Some mangoes have seeds that germinate quickly, while others may require more care.
Mango seed storage
Store mango seeds in a cool, dry place. You can wrap the seeds in paper towels and place them in a plastic bag. This way, they will stay dry and won’t go moldy. When you are ready to plant them, pull them out and prepare them for planting.
Mango seed storage solution
If you want to store mango seeds for a long time, ensure they are dry. Store them in a cool, dry paper bag or airtight container. They will stay fresh until you are ready to use them
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