Mango Tree Flowering Stages and Fruit Setting

Stages of Mango Tree Flowering is a crucial process in the life cycle of the mango fruit tree that leads to the production of the delicious tropical fruit we know and love.

During flowering, mango trees produce beautiful pink or white bell-shaped flowers that will develop into mango fruit.

With some trees capable of bearing over 1000 fruit in a single season, getting to know the different stages of mango flowering is important for optimizing crop yields.

In this article, we will breakdown the key mango tree flowering stages, from bud initiation through fruit development.

We’ll also explore environmental factors that impact flowering and provide tips for promoting healthier flowering and larger, tastier fruit harvests.

By understanding the complete mango flowering process and fruit setting, orchardists and homeowners alike can better care for their trees.

Growth Stages of Mango Tree

There are several distinct stages that mango tree flower buds progress through, from bud to fruit. Let’s explore each phase in detail:

Flower Bud Formation

The first stage of mango flowering is flower bud formation, which occurs 8–12 months before flowering.

During this stage, vegetative growth slows. Mango trees begin to produce flower primordia in branching structures called panicles.

The primordia develop into tiny, swollen flower buds protected within leaf axils or at the ends of small branches.

Flower Bud Emergence

As winter ends and day length increases, environmental cues trigger the dormant flower buds to swell and emerge. This is called “bud break” and signals the start of the flowering process.

The tight flower buds will continue expanding until they are swelling from the branches.

Flower Blooming

Once swollen flower buds have emerged, mango flowering time begins as the beautiful pink or white flowers start to open.

Depending on the variety, a mature tree may produce thousands of perfect hermaphrodite flowers. They contain both male and female reproductive parts.

During this stage, the tree may produce male flowers instead. This happens over the course of 1-2 weeks.

Fruit Set and Development

If environmental conditions are optimal and pollination is successful, some of the fertilized flowers will develop into small, knobby fruits.

Mango female flower develops into fruit after successful pollination and fertilization.

Over the next few weeks, the initial fruit grows in size as it progresses through several distinct stages of mango fruit development involving cell division and expansion.

By 4–6 months, the fruit will be ripe and ready for harvest.

Factors That Affect Mango Flowering and Fruit Setting

Both external and internal signals can trigger or delay flowering. Let’s examine some of the primary cues that induce the flowering process:

Photoperiod (Day Length)

Many studies have shown that changes in day length influence flowering in mango trees. Shortening photoperiods generally stimulate floral initiation.

This makes sense from an evolutionary standpoint. Shorter winter days coincide with favorable tropical blooming conditions.

Temperature Fluctuations

Mango trees can flower year-round in some ideal tropical climates. Cooler winter temperatures elsewhere help meet flowering requirements.

Night temperatures between 13 and 18 °C, coupled with day temperatures of 21 and 27 °C, encourage the emergence and development of lower buds.

Plant Hormones

Internal plant hormones, like gibberellins and auxins, also regulate flowering.

High gibberellin levels during active growth periods suppress flowering. Decreasing concentrations as days shorten allow floral stimuli to take over.

Pruning and Tree Condition

Proper pruning maintains tree health and supports efficient flowering. Thinning branches and cutting back vigorous shoots redirect energy into flowering.

Flowering may also improve with balanced soil nutrition and adequate, but not excessive, moisture.

Understanding what cues and conditions induce mango flowering is vital for managing bloom timing.

While some factors can’t be controlled, small interventions like pruning at the right stages can help maximize yields.

Therefore, you should know the proper pruning techniques for mango trees to maintain their health and fruit production.

Signs of Mango Flowering

Being able to identify the visual signs that a mango tree is blooming lets growers know to look out for fruit set soon after. Here are some of the key indicators of flowering:

Swelling Mango Flower Buds

As buds break dormancy in response to environmental cues, they will begin plumping up along the branches. Bud swelling signals that blooms are imminent.

Opening Bell-Shaped Flowers

A pink or white bell-shaped mango bud signals that full bloom has started. Flowers may release a light, sweet fragrance as well.

Increased Branch Movement

Wind blowing through branches full of flowers creates subtle swaying motions that are easier to see when trees are in bloom.

Buzzing and Droning Sounds

Pollinator insects like bees and flies will be seeking nectar rewards among the flowers; their buzzing is audible from the tree.

Colored Floral Debris

As flowers first open and later drop petals, a light rainfall of pink or white petals may be visible beneath the fruit tree.

Swollen Calyxes

Once fertilization occurs, the flower calyx will remain on the branch and swell into small knobby green fruit set roughly 1-2 weeks post-bloom.

Being familiar with these typical mango flowering cues lets growers time key activities to maximize fruit yields.

How does flowering affect fruit production in mangos?

Now that the basics of the life cycle mango flowering stages are understood, let’s review some best practices for promoting healthier blooms and bumper crops:

Proper Nutrition and Watering

Mango trees need balanced fertilization to support strong flowering and fruit filling.

Organic matter helps keep moisture, while excessive dryness can cause premature flower or fruit drops.

Pest and Disease Management

Common pests like mango hoppers and scales, or fungal and bacterial diseases, can damage blossoms or stress trees. They hinder flowering. Integrated pest management helps.

Pollination Help

Isolating a single variety risks poor pollination. Mixing compatible types and encouraging pollinator activity through native plantings boosts fruit set. Hand-pollination also works.

Pruning for Airflow and Sunlight

Strategic pruning thins competing growth. It improves airflow and sun exposure, which are vital for healthy flowering. It also maintains an open vase shape for easy harvesting.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Avoid transplant shock, sun scald, or nutrient imbalances by following best cultural practices. Stressed trees may drop flowers or fruit before reaching maturity.

Proper Tree Age and Size

Young or vigorous trees often bear fruit 4–10-year-old, well-sized trees in a sunny spot tend to flower and crop the most.

The Growth and Development of Mango Trees

It’s also helpful to understand the general mango tree growth patterns and timelines. Additionally, you should know the flowering, fruiting cycles, and mango cultivation in depth. Here’s an overview:

Seedling Stage (0–3 Years)

Seed-grown trees focus energy on establishing a robust root system during their juvenile phase. They also focus on developing a trunk and primary branches.

Maiden Tree Stage (3-6 Years)

Trees gain size and vigor. They branch outward while maintaining an open-center shape. This shape is suitable for future flowering and cropping.

Bearing Tree Stage (6–25+ Years)

Mature, spaced trees enter their prime years of abundant annual crops. They do this without the need for support staking. Nut and seed propagation is also possible.

Maximum Yield Potential

With excellent care, some varieties can still bear impressive yields into their 50s! Most commercial groves, however, aim to replant after 20–30 fruitful years.

Growth Rate Factors

Overall size depends on genetics, climate, soils, and cultural management. In optimal conditions, it grows from 4 to 6 inches in trunk diameter per year.

Diseases Affecting Mango Trees

• Anthracnose
• Scab
• Dieback
• Bacterial Black Spot

Common Pests of Mango Trees

• Mango Hoppers
• Scales
• Mites
• Mealybugs
• Caterpillars
• Fruit Flies

Here are just the names of common pests and diseases. If you would like to know these in more detail, then you can check out another article on common pests and diseases of mango.

Methods for Controlling Mango Pests and Diseases

Integrated Pest Management provides the most sustainable approach for handling issues affecting mango trees:

Cultural Controls

Pruning, choosing resistant varieties, proper planting in sunny, exposed areas, and good drainage reduce pest and disease habitation.

Physical Controls

Hand-removing insects, larvae, or diseased material helps limit its spread. Traps capture flies, and netting excludes birds eating fallen fruit harboring larvae.

Biological Controls

Ladybugs and other beneficial insects help control pests without chemicals. Selective spraying interferes less with these allies.

Mechanical Controls

Horticultural oils, soaps, and summer oils smother soft-bodied pests like scales, mealybugs, and mites. Grease bands also thwart beetle borers from climbing trunks.

Legal Chemical Controls

Rotating applications of approved, labeled pesticides only if needed. Systemic insecticides are applied to soil to control sucking pests. Careful spraying protects pollinators.

Sanitation

Removing fallen infected fruit and pruning diseased wood limits the survival of pathogen inoculum over winter.

With a balanced, prevention-focused strategy rather than reactionary treatments, healthy mango trees suffer fewer pest and disease impacts.

Harvesting and Ripening Mangoes

To enjoy ripe mangoes at their full flavor potential, proper harvesting and ripening techniques are important.

Harvesting

Mangoes are picked when peeling and eating quality is optimal, usually when skin is fully colored with some spotting. Fruit should detach easily with a gentle twist.

Ripening Temperatures

Place fruit in a single layer at room temperature (65–75°F/18–24°C), or refrigerate unripe fruit for several weeks to halt ripening until needed.

Ethylene Ripening

Exposing fruit to elevated ethylene levels accelerates ripening. Place banana clusters or peaches in an enclosed space like a paper bag for 3-5 days.

Assessing Ripeness

Ripe fruit will be slightly soft to gentle pressure, with skins fully orange or red. Stems should detach easily. Ripeness is flavor-dependent, so sample test fruit.

Peak Flavor Window

Once ripe, mangoes maintain excellent flavor for 5-7 days at room temperature or up to 2 weeks refrigerated before softening excessively.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store ripe fruit in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks without spoiling. Freezing purees preserves their properties for up to 9 months.

Proper handling maximizes the post-harvest shelf life of this climacteric fruit for enjoyment throughout the season and beyond.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Mangoes

In addition to their captivating flavor, mangoes offer significant nutritional value and associated health benefits:

• High in Vitamin C (30%+ DV per cup sliced), it supports immunity, collagen production, and the absorption of iron.
• A good source of vitamin A (10% DV) and antioxidant carotenoids like beta-carotene promotes eye health and cell growth.
• Fiber and pectin aid digestion; fiber content helps promote regularity.
• Abundant in vitamin B6 and vitamin E, it boosts brain function and promotes red blood cell formation.
• Potassium rich: aids heart function and counterbalances sodium’s effects.
• Manganese supports healthy bones and connective tissues.
• May aid weight management: fiber and nutrients fill you up for a few calories at 60 per cup diced.
• Anti-inflammatory properties Vitamins and carotenoids exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in studies.
• May help control blood sugar levels; dietary fiber and antioxidants support pancreatic cell function.

FAQs on Mango Tree Growth Stages

Q. When should I expect my tree to bloom?

A. Timing varies by cultivar and location, but most mango trees bloom between February and May in the Northern Hemisphere.

Q. How long do the flowers last?

A. Individual mango buds stay open 1-2 days on average before petal drops. Peak blooms last 7–10 days.

Q. Will heavy flowering impact my tree’s health?

A. Vigorous flowering requires energy but won’t harm mature trees. Young or stressed orchids may bear the next season after heavy flowering.

Q. How many hermaphrodite flowers does a tree need to bear fruit?

A. Productive mango trees usually have 30-80% hermaphrodite flowers. Below 30% risks poor yields, while above 80% won’t improve fruit set.

Q. Why might my tree only flower but not bear fruit?

A. Possible reasons include poor weather at bloom time, a lack of pollinators, nutrient deficiencies, and water stress. Due to damage from diseases or inadequate chilling needed to trigger fertility,.

Conclusion

We discussed the different stages of the mango tree flower. It is necessary to know about factors affecting the growth and development of plants.

Insects and pests are the main enemies of mango tree flowers and fruits. So proper care and time-to-time pesticides are required for bountiful harvests.

Follow the proper guidelines and enjoy the fruit juice.