Mango in 9B realistic?

15 years ago

My understanding is that zone 9B is at the ragged edge of Mango growing. Anybody successfully grow mangos in the South Bay Area (San Jose)? It is pretty rare we get temperatures in the 20's. I have a Don Gillogly Avocado that has done well, although there have been a few winter nights I protected it with christmas tree lights.

Is there much difference among the various Mango varieties hardiness? I would probably be interested in growing a variety I couldn't get in the store, like Alphonso or maybe Ataulfo.

I would be interested to hear others mango experiences.

Featured Answer

HU-170565982

3 years ago

Ive successfully grown mangoes in the 9b region of palm springs

with mild winters and very hot summers micro climates make the differnce in planting i have grown papaya as well successfully on the east facing walls with good winter light from the south

mango trees require a little shade in the hot summers until there established papayas grow way faster and can handle higher temps than mangoes

i am also growing bananas in shaded microclimates around my whole yard

the trees that are eaposed to full sun grow less than the trees exposed to shaded sun

i trim shade trees in fall and winter to allow extra light into the fruit trees during late winter and spring

during the summer water demand is high

for the hot days in the summer i cut my watering in half and water for 6 mins in the morning at 6:30 am and the other 6 minutes at 12:15 pm at peak UV index

just one day of no watering can serverly damage the plants as the heat and sandy soil drys out very fast

more established trees get the same watering regiment in the summer and do just great

i also take two days out of the week to watwr the trees deeply, tuesdays and fridays

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Comments (6)

gomango
15 years ago
I have read about mango varieties with cooler climate recommendations, but I am not aware of any controlled testing. Baileys Marvel has a reputation if you search this forum. I think Irwin may be one to try . Possibly northern Indian varieties like Dasheri or Langra are worth trying..I'm not sure if anyone has.
Apart from the variety, I think the microclimate you can provide your mangos with is probably more important. If you can provide a sheltered position with full sun on a south facing slope so that there is good exposure to the winter sun and allows cool air to drain off then you will get higher minimum temperatures and maybe avoid frost events as well as maximising winter light. The south side of a house would provide shelter and also radiate heat during the night. Being close to a road which absorbs heat during the day and then radiates it at night is another way of finding a good position.
steve_in_los_osos
15 years ago
I have a Manila mango which started in my little unheated greenhouse and eventually migrated into an unheated high tunnel (open at one end). This year it is flowering! Supposedly this type of mango is the easiest to get results from in our marginal areas. The principal problem--aside from cold--is the wet winters. Mangoes don't like their feet wet when it is cold. The high tunnel solves that issue for me and adds some heat gain and protection from the wind (I am nearly at the shore of the back bay of Morro Bay). But a south-facing exterior wall with some potential protection from the full onslaught of winter rain may be just as helpful once the plant is established.

Tammy in Marin has successfully fruited a Glenn mango:

http://www.marinhomestead.com/fruit-trees/mangos/

Hers is the example to follow.
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jfernandez
15 years ago
Lifespeed

I would ask Stan he's our resident expert for N. California although Steve gave you very sound advice. Stan has fruited a Manila and is working on a Bailey.

JF
mangodog
15 years ago
...and I also think Gomango's advice was superlative!

Microclimates make a world of difference in these fringe areas.....

mangowoofie
lifespeed
Original Author
15 years ago
It sounds like Mangos are more 'fringe' than, say, Avocado? Perhaps I should mention that I am not really willing to go beyond Christmas lights in the winter. Closest to the house it would be is about 12 feet SW of the corner of the house, and about 6 feet from a sidewalk, 12 feet from the road, with a 6ft board fence in between.

It does sound like this area is pretty unlikely, and I am really interested in the Alphonso variety. Don't know if that matters.