Just like any type of fruit tree, the mango tree needs proper care, especially when it is in its first three years of growth or until it starts fruiting.
One way in which care can occur for the mango tree is through fertilization of its growth and needs.
Both chemical and organic fertilizers can work.
Traditionally – trees should be fertilized before they flower, not during. Different trees also have differences in what fertilizer they need, regarding age and size.
Sometimes, mango trees, require similar fertilization, as citrus trees.
Keep reading and working your way through this guide to see examples of fertilizers for your mango tree.
Components Of Mango Tree Fertilizers
The most advantageous fertilizers for mango trees consist of a mixture of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen, often referred to as NPK.
Also known as the NPK ratio, these nutrients have specific functions in feeding a mango tree:
- Nitrogen is important for giving nourishment to the mango tree’s stem and leaves. It also contributes to the greening of the tree which makes it look shiny.
- Phosphorous is responsible for flowering of the tree and fleshy, juicy fruits. It strengthens the roots as well.
- Potassium primarily regulates the seeds, leaves, and fruits of the tree. It also helps to develop branches and make them stronger.
The best mango tree fertilizers should have 1-1-1 or 2-2-2 NPK ratios. Either way, it changes based upon the individual needs of the tree.
There is fertilizer out there that has added nutrients like zinc, iron and manganese which help the tree flourish even more.
Remember: Young mango trees will require a lot of nitrogen. However, mature trees will only require little nitrogen and a lot of potassium. The reasons will be described later in the article.
Types of Mango Tree Fertilizers
There are several different kinds of fertilizers suitable for mango treesbased on their physical form, method of application, or even with their type of nutrients.
The main ones are the following.
1. Granular Fertilizers
These fertilizers can come in either a pelleted, coated form of powder or a course powder, usually coated in sulfur or polymer.
A unique aspect of granular fertilizers is that they are slow releasing, which means they take some time to break down.
They will break down by a small percentage, each time you water the plant. Most granular bags will have some clear instruction on how to apply them correctly.
Usually, the instructions will tell you to put it into the planting hole before you place the tree in.
Overall, the cost of granular fertilizers, compared to the others, comes out much cheaper, especially if you buy them in bulk. They are also easy to store!
2. Fertilizer Spikes
Fertilizer spikes are pre-measured fertilizers that are installed in the soil around your mango tree by hammering them into the soil.
Similar to granular fertilizers, they gradually release nutrients into the soil and can last up to 9 months, depending on the manufacturer.
While they contain chemical content, the fertilizer spikes are hidden from sight, so as long as you do not dig them up with your hands, people or pets will not come to harm.
The downside has to be the price compared with other forms of fertilizer, but you get what you pay for.
3. Liquid Concentrate Fertilizers
This kind of fertilizer must be diluted with water before being distributed at the base of the tree.
Once it is applied, the nutrients go into the soil and are taken in to the roots of the tree.
Liquid concentrate fertilizers go to work right away and do a good job of balancing the soil pH.
However, because it is an overconcentrated formula, you will need to be careful during application.
It can be easy to overfeed the plants and potentially burn the roots, especially young, developing mango trees.
4. Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers
Organic Fertilizers
These types of fertilizers are preferred because they are made using natural ingredients that are safe for trees and the environment.
Organic fertilizers generally include ingredients from plant and animal sources.
Animal sources include bone meal, manure, or fish meal, while plant sources include rotten fruits, or composted plant parts.
Since the ingredients used in organic fertilizers are derived from renewable sources, there is a long-term benefit to using organic fertilizers.
Additionally, organic fertilizers also contain high levels of nitrogen.
Inorganic Fertilizers
These fertilizers are produced with nutrient compounds that are chemical in nature.
Unlike organic fertilizers, they generally have little or no smell.
You should use inorganic fertilizers judiciously, since over-application may harm soil, plants, and the people and pets in close proximity.
5. Homemade Fertilizer for Mango Tree
You can create a fertilizer for mango trees in your home with simple ingredients – tea powder and groundnut cake.
Here is the process:
- Start boiling 4.4 pounds of tea powder.
- Then mix the tea powder with 22 pounds of groundnut cake. At this point, add half a liter of curd and let sit for about three days.
- After three days, you will be applying this fertilizer diluted in 5 liters of water to the mango plant.
This homemade mango tree fertilizer provides a superior yield and helps protect the plant against diseases.
Factors That Determine the Best Fertilizer to Use on a Mango Tree
The fertilizer needs of a mango tree depend on three main factors:
- the size of the tree
- the age of the tree
- and the soil’s pH level
Size of the Mango Tree
More mature and larger trees are going to require different formulation of fertilizers than smaller trees.
For example, a fully grown mango tree will require more potassium than any other formulation but a smaller and younger mango tree will require more nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium.
Age of Mango Tree
The age of the tree dictates how much and which type of fertilizer.
For the first-year mango tree, you should use 1 to 2 pounds of slow-release 10-20-20 fertilizer. You will want to fertilize them 3 to 4 times prior to the tree showing any signs of growth.
In the second and third year of tree growth you will need to apply between 1 ½ to 3 pounds of the same 10-20-20 fertilizer.
You will again fertilize the trees 3 to 4 times before flowering and fruit development.
The pH Level of the Soil
Mango trees flourish best in soil with pH levels measuring 6 – 7.
In addition to determining soil pH, the pH level will determine if you can develop a fertilizer program for the tree.
Without the proper pH, no tree will succeed.
Best Fertilizers for Mango Trees
1. Dr. Earth 708P Organic 9 Fruit Tree Fertilizer in Poly Bag
Key Features
- 100% natural ingredients
- Slow-feeding fertilizer
- NPK ratio of 5-5-2
This fertilizer works great to get healthy roots and fruits to thrive.
It is 100% natural as an organic fertilizer so you can rest easy and know its made with natural ingredients and is safe to the environment, tree, and people who apply the fertilizer.
The slow feeding part is very important too because it is in the soil for several months.
It also contains probiotics and beneficial soil microbes to support healthy root growth.
Pros
- It is easy to use
- It has value for money
- It is organic
- It is safe to use around people and pets
Cons
- It has an unpleasant smell
This fertilizer provides health-benefiting fruits and stabilizes the tree’s growth rate. In addition, it does not generate growth spikes.
The NPK (N2-Phosphorous-Potassium 5-5-2) of this fertilizer will eliminate the need to promote tree growth with chemical fertilizers when applied correctly.
2. CITRUSGAIN 2lb bag, Citrus Fertilizer
Key Features
- Has high nitrogen content
- NPK ratio of 8-3-9
- Weighs 2 pounds
Although this fertilizer is created for citrus trees, it is equally suitable for mango trees.
It is high in nitrogen, which is a necessary nutrient for the growth and development of juvenile mango trees.
It also supplies magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc.
In addition, it is easy to apply; you just need to sprinkle it in circles around each plant. The application should be on top of the soil, not against the trunk at the base of the stem.
Another thing is to make sure you thoroughly and adequately water it.
Pros
- Easy to use
- It has many nutrients
- You don’t need a lot of it as it lasts a long time
Cons
- It is inorganic
The NPK ratio is 8-3-9. Directions state it is to be applied every 4-6 weeks in the growing season.
It promotes high yield, growth, and healthy fruit.
3. Down to Earth Organic Citrus Fertilizer
Key Features
- NPK ratio of 6-3-3
- Organic
- Contains primary and secondary plant nutrients
This 6-3-3 formula is perfect for providing and promoting healthy foliage, loads of fruit, and huge growth, given its remaining nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio.
It is organic and safe for the environment.
The ingredients include fish bone meal, feather meal, basalt, green sand, and kelp meal.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to spread
- It has value for money
- It smells nice
Cons
- It requires you to mix it into the soil
Additionally, the fertilizer is made with primary and secondary plant nutrients such as calcium, sulfur, zinc, and iron.
How Often Should You Fertilize Mango Trees?
How often you fertilize your mango tree will depend on the age of the tree and type of fertilizer.
Young mango trees are fertilized 3 times in a season.
A mature mango tree is fertilized once before flowering and again after the tree has fruited.
Slow-releasing fertilizers such as granular fertilizer is recommended once a year.
Liquid fertilizer concentrates are recommended once every other month.
Final Thoughts
Mangoes are among the most scrumptious fruits on earth.
So, it follows naturally that you want to care for mango trees as best as you can. Fertilizers can help feed or promote growth and health in mango trees.
Fertilizers contain three major ingredients; nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
There are several types of fertilizers to use for mango trees wthat include granular, fertilizer spikes, and liquid concentrate fertilizers.