Carrie Mango Trees - The Compact Variety Producing Sweet Mangos

Overview of Carrie Mango Trees

The Carrie mango is a dwarf variety of mango tree that produces a fiberless, sweet, and aromatic mango fruit. Carrie mango trees are compact in size, growing to about 8-10 feet tall at maturity, making them an ideal choice for home gardens and containers. They are also self-pollinating so only one tree is needed to produce mangos. Let's explore why Carrie mangoes have become a popular dwarf fruit tree for sale.

Appearance and Size

Carrie mango trees have slender branches in a pyramidal shape and can be maintained even smaller through pruning. The leaves are evergreen, lanceolate in shape with a leathery texture. White flowers eventually emerge in spring which later develop into the beloved Carrie mango fruit.

Fruit Characteristics

The Carrie mango is considered a dwarf mango variety, but still produces a high yield of flavorful fruits. Each Carrie mango measures about 4-10 ounces at maturity with a striking pinkish-red color. The oblong shape has minimal fibers leading to very sweet, aromatic flesh. They contain a single flat seed inside as well. Most mangos only produce fruit for a few weeks out of the year, but Carrie mangoes will bear fruit from July through September in ideal growing zones.

Carrie Mango Tree Care

While Carrie mango trees stay small, they still require the same care as other mango trees. Providing the right growing conditions and nutrients will ensure your Carrie mango tree stays healthy and productive season after season.

Sun and Soil Requirements

Carrie mango trees thrive best in full sun exposures. In areas with high heat, partial afternoon shade may prevent leaf burn. They prefer well-draining soil high in organic matter like compost or peat. The ideal pH range is 5.5 to 7.5. A sandy loam or loam soil texture provides good fertility and drainage.

Watering and Fertilizing

During the first year after planting, water young Carrie trees regularly to establish deep roots. Then provide deep weekly soakings during fruit production stage. Applying nitrogen fertilizers in spring and light annual feeds of zinc, manganese and iron keeps trees vigorously growing.

Pruning

Pruning Carrie mango trees when young shapes their form. Remove inward growing branches which could rub fruits. Keep additional pruning minimal to moderate so energy goes to fruiting instead of recovery growth. Their natural dwarf habit means pruning needs stay low overall.

Growing Zones

Carrie mango trees thrive best in USDA growing zones 9b to 11 but can grow in zones 9a to 11 with extra care. They make ideal container-grown mango trees to bring indoors during winter in cooler zones. Protect trees once temperatures reach 40°F by moving into a protected area like a garage or greenhouse until the chance of frost has passed. The dwarf variety means they adapt well to life in containers.

Where to Buy Carrie Mango Trees

You can buy Carrie mango trees from local reputable nurseries and online mail order websites that ship live plants. Make sure to inspect trees carefully upon arrival for any disease or damage. Plant immediately either in the ground or container following proper planting techniques.

What to Look for When Buying

When buying Carrie mango trees, search for signs of health like green leaves and flexible branches. Avoid plants with yellow, wilted leaves, spots, mold or insects. Check that the graft union near the soil line appears closed without gaps or cracks.

Ideal Times to Purchase

Purchase Carrie mango tree in spring or fall to limit transplant stress. Spring buys allow establishment before hot summer weather but trees benefit less from fruit production that first year. Buying Carrie mango trees in fall gives roots a few months to anchor before winter dormancy and a full fruiting the next summer.

Caring for New Carrie Mango Trees

Planting Steps

Dig a hole twice as wide as the container size, keeping the same soil depth as the root ball. Gently remove from pot, loosen circling roots and place into hole. Backfill with native soil, tamp down gently and water thoroughly. Spread a 2-4 inch protective mulch layer around base. Stake for support if needed against winds.

Initial Care and Needs

Carrie mango trees need consistent and deep watering to establish new transplants. Water whenever the top inch becomes dry. Fertilize newly planted trees after about 6 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Check leaves routinely for signs of disease or pests due to higher susceptibility after transplant shock.

Container Growing Carrie Mango Trees

The dwarf variety and size makes Carrie mango trees well suited for growing in containers. This allows flexibly in moving trees indoors or outdoors as needed.

Choosing Container Type

Select containers for Carrie mango trees that are at least 20 inches deep and wide, with drainage holes. Use potting mixes formulated for citrus and fruit trees to provide moisture retention and nutrition release. Amanda's Planter's Choice Mango Container Mix works well.

Ideal Location

Position Carrie mango tree containers where they will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. Bring containers indoors to a sunny, protected spot once night temperatures near 40°F in fall. Move back outdoors once frosts pass in spring.

With its dwarf nature for home growing and mouthwatering mangos, it’s easy to see why gardeners love Carrie mango trees. A little patience and care allows harvesting armfuls of juicy fruit for years on compact trees. Check for local availability to bring fresh mangos to your own backyard.

FAQs

How big do Carrie mango trees get?

Carrie mango trees reach about 8-10 feet tall at maturity, making them a true dwarf variety. Their compact size makes them an excellent choice for growing in containers.

What climate is best for Carrie mangoes?

Carrie mangoes need tropical or subtropical climates to thrive. They grow best in USDA zones 9b to 11. In cooler areas, they can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors.

How long does it take for Carrie mango trees to bear fruit?

Most Carrie mango trees begin fruiting 2-4 years after planting. Ensure healthy growth during those first years with proper water, fertilizer, and pest management.

Should I prune my Carrie mango tree?

Prune Carrie mango trees when young to shape their canopy. Remove inward facing branches and any diseased or pest damaged limbs. After trees begin fruiting, prune lightly since excessive pruning decreases yields.