How to Grow Your Own Pineapple Mango Tree at Home this Spring

Growing Your Own Pineapple Mango Tree

If you live in a tropical or subtropical climate, growing a pineapple mango tree can be a fun and rewarding gardening project. Sometimes called pineapple mango or pinemango, this interesting hybrid fruit combines the best qualities of both mangoes and pineapples. By planting a pineapple mango tree this spring, you'll be harvesting sweet, tangy fruits within a few years.

Pineapple Mango Tree Overview

The pineapple mango tree is a cross between a mango tree and a pineapple plant. While not extremely common, they can sometimes be found at nurseries and garden centers in zones 10-11. Pineapple mangoes take on characteristics from both parents. The fruit's exterior resembles a mango, with soft yellow skin when ripe. On the inside, the flesh has the sweetness of mango, along with the tropical tanginess of pineapple.

In terms of size, pineapple mangoes are generally a bit smaller than traditional mangoes. Their flavor is bursting with tropical notes and they make an interesting alternative for use in smoothies, chutneys, fruit salads, and more. The trees themselves stay small, reaching around 10 feet, making them suitable for large containers.

Selecting a Pineapple Mango Tree

When choosing a pineapple mango tree to plant this spring, look for a healthy nursery seedling in a 3-5 gallon pot. The tree should be upright and free from leaf spots, lesions on branches, and root defects like circling roots coming out of the drainage holes. Flowering and fruiting typically begins around 3 years after germination.

Planting Your Pineapple Mango

Pineapple mango trees need full sun exposure which means choosing the warmest, sunniest garden spot available. They also require well-drained soil as too much moisture can lead to fungal root infections. Amend native soil by mixing in compost or well-aged manure to improve drainage and nutrients if needed. Dig a hole the depth of the root ball and 2-3 times wider. Carefully remove from nursery pot, loosen circling roots, and place into hole. Backfill with your amended native soil. Water thoroughly until established.

If your climate experiences frost or freezes, consider planting in a large container that can be moved indoors during winter. Plant in a 20+ inch diameter pot with drainage holes using a well-draining potting mix formulated for citrus or fruit trees.

Caring for Your Pineapple Mango

Pineapple mango trees enjoy consistently warm temperatures, high humidity, and moist soil. Help young trees establish by watering 1-2 times per week in dry weather, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer or compost tea monthly during spring and summer for good growth.

An organic mulch layer around the tree will help retain soil moisture and temperature. Pineapple mangoes are somewhat self-pollinating but production can be improved by planting different cultivars near each other. Protect young developing fruits from sunburn by providing temporary shade with gardening fabric. Thin fruits if tree produces heavily to avoid breaking branches.

Troubleshooting Problems

Pineapple mango trees are prone to the same diseases and pests as traditional mangoes. Anthracnose fungal infections show up as dark lesions on leaves and twigs during rainy weather. Good air circulation helps prevent this disease. Mealybugs and mango scale insects can be controlled with horticultural oils or insecticidal soap sprays.

Keep an eye out for problems and treat promptly to maintain plant health. Extend your harvest season by planting early, mid, and late season pineapple mango varieties which ripen at different times. With favored warm conditions and proper care, homegrown pineapple mangoes will provide a unique tropical element in the garden.

FAQs

How long does a pineapple mango tree live?

With proper care, a pineapple mango tree can produce sweet fruits for 15 years or longer. Their lifespan is similar to traditional mango trees.

What USDA zones can pineapple mangoes be grown in?

Pineapple mango trees need tropical or subtropical climates falling into zones 10-11. They require frost-free weather and do not tolerate cold temperatures well.

Does a pineapple mango tree need a lot of space?

Pineapple mangoes stay relatively small, maturing around 10 feet tall. This makes them suitable for planting in spacious residential gardens and also in large containers that can be moved if needed.

How long until a pineapple mango tree fruits?

Most pineapple mango trees begin flowering within 1-2 years after being planted. However, significant fruit production starts around years 3-4 on mature trees.

What is the flavor like of a pineapple mango?

The fruits have a tropical taste combining the sweetness of mangoes and the zesty pineapple tang. When ripe, the interior creamy flesh has notes of peach, pineapple, and mango.