Valencia Pride Mangoes - Tips For Growing & Enjoying This Tasty Tropical Fruit

Introduction to Valencia Pride Mangoes

The Valencia Pride mango is a delicious tropical fruit that is becoming increasingly popular amongst mango connoisseurs and collectors. This fruit is distinguished by its rich, smooth flesh and incredibly sweet flavor. Valencia Pride mango trees can be a wonderful addition to any home orchard or tropical landscape.

Overview of Valencia Pride Mango Trees

The Valencia Pride mango is a variant of the Haden cultivar and was developed in Florida in 1941. This fruit ripens in the early summer months and is available from May through July in South Florida.

Valencia Pride mango trees grow to heights of 20 to 30 feet tall and 15 to 25 feet wide. The dark green leaves provide excellent shade. The trees produce pale yellow flowers in the spring. Each flower can develop into a mango if pollinated.

The oblong shaped Valencia Pride mangoes weigh from 12 to 24 ounces on average. The thin skin ripens to golden yellow with pink to red blush. The flesh inside is fiberless, rich, and has a remarkably sweet flavor and aroma.

Growing Valencia Pride Mango Trees

Valencia Pride mango trees thrive in tropical climates. They need warm temperatures, full sun exposure, and protection from frost and freezing temperatures. These trees can be grown in USDA zones 10 and 11.

Provide well-draining soil for your Valencia Pride mango tree. These trees flourish with regular irrigation but need good drainage. Fertilize three times per year with a citrus or fruit tree fertilizer. Prune the tree each year after fruiting.

It takes approximately 3 to 5 years for a Valencia Pride mango tree to begin fruit production. Each year a mature tree can yield over 500 fruits! The mangoes will ripen 80 to 100 days after flowering.

Tips for Planting Valencia Pride Mango Trees

When planting a new Valencia Pride mango tree, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the container. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with native soil, packing down gently.

Water the young tree thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of mulch around the base. Stake the tree for extra support in windy conditions. Fertilize with a weak solution initially and increase strength as the tree grows.

Protect young trees from frost in cold climates. Consider growing in pots that can be moved indoors as needed. Prune trees when young to encourage optimal branching and form.

Where to Buy Valencia Pride Mango Trees

You can purchase Valencia Pride mango trees from specialty nurseries and online retailers that carry tropical fruit trees. Make sure to buy from a reputable source that provides healthy, disease-free plants.

Many mango collectors sell grafted Valencia Pride trees through online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy. These grafted saplings allow the Valencia Pride cultivar to be grown on optimal rootstock.

You may also be able to find Valencia Pride mangoes at local farmers markets and fruit stands during summertime. Ask vendors if they have any trees available for sale.

Caring for a Valencia Pride Mango Tree

Caring for a Valencia Pride mango tree involves providing optimal growing conditions, irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and pest management. A well-tended Valencia Pride mango tree will flourish and produce abundant, delicious fruits.

Sun, Soil, and Climate Requirements

Valencia Pride mango trees require full sun exposure and warm tropical climates to thrive. Provide at least 15 feet of space between trees. Select a site with well-draining soil. Container grown trees need a quality potting mix.

Valencia Pride trees cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. They perform best in USDA zones 10-11. In marginal climates, you may need to protect young trees during cold spells or grow in a greenhouse.

Watering and Fertilizing Valencia Pride Trees

Regular watering is crucial while Valencia Pride mango trees are becoming established. Provide 1 to 2 inches of water per week. After a few years, established trees need less frequent irrigation.

Fertilize Valencia Pride trees in early spring, summer, and fall. Use a citrus or fruit tree fertilizer. Follow label instructions to determine optimal amounts and application techniques. Avoid overfertilization.

Pruning Valencia Pride Mango Trees

Annual pruning will help keep Valencia Pride mango trees healthy and vigorous. Remove any dead or diseased branches. Prune to open up the canopy for increased light penetration and air circulation.

Remove inward growing branches and dense growth in the center of the tree. Make pruning cuts just above leaf nodes. Limit removing over 25% of the tree at one time.

Pests and Diseases of Valencia Pride Trees

Valencia Pride mango trees can be affected by mango anthracnose, powdery mildew, mango malformation disease, and bacterial black spot. Monitor trees for signs of infestation and treat as needed.

Common mango pests include fruit flies, mealybugs, mango seed weevils, and scale insects. Remove severely infested plant parts. Apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps for minor outbreaks.

Harvesting Valencia Pride Mangoes

One of the great rewards of growing a Valencia Pride mango tree is picking and enjoying fresh, ripe mangoes. Follow proper harvesting techniques to get optimal flavor and quality.

When Valencia Pride Mangoes Are Ready to Pick

Valencia Pride mangoes typically ripen from May to July. Check for signs of ripeness to determine the best time for picking. Ripe mangoes will have rich golden yellow skin with areas of pinkish red blush.

A ripe Valencia Pride mango will give slightly when gently pressed. The flesh inside changes from greenish to yellow as it ripens. Allow fruits to ripen completely on the tree for the best flavor.

How to Pick Valencia Pride Mangoes

Use a mango harvesting pole or ladder to reach high fruits. Carefully twist and pull the mango to separate it from the stem. Take care not to damage branches.

Place picked mangoes gently into a soft container. Do not throw or drop the fruits. Handle with care to prevent bruising.

Pick mangoes as they ripen over the course of several weeks. Enjoy fresh immediately or store ripe fruits in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

When to Pick Valencia Pride Mangoes

For the best quality and flavor, allow Valencia Pride mangoes to fully ripen on the tree. Wait for the skin to take on a rich yellow color.

You can pick mature green mangoes prior to final ripening. Allow these firm mangoes to ripen at room temperature indoors. This process takes around 4-7 days.

Pick Valencia Pride fruits in the cool hours of the morning. Avoid exposing the fruits to direct hot sun after picking.

Enjoying Valencia Pride Mangoes

The exceptionally sweet, rich flavor of Valencia Pride mangoes make them a tropical treat. There are many ways to enjoy this delicious fruit fresh or incorporated into recipes.

Eating Valencia Pride Mangoes Fresh

Ripe Valencia Pride mangoes can be enjoyed fresh and raw right off the tree! Simply slice around the oblong mango seed, scoop out the flesh, and savor the sweet juices.

Add refreshing mango slices to fruit salads, yogurt parfaits, or oatmeal. Blend into smoothies for a tropical flavor boost.

Cooking with Valencia Pride Mangoes

The bold flavor and smooth texture of Valencia Pride mangoes also shine when incorporated into recipes. Purée ripe mangoes to make sauces, chutneys, and salsas.

Grill mango slices as a topping for pork or fish. Make mango jam, bake into pies and tarts, or incorporate into tropical cakes and ice creams.

Storing and Preserving Valencia Pride Mangoes

Ripe, ready to eat mangoes can be stored in the fridge for 5-7 days. Unripe green mangoes keep for 2-3 weeks at room temperature.

Preserve bountiful fruits by puréeing and freezing in airtight containers. Mangoes also can nicely when turned into jams, chutneys, sauces, and pickled products.

Dry mango slices in a dehydrator for delicious fruity snacks. The flavorful fruits can also be juiced and canned.

FAQs

What is the flavor and texture of Valencia Pride mangoes?

Valencia Pride mangoes have exceptionally sweet, rich flavor with hints of citrus. The texture is fiberless and smooth.

What climate is best for growing Valencia Pride mango trees?

Valencia Pride mangoes need tropical climates between USDA zones 10-11. They require hot temperatures and protection from frost and freezing.

How long does it take for a Valencia Pride mango tree to bear fruit?

Valencia Pride mango trees typically begin bearing fruit 3 to 5 years after planting. Mature trees can produce over 500 fruits per year.

When is the best time to plant a Valencia Pride mango tree?

The ideal time to plant a new Valencia Pride mango tree is in spring or early summer. This gives the young tree warm weather to get established before cooler temperatures arrive.

What is the best way to ripen a Valencia Pride mango?

Valencia Pride mangoes develop the richest flavor and sweetest texture when allowed to ripen completely on the tree. You can also pick mature green mangoes and ripen at room temperature indoors.