Mango Trees in Florida

Florida's warm temperatures and humid climate make it an ideal place for growing mangoes. According to Pine Tree Nursery, some of the most popular varieties commercially sold were developed in Florida. Though Florida does not lead the world in mango production, it is a place where many mango varieties grow and thrive.

The Bombay mango originally comes from Jamaica, originating from seeds brought from India. They are very similar to the Paheri mango of India. The fruit weighs between 12 and 14 oz, and even when it is ready to eat, it retains a deep green color to its skin with a dull red patch. The flesh is deep orange and very juicy with no fibrous flesh. The Bombay mango tree is tall and hardy, and it does very well in South Florida groves.

The Cogshall mango was developed on Pine Island, Florida, during the 1940s. Each mango is about 1 lb. and has a deep yellow-orange skin that shades to crimson in spots. The flesh is entirely without fiber, rich and juicy. This is a valued cultivar because it is resistant to diseases, and the University of Florida recommends it for home growing in Florida.

The Duncan mango is a patented mango that was cultivated in Palm Beach County. It is a variety known for high disease resistance and excellent production. This mango tree produces oblong fruit that range from 16 to 24 oz. In weight. The mango skin is a solid yellow with no other colors, and the flesh is very smooth, very sweet and slightly tangy. It does well in Florida's humid, rainy weather as it is resistant to the fungal disease anthracnose.

The Mallika mango is a hybrid produced by crossing the Dasheri and Neelum mango. It produces flattened oblong fruit that is bright yellow in color. The fruit weighs between 10 and 18 oz and the flesh is deeply orange and sweet, with a slight taste of melon and citrus. It does well when eaten fresh, but it also excels when juiced or sliced and dehydrated. The University of Florida recommends the Mallika for Florida home growing.