Can I grow a mango tree in East Texas?
Young mango trees less than 3 years old can be killed by temperatures below 32 degrees F (0 degrees C), mature mango trees without protection can survive temperatures as low as 25 degrees F (-4 degrees C), but for a few hours, such a cold night must be followed by an above-freezing day.
The East Texas has a subtropical humid climate, experiencing warm summers, but temperatures in winter can drop below 25 degrees F. You can plant mango trees in pots and bring them inside during cold nights.
Check the minimum winter temperature in your area. If the temperature drops a little below 25 degrees F, then you can use different methods to protect mango plants from frost:
- choose a location that is sheltered from the wind, on the south side of the house, near a building or fence;
- spread mulch around the base of the tree,
- push bamboo canes into the ground around the plant,
- water your mango in winter, especially before frost arrives,
- cover mango trees with horticultural fleece and place a lamp under the fleece and place a lamp with a 60-watt bulb under the fleece, beside the tree, to warm the area under the fleece, or use a large jug full of hot water.
Gomera mango varieties are the most cold-hardy mango trees.
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If you live in a tropical climate, a mango tree might be a good addition to your garden. This is a page about starting a mango tree from a seed.
This is a page about mango tree photos. If you are lucky enough to live in a warm climate you can grow your own mangos fresh for the picking.