How to graft a Mango Tree ( COMPLETE GUIDE)

Last Modified

February 8, 2023 by Hirah Ehsan

 Subtropical climates are the natural residence of mangoes. The United States is the best place for them to grow. There are nine hardiness zones from 9b to 11 on the Department of Agriculture’s map. We will tell you a complete guide on how to graft a mango tree.

The cultivation of mangoes is more difficult, and they produce less fruit in more temperate climates. Several methods exist for planting mangoes, but some gardeners prefer grafting as a method of passing on genetic information from one tree to another.

This can maintain healthy growth and minimize the possibility of genetic differences. In order to graft a mango, one must understand gardening skills and make a detailed plan.

How to graft a Mango Tree

Mango Grafting: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choosing a rootstock  

It is very important to choose a good rootstock for future mango fruit of high quality. Mango trees have a rooting system as well as a stem from the rootstock.

• It is best to select a rootstock from a variety that grows in your region, for example, the Peach and Sabre varieties.
• However, you may also choose a seedling from a nearby mango tree that grows well in your area.
• Pest-free, healthy, strong plants.
• A plant that is at least 6 months old (25 cm tall) with a thick stem-like pencil.

The selection of rootstock for mangos is not largely important except for a few exceptions. Though there are exceptions, most mango trees make suitable rootstocks.

In California, the more common rootstock ‘Manila’ performs much better than Florida’s ubiquitous Terpentine stems. Trees that are moved around the country before being sold have become an issue due to this. Therefore, it makes sense to grow your own roots.

• Preparation of the Scion

Scions that are good for grafting are very important, as they will develop into the next generation of mangoes trees.

Here are the steps to getting quality scions:

• Identification of the best, most productive, and most healthy mother tree.
• Choose scions as thick as a pencil and with active terminal buds from the end of the branches.
• A pruning scissors, secateurs, or very sharp knife will be needed to cut the scion at 10 cm in length.
• Clean, sharp secateurs or a knife are the best tools to remove the leaves from the scion.
• Wet newspaper is a good wrapping material for freshly cut scions in plastic bags.
• Whenever possible, transport your scions to the location where grafting will take place.
• If a cooling box is available, keep the package cool during transportation and use it for longer transports

When to collect scions:

• Collect scions when the weather is hot, humid, and about to produce new leaves

Avoid these things

• Affected branches should not be harvested,
• Especially low-lying or densely packed branches.
• Scions that are larger or smaller than their parent roots
• There are no tight buds on the scions
• Mature stems or woody stems Do not collect scions during the growing season

• Getting rootstock ready for grafting

• Make sure the mango rootstock and scion are of equal thickness by cutting them horizontally, so they’re the same height above the soil.
• Slice the rootstock into about an inch-deep piece with a sharp knife.

• The preparation of scions for top grafts and wedge grafts

It’s my recommendation to graft mango trees using the cleft or wedge graft. Using this method, you are able to combine rootstocks and scions of similar size. But older trees can also be topped; regrowth is necessary.

• The rootstock trunk or branch should be squared off at where the graft will be made.
• Cut a split into the end of the trimmed branch with a razor blade or grafting knife.
• Scion wood must be wedged.
• Split the rootstock in half and insert the scion wood.
• Grafting tape is used to secure and protect the graft

• Incorporating Rootstocks and Scion

Align the two parts of the rootstock and insert the scion. It is very important to have the same thickness of the scion and rootstock at the point of contact. This will help the cambium, the white or green layer under the bark of the rootstock and scion remain very close to one another. If there is a mismatch between the two parts, reshape the scion again.

• Grafting sealed

Put grafting tape or polythene strips over the joint and compress firmly. Make sure the graft is heated and humid around the scion to improve the chances of success. The scion will begin developing new leaves in about 2 to 4 weeks. After the wound has healed completely, remove the grafting tape or polythene strip.

• Protect the scion

The purpose of this is to increase the temperature and humidity around the graft in order to increase its likelihood of success.

• If possible, wrap another polythene or grafting tape around the scion, but looser than the one used to bandage the union.
• Tape or strip ends should be tied together or interlinked.
• Do not cover the upper portion of the mouth

• Remove the bandage once the wounds have healed

• Put the name of the scion variety on the grafted seedling.
• Water the grafted seedlings well and keep them in the shade.
• It is usually possible to detect new leaves after 14-21 days.
• Once the wound has healed fully, remove the polythene strip or grafting tape.
• When removing the tape/strip, take care not to damage the stem

Grafting tools

1. Ensure that all the tools you use, as well as your hands and your working area, are thoroughly sterilized before you begin cutting. The best choice is to use a solution of isopropyl alcohol and bleach (9 parts water and 1 part bleach).
2. Water-proof polythene tape can be used for framing.
3. Plastic bag and newspaper
4. Grafting should be done by wrapping the scion in wet newspaper and sealing it in a plastic bag
5. Grafting Scissor
6. Pruning shears
7. Gloves

Frequently Asked Question

When do grafted mangoes start producing fruit?

It will take a couple of years for your grafted mango tree to bear fruit. You will see it begin to grow, and then it will produce more fruit and fewer flowers in the first 3 years. Eventually, the fruition will be truly productive after five years.

When is the best time to graft mango trees?

 According to the results, June is the best month for mango grafting. After 120 days after the grafting procedure, the rootstock growth differed considerably. Rootstock grafted in April showed the greatest growth (4.57) while rootstock grafted in June showed the smallest (3.07).  

Conclusion

If you live in an area where mangoes thrive, you can enjoy the tropical fruit for years to come. Usually, a mango tree can be grown from seeds or from a small plant over time and with a bit of patience. The techniques outlined in this article have proven to be extremely effective for me, and I believe they will be for you too.