Growing Mango as a Houseplant in Georgia

Mango (Mangifera indica) can be grown as a container plant in Atlanta—indoors in winter, outdoors in summer.

Seed Germination

• Remove the large, flat seed from the husk (the fibrous “pit”).
• Plant on its side, 1 inch deep in moist potting mix.
• Keep warm (80°F+); germination in 2–4 weeks.
• Blackening edges may indicate rot—ensure good drainage, don’t overwater.

Container Culture

• Pot: 15+ gallons eventually; start small, repot annually.
• Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic (citrus mix works).
• Pruning: Tip-prune to keep under 6–8 ft; encourages bushiness.
• Sun: Full sun outdoors (after frost); brightest window indoors.
• Winter: Keep above 50°F (10°C); reduce water; no fertilizer.

Fruiting Reality

Seedling mangoes take 5–8+ years to fruit and may not match the parent. For reliable fruit, buy a grafted dwarf variety (e.g., ‘Pickering’, ‘Ice Cream’). But growing from seed is a fun, attractive foliage project.