Florida has become a hub for mango enthusiasts, with many mango varieties turning backyards into tropical fruit havens.
The state’s true passion lies in the heart of the home gardener who finds enormous satisfaction in growing and harvesting one of the world’s finest fruits right in their own backyard.
Know Your Hardiness Zone Before Planting a Mango Tree!
To grow a mango tree successfully in Florida, it’s essential to know your Hardiness Zone.
South Florida is particularly conducive for many mango varieties, given its tropical climate.
Central Florida gardeners can also relish the mango’s sweet flavor, but selecting cold-hardy types of mango trees can be pivotal in these regions.
1. Glenn Mango
The Glenn mango, which originated in Florida and has been grown since 1910, is renowned for its impeccable balance between sweetness and tartness.
The mango exhibits little fiber, with a juicy texture and deep-yellow flesh. Its skin presents a striking contrast with its yellow base accentuated by a crimson blush.
Ripening during the early mango season, Glenn mangoes are usually ready by late May to early June.
The Glenn mango tree itself is of moderate size, making it particularly suitable for growers who prefer small trees that require minimal care.
Regular pruning helps in maintaining its size and also aids in disease resistance.
Given its stint as a commercial mango in Florida’s history, Glenn mangoes have proven to be resilient against most common mango diseases.
2. Mahachanok Mango
A delightful tropical addition from Thailand, the Mahachanok mango is distinguished by its excellent flavor, which is exceptionally rich and sweet.
As a visual treat, its skin displays a beautiful spectrum of rainbow colors with underlying deep yellow hues. This mango usually ripens in the mid-season around July.
The tree’s growth habit is semi-dwarf, which is effortless to grow, especially in confined spaces.
Known for its resistance to fungal diseases, the Mahachanok requires less maintenance than some other varieties, making it a favorite among Floridian gardeners.
3. Nam Doc Mai Mango
The revered Nam Doc Mai hails from Thailand but has found immense popularity among mango varieties in South Florida.
It is cherished for its delectable sweetness and tender flesh with the versatility to be eaten green or when fully ripe. Its skin is thick and deep yellow, shielding the succulent flesh within.
Typically, the Nam Doc Mai ripens in the late mango season around August. The tree is of medium stature, perfect for small to medium-sized gardens.
As a “condo mango,” it’s perfectly suited for patios or smaller spaces and can even be maintained in a container at just 6 feet.
Disease resistance is a strong suit for this variety, especially against common fungal infections.
4. Valencia Pride Mango
Selected in Florida less than 100 years ago, the Valencia Pride mango is revered for its profound sweet and aromatic flavor.
This large fruit is a visual delight, starting with a deep-yellow skin base complemented by a radiant crimson blush.
Valencia Pride mangoes are early to mid-season fruits, typically ripening from June to July.
The tree, while large, can be pruned to cater to the needs of the backyard grower, allowing it to fit seamlessly into smaller gardens.
Its broad canopy not only provides shade but also shows resilience against common pests and diseases.
5. Julie Mango
The Caribbean’s beloved Julie mango is equally cherished in Florida for its unparalleled sweet, buttery flavor and enticing aroma.
Its deep yellow skin occasionally sports crimson hints, wrapping the juicy flesh within. Julie mangoes are early-season fruits, maturing mostly around June.
The tree is of a smaller stature compared to other varieties, making it an excellent pick for limited spaces. Moreover, its moderate growth habit ensures it remains manageable with occasional pruning.
While it boasts resistance against certain pests, regular checks and maintenance ensure it remains free of disease.
6. Carrie Mango
The Carrie mango, often celebrated as a Floridian favorite, boasts a rich and spicy flavor profile.
Its flesh, deep yellow and dripping with sweetness, is marked by little fiber, which enhances its smooth texture. The skin of the Carrie mango is radiant, ranging from a light yellow to a slight orange hue.
This mango typically reaches its prime in the early to mid-season, around June to July. The Carrie mango tree is medium-sized, an ideal fit for home gardens.
A striking feature is its disease resistance, particularly against anthracnose, making it a popular choice among Florida growers.
With its exceptional flavor, it’s no surprise that the Carrie mango remains a top pick for mango enthusiasts.
7. Kesar Mango
Originating from the mango orchards of India, the Kesar mango has an irresistibly sweet flavor, often reminiscent of mango sorbet.
It is encased in a thick skin that turns from green to golden yellow as it ripens. The flesh, saffron-colored and aromatic, is a treat during the hot summer months.
Kesar mangoes usually ripen in the late season, predominantly around August. The tree has a vigorous growth habit, growing into a large tree if left unchecked.
However, with timely pruning, it can be maintained at a medium height.
Its robust nature makes it resilient against many common mango pests, but growers should still remain vigilant against potential diseases.
8. Haden Mango
The Haden mango, which has a legacy of being one of the first superior mango varieties selected in Florida less than 100 years ago, remains a classic choice.
Its fruit offers a symphony of sweet and tangy notes wrapped in a skin that features vibrant reds and yellows.
This mango variety, typically ripening in the mid-season around June to July, is both juicy and slightly fibrous. The Haden mango tree showcases a medium to large growth habit.
While it stands tall and majestic, regular pruning can keep its size in check. Known for its cold hardiness, the Haden mango tree can tolerate cooler temperatures better than some tropical counterparts.
9. Tommy Atkins Mango
A mainstay in many commercial mango ventures, the Tommy Atkins mango is recognized by its striking dark-red skin, sometimes accompanied by green and orange hues.
The flesh, deep yellow and moderately fibrous, provides a mildly sweet flavor, making it popular in many global markets.
Tommy Atkins mangoes are mid-season fruits, commonly harvested between July and August.
The tree is a vigorous, large grower, often used in commercial settings but can also be cultivated in expansive home gardens.
One of its defining characteristics is its impressive resistance to diseases, particularly fungal infections, which makes it a preferred choice for commercial cultivation.
10. Ice Cream Mango
True to its name, the Ice Cream mango offers a creamy, sweet flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.
This petite mango has a unique, almost flattened shape and showcases beautiful skin that blends deep purple and rich black hues when exposed to sunlight.
Being an early-season variety, the Ice Cream mango ripens mostly around May to June.
This mango tree, often dubbed the “condo mango,” is of a dwarf stature, making it perfect for patios and smaller garden spaces.
This variety is relatively cold-hardy, allowing it to thrive even in the slightly cooler regions of Florida. However, routine checks for pests and diseases will ensure it remains healthy and bountiful.
11. Kent Mango
The Kent mango, a product of the vibrant orchards of Florida, is a favorite among many due to its exceptional sweetness and low fiber.
Its skin, predominantly green even when ripe, occasionally shows small patches of red blush. Its deep-yellow flesh offers a juicy treat, particularly during the late mango season from July to August.
The Kent mango tree is of medium to large stature, and its expansive canopy provides pleasant shade.
This variety is noted for its commendable resistance to anthracnose, a common mango disease. Regular pruning can help in managing its growth and ensuring a bountiful harvest.
12. Irwin Mango
The Irwin mango stands out with its visually striking bright-red skin, which encases a vibrant orange, almost fiber-less flesh.
Originated in Florida and grown there since the mid-20th century, the Irwin boasts a luscious sweet flavor, making it one of the best-tasting mangoes in the region.
Typically ripening during the mid-season from June to July, the fruit’s quality remains consistent year after year.
The Irwin mango tree has a medium growth habit, ensuring it fits seamlessly into moderately sized gardens.
Its resilience against pests and diseases combined with its bountiful yields make it a popular choice among growers.
13. Keitt Mango
A name often heard in South Florida mango circles, the Keitt mango has a unique tart-sweet balance, making it ideal for a range of culinary uses.
Its skin retains a green hue upon ripening while the inner flesh is deep yellow. Keitt mangoes are known for their late-season harvest, often from August to September.
The Keitt mango tree has a medium to large growth habit and is appreciated for its ability to produce fruit reliably.
It’s also recognized for being one of the mango varieties that showcases resistance against powdery mildew, a common mango affliction.
14. Pickering Mango
Known as a “condo mango” due to its dwarf growth habit, the Pickering mango is perfect for smaller spaces and container cultivation.
This mango’s flavor is by far the most outstanding feature, offering a rich, spicy sweetness. Its skin exhibits a yellow hue, often adorned with a light blush.
Typically ripening during the early season around June, this mango’s compact size doesn’t hinder its generous yield.
Moreover, the Pickering mango tree is cold-hardy and shows resilience against several common pests, making it a top choice for home growers.
15. Ataulfo Mango
Also commonly referred to as the “Honey” or “Champagne” mango, the Ataulfo, originally from Mexico, has found its way into the hearts of Floridians.
It possesses a unique curved shape and a buttery, smooth texture with almost no fiber.
The deep-yellow skin is often complemented by a slight wrinkling when fully ripe, revealing its unparalleled sweetness. The Ataulfo ripens from April to May.
In terms of growth, the Ataulfo mango tree leans toward a medium stature.
It thrives best in tropical and subtropical zones, and with its strong resistance to pests, it remains a preferred variety for many growers in Florida.
16. Alphonso Mango
Often dubbed the “King of Mangoes,” the Alphonso has its roots in India but has been grown in Florida’s tropical fruit orchards for years.
This mango boasts an unmistakably rich and sweet flavor that’s vibrant in every bite. The golden-yellow skin often reveals a tinge of red on the sun-exposed side. It ripens primarily from May to June.
As for the tree, it exhibits a medium growth habit but requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and optimize fruit production.
While Alphonso is more susceptible to some diseases, its outstanding flavor and aroma make the extra care worth the effort for many growers.
17. Cogshall Mango
Selected in Florida less than 100 years ago, the Cogshall mango is well-known because it originated in the state and has been part of the state’s mango legacy.
Its fruit has a rich, spicy flavor, encased within a skin that transitions from green to a deep yellow base with a crimson blush upon ripening. Harvested from June to July, this mango is a mid-season delight.
The Cogshall mango tree is uniquely adaptable — it can be maintained in a container at just 6 feet or be allowed to grow larger in open ground.
Furthermore, it is notably cold-hardy, which is an added advantage for those in Central Florida.
18. Cac Mango
Introduced to Florida from Vietnam, the Cac mango offers a refreshing twist in flavor, often eaten green and exhibiting a pleasant mix of sweet and sour notes.
Its green skin remains largely consistent in hue even when ripe. Typically available in the early to mid-mango season, Cac is a reliable performer year after year.
The tree portrays a medium to large growth habit, offering generous shade. While it has a robust resistance to most common diseases, periodic checks and care ensure its sustained health and productivity.
19. Coconut Cream Mango
Living up to its name, the Coconut Cream mango offers a delightful fusion of coconut and mango sorbet flavors, resulting in an unparalleled tasting experience.
The skin carries an attractive yellow tone with occasional spots of pale green. This mango variety ripens during the mid-season, from June to July.
The tree of the Coconut Cream mango is of medium stature, making it suitable for moderately sized gardens.
Moreover, its resilience against powdery mildew and other diseases further boosts its popularity among Florida’s mango enthusiasts.
20. Dot Mango
Selected in Florida, the Dot mango offers a unique combination of sweetness and tang. The exterior, with its green-to-yellow transition, often carries speckled dots, giving it its distinctive name.
Ripening from June to July, it’s a mid-season favorite. The Dot mango tree stands tall, leaning toward a larger growth habit, making it ideal for spacious orchards.
Its high resistance to anthracnose and other diseases enhances its suitability for Florida’s diverse climatic conditions.
21. Lemon Zest Mango
The name “Lemon Zest” perfectly captures the essence of this mango variety.
Combining a vibrant mango sweetness with a subtle citrus undertone, the flavor profile of this fruit is both refreshing and unique.
The skin, when ripe, transforms into a captivating golden hue, sometimes graced with streaks of orange.
Maturing mainly in the mid to late mango season, from July to August, it’s a much-anticipated treat.
The Lemon Zest mango tree demonstrates a medium growth habit, effortlessly fitting into many gardens and backyards.
While moderately resistant to diseases, the outstanding feature of this variety is its delightful fusion of flavors.
22. Fairchild Mango
Originating from Panama but widely grown in Florida, the Fairchild mango is renowned for its excellent flavor.
Small to medium in size, the fruit possesses a radiant green and yellow skin that shields its vibrant orange, fiber-free flesh. The peak ripening period for the Fairchild is early to mid-season, around June.
The Fairchild mango tree, in terms of size, leans more toward a medium growth habit.
Its adaptability to various soil types and resilience against pests have made it a preferred choice for both commercial and backyard growers in Florida.
23. Bailey’s Marvel Mango
A proud product of Florida’s mango legacy, Bailey’s Marvel is a result of the meticulous selection of mango varieties in the region.
Flaunting a sweet flavor reminiscent of the classic Haden mango, its deep-yellow flesh is thick and juicy. The outer skin, a canvas of green and red, is particularly eye-catching.
Its primary ripening time is in the mid-season from June to July. The Bailey’s Marvel mango tree boasts a robust large growth habit, demanding ample space to flourish.
Its resilience to common mango diseases, combined with its generous yields, has made it a staple in Florida’s mango landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Different Types of Mango Grow in Florida?
Florida boasts a diverse range of mango varieties, both native and imported.
Given its favorable climate and dedicated growers, it’s estimated that there are over 500 types of mango trees, each with its distinct flavor, size, and growth characteristics.
What Mangoes Are Native to Florida?
While mangoes originally hailed from South Asia, Florida has developed its own unique varieties over the years through selective breeding.
Varieties like Haden, Tommy Atkins, and Bailey’s Marvel are examples of mangoes that originated in Florida and have since become staples in the region.
When Do Mangoes Ripen in Florida?
Mango season in Florida typically begins in May and can extend through September, depending on the variety.
Early-season mangoes ripen around May to June, mid-season ones from June to July, and late-season mangoes from August to September.
What Is the Best Tasting Mango in Florida?
Taste is subjective, and what’s considered the “best” often varies from person to person.
However, Alphonso and Lemon Zest mangoes, with their rich and unique flavor profiles, are frequently touted as two of the best-tasting mango varieties grown in the state.
What Is the Most Disease-Resistant Mango Tree?
Keitt and Fairchild are among the mango varieties known for their strong resistance to many of the common diseases that affect mango trees in Florida.
However, it’s essential for growers to regularly monitor and care for any variety to ensure optimal health.
What Is the Hardiest Mango Variety?
The Cogshall mango stands out as a particularly cold-hardy variety, making it suitable for those in Central Florida and regions with slightly cooler temperatures.
Its adaptability ensures it remains a popular choice for various growers.
Where Is the Best Place To Plant a Mango Tree?
For optimal growth, mango trees prefer well-draining soil, full sunlight, and protection from strong winds.
Planting them in a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily and ensuring they’re spaced adequately apart from other trees or structures, allows for healthy growth and ample fruit production.
Final Thoughts on the Best Mango Varieties for Florida
Florida’s rich tapestry of mango varieties offers a unique blend of flavors, sizes, and growth patterns, ensuring there’s a mango for every palate and garden size.
From the classic tastes of Haden and Tommy Atkins to the exotic allure of Alphonso and Lemon Zest, Florida’s mangoes are a testament to the state’s dedication to cultivating and celebrating one of the world’s finest fruits right in their own backyard.
Whether you’re new to mangoes or are looking for a new favorite, understanding the characteristics of each variety can help you find the perfect mango to cherish and savor.