Don’t toss that mango pit.
Turn it into a thriving houseplant by growing a mango from seed.
It’s a fun project for adults and children alike.
Credit: SrdjanPav / Getty Images
you’re free to even plant it outdoors if you live in USDA Hardiness Zone 9 or above.
Extracting the seed from the hard pit, also called husk, is the most difficult part.
It requires the use of scissors and should be done with adult supervision.
Before you begin, confirm you have all your materials in place.
Depending on the mango’s ripeness, the skin is relatively easy to peel off.
Then, slice the bright orange flesh off the pit.
A fully ripe mango should give slightly when pressed and have a fruity aroma near the stem.
Dry and Prep the Husk
Clean the husk thoroughly.
Let the husk dry for about 24 hours.
The next day, use strong scissors to cut a hole in the thin side of the husk.
Starting at the hole, carefully cut along the side of the husk to fire up the husk.
The seed inside the husk should be white.
Any brown or black coloration or patches usually means the seed is no longer viable.
Remove the seed from the husk.
There may be more than one seed depending on the mango variety.
If that’s the case, gently separate them and plant each one individually.
Spray the paper towels inside the bag as needed to keep them damp but not soggy.
Fill part of a 4-inch pot with fresh potting mix.
Gently tamp down the soil and water.
Place the seedling in a warm, sunny location such as a south-facing window.
If necessary, use grow lights.
Water it regularly to keep it consistently moist.
Only apply fertilizer during active growth in the spring and summer.
When the seedling has outgrown its first pot, transplant it into a pot one size larger.
Like many citrus trees, mango trees are often grafted for best fruit production.
