Mango Grafting: A Guide to Growing Your Own Delicious Mangoes

Mangoes, often called the “King of Fruits,” are prized
around the world for their sweet, juicy flesh and pleasant aroma. If you are a mango enthusiast and have dreamed of growing your own mango tree, grafting is a great method to ensure you grow a plant that produces delicious, high-quality fruit. In this blog, we’ll explore the art and science of mango grafting, why it’s preferred, how it’s done, and explain tips for success.

Why graft a mango tree?

Grafting is a horticultural technique in which two plants are joined together so that they grow as one. For mangoes, the benefits of grafting are manifold:

Consistency and Quality:

Grafted mango trees produce the same fruit as the parent tree,
ensuring consistency in taste and quality.

Early fruits:

Grafted trees usually produce fruit before those grown from seed.

Immunity:

Grafting onto disease-resistant rootstock can increase tree
resilience.

Size control:

Some rootstocks can help control the size of the tree, making it
more suitable for small gardens or container growing. Materials Required for Mango Grafting Before you begin, gather the following materials:

A healthy rootstock (a young mango tree)

A scion (a young shoot from the desired mango species)

A sharp grafting knife or scalpel

Grafting tape or budding rubber

Grafting wax or sealant (optional)

Pruning shears

Disinfectant (to sterilize instruments)

Steps for grafting mango trees

1. Select rootstock and scion:

Choose scion from a healthy, disease-free rootstock and a mature,
fruit-bearing tree. The rootstock should ideally be one year old, while the
scion should have at least two to three buds.

2. Prepare the rootstock:

Cut the rootstock 6-12 inches above soil level using clean,
sterile tools. Make a 1-2 inch long vertical cut in the center of the
rootstock. This cut, known as a “cleft,” will hold the offspring.

3. Prepare the offspring:

Take a healthy scion and trim it to 4-6 inches in length. Make a
wedge-shaped cut in the bottom of the scion, making sure it fits snugly into
the root fat.

4. Insert scan:

Carefully insert the scion into the rootstock cleft, making sure that the cambium layers (the green layer under the bark) of both the scion and the rootstock are in contact. This contact is important for taking the graft.

5. Secure the graft:

Use grafting tape or budding rubber to bind the graft union firmly. This helps keep the scion in place and prevents moisture loss. If
desired, apply grafting wax or sealant to the incisions to further protect against dehydration and infection.

6. Care of grafted plants:

Place the grafted plant in a sheltered location away from direct
sunlight and strong winds. Water it regularly but ensure good drainage. After a few weeks, new growth appears, indicating that the graft has taken.

Tips for successful mango grafting:

Timing: The best time to graft a mango is during the summer months, usually spring and early summer, when the tree is actively growing.

Hygiene:

Always sterilize your equipment before and after grafting to
prevent disease transmission.

Patience:

Grafting can be a delicate process. If your first attempt fails,
don’t despair. Practice and patience are key.

Protection:

Protect the grafted area from pests and harsh environmental
conditions to give grafting the best chance for success.

Conclusion:

Grafting is a rewarding technique that allows you to grow your favorite mango varieties with assurance of quality and consistency. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, with some practice, you can successfully graft mango trees and enjoy homemade, delicious mangoes. 

                        !! Happy grafting !!