Where Can Mango Trees Grow in U.S?
Mangoes, depending on the variety, are among the largest of the tropical fruit trees and, as such, produce some of the largest fruits. These tropical trees are native to the warmer regions of Asia and Oceania, but they can also do well in some portions of the United States. To determine if the hardiness of mangoes is enough to survive in your area, you must first research in which plant zone you live.
Zone 9B
Mangoes in the United States cannot survive at zones with numbers lower than 9B without serious help. Typically, this zone may see temperatures as low as 25 degrees, but usually no lower. The threshold for mangoes in cold temperatures is near 26 degrees F, especially for established trees. For younger trees, any temperature below freezing can be dangerous.
- Mangoes, depending on the variety, are among the largest of the tropical fruit trees and, as such, produce some of the largest fruits.
- The threshold for mangoes in cold temperatures is near 26 degrees F, especially for established trees.
Zone 9B is typically found in Central Florida, the southern tip of Texas, and parts of the Southwest. While the temperatures are generally acceptable in Zone 9B for growing mangoes, there may be times when they need some additional protection, such as a blanket and possibly a light to make it through particularly cold nights.
Zone 10
As the USDA zone numbers get higher, mango trees can survive more easily. Zone 10, both A and B, is a good place for mangoes, and they are generally safe in these areas except during unusual circumstances. Typically, this is where the trees are commonly seen outside.
Areas in Zone 10 include South Florida and Southwest California. Mangoes generally can be found in both of these areas but are mainly for personal use. South Florida does have a small commercial mango area of approximately 650 hectares.
- Zone 9B is typically found in Central Florida, the southern tip of Texas, and parts of the Southwest.
- While the temperatures are generally acceptable in Zone 9B for growing mangoes, there may be times when they need some additional protection, such as a blanket and possibly a light to make it through particularly cold nights.
Zone 11
The only other zone in the United States where mangoes can be safely grown is in Zone 11. Typically, temperatures in this zone never drop below 40 degrees. There is no place in the continental United States where this occurs. Zone 11 includes only locations in Hawaii. Some of Hawaii is also in Zone 10.
Indoors
Those wanting to grow a mango tree in a pot and keep it indoors in cooler environments should be able to grow it nearly anywhere in the United States. Those who want to put it outside in the summer can do so, as long as they take it in before the first freeze. The cogshall mango is often recommended for growing indoors. This mango has a mild, sweet flavor and does well in pots.
- The only other zone in the United States where mangoes can be safely grown is in Zone 11.
- Those wanting to grow a mango tree in a pot and keep it indoors in cooler environments should be able to grow it nearly anywhere in the United States.
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Writer Bio
Kenneth Black has been a freelance writer since 2008. He currently works as a staff writer for "The Times Republican" in Central Iowa. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including business, politics, family life and travel. Black holds a bachelor's degree in business marketing from the University of Phoenix.
