Learn How to Plant Mangosteen Tree in Your Backyard

Mangosteen is a tropical fruit originating from Southeast Asia with a small size and purple color. The outer skin is hard, but the fruit has sweet, juicy flesh to be enjoyed. For you who are curious about planting this queen of tropical fruits, here are the planting tips you can see.

Find the Perfect Location and Climate
Mangosteens are a tropical plant, so you have to know that the trees will need direct sunlight. To grow optimally, the plant should get full sun 5-6 hours daily. However, think about the climate because the temperatures should not be below 4 degrees Celsius. Do not let the plant be in the area with temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius or they won’t thrive.
Prefer the Right Soil Type
To plant mangosteens, you need to use deep, rich organic soil type that is also well-draining. It is because the plant won’t be able to survive if you use sandy, alluvial soils or limestone soils. Even sandy soils with low organic matter content do not make the plant grow well.
If you want to prefer clay soil with sand and silt in a balanced ratio, that would be great. Soils with slightly acidic pH are even better because the plant will be very adaptable. The more recommended soil pH level is between 5.5 and 6.8.
Choose Firm and Moist Seeds
If you prefer to grow mangosteens by seeds, you need to find firm and moist seeds. Get them from the mangosteens that are already ripe with a white to off-white center. Before you go plant them, make sure you soak the seeds in water for 24 hours.
If you already prepare the garden soil, sow the seeds one-inch deep. The germination will happen within 18-24 days and during this process, you should give protection to the plant. The seedlings cannot be affected by winds or extreme temperature changes.
Water Properly and Consistently
Mangosteen tree planting tips also focus on how you water the plant properly. Every 9 days, you need to give 0.8 cups of water to the tree. Water your mangosteens regularly, especially when the plants are still young. For their best growth, watering should be done consistently, but do not overwater them.
Fertilize Every 4-5 Months
Fertilizer is required for the plant’s optimum growth, but you only need to feed them once every 4-5 months. Use a 20-15-20 or 20-20-20 fertilizer and fertilize your plant until the age of the tree is 3-4 years old.
Later, you should use 1.5 to 2.0 kg 12-24-12 or 14-14-14 plus 200-300 grams Muriate of Potash. Mix them and apply the fertilizer in two equal doses when the plant enters the fruit-bearing stage.
Harvest and Store
You might wait a bit too long to see the tree bear fruits which can be 7-9 years later. Harvesting can be done by handpicking when the fruit’s color turns dark red or purple. Store them in a safe and dry, warm environment for up to 20-25 days.
Prune When Required
Pruning is actually less needed for mangosteens, but a little pruning might be important in commercial plantings. In this case, pruning can be done in the fall after harvesting. If you decide to prune it, use pruning shears to remove leaves with spots.

Mangosteen is a type of slow-growing plant. That is why you need to take care of the plant properly and patiently. When it comes to harvest time, you will experience how the fruits’ taste is best when eaten raw and fresh.