Spring tree care: Flowering, Pollination, Early Fruit Set (March-May)

• Watering: Reduce watering during flowering to encourage pollination and fruit set.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 8-3-9 with micronutrients) after flowering begins.
• Pruning: Light pruning can be done before flowering if needed to shape the tree.

Spring Pest and Disease Management (March-May)

Monitor for anthracnose, powdery mildew, and mango weevils. Apply fungicides if necessary during flowering (especially in humid climates).

•  Anthracnose: Major disease in humid springs; affects flowers and young fruit
• Powdery mildew: Common in warm, dry spells; distorts panicles
• Mango hoppers & thrips: Cause flower drop and poor fruit set

Tips:

• Spray copper-based fungicides at early bloom and repeat every 10–14 days
• Use sulfur or potassium bicarbonate for powdery mildew (avoid sulfur in hot weather)
• Apply neem oil or spinosad for hoppers/thrips
• Sanitize: Remove fallen flowers and old panicles

Summer tree care: Fruit Development and Harvest (June-August)

• Watering: Resume regular deep watering to support fruit growth.
• Harvest: Harvest when fruit is full-sized and begins to turn color. Don’t wait too long; overripe fruit attracts pests.
• Pest Management: Watch for fruit flies, scale insects, and mites. Use baiting/trapping and horticultural oils if needed.
• Mulching: Add mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Summer Pest and Disease Management (June-August)

• Caribbean fruit fly (Anastrepha suspensa): A major pest in South Florida
• Stem-end rot & anthracnose: High humidity increases disease pressure
•  Mites & scales: Cause surface blemishes and sooty mold

Tips

• Harvest fruit early (mature-green) to avoid fly infestation
• Use fruit fly traps (e.g., methyl eugenol for males)
• Spray fungicide 2–3 weeks before harvest in wet conditions
• Manage mites with horticultural oils
• Remove fallen/damaged fruit weekly

Fall tree care : Post-Harvest Recovery and Growth (September–November)

• Pruning: Prune after harvest to shape the tree and remove any dead or diseased branches.
• Fertilization: Apply a post-harvest fertilizer high in potassium and low in nitrogen to support root strength and next year’s flowering.
• Clean-Up: Remove fallen fruit and leaves to prevent disease and pest buildup.
• Irrigation: Adjust watering based on rainfall; avoid overwatering.

Fall Pest and Disease Management (September–November)

• Algal leaf spot (Cephaleuros virescens): Common on stressed trees
•  Scale insects & mealybugs: Active with lingering summer heat
• Sooty mold: Grows on insect secretions

Tips:

• Prune lightly to remove diseased branches and improve air movement
• Apply horticultural oils in cooler weather (below 85°F)
• Copper sprays every 4–6 weeks if algae is severe

Winter tree care: Dormancy, Flower Bud Initiation (December–February)

• Watering: Reduce watering during dormancy unless the soil is very dry.
• Cold Protection: In colder regions (below 40°F/4°C), use frost blankets or cover young trees. Mulch heavily around the base.
• Fertilization: Avoid fertilizing until late winter, just before flowering resumes.
• Pest Watch: Monitor for scale and other overwintering pests.

Winter Pest and Disease Management (December–February)

• Cold stress: Trees damaged below 40°F, especially young ones
• Overwintering pests: Scale, mealybugs, aphids

Tips:

• Protect young trees from cold using frost blankets and mulch
• Apply dormant oil spray during dry weather
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer to prevent late flush
• Begin bloom sprays in late February if flowering starts early

 Additional Tips

•  Soil: Mango trees prefer well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5.
• Spacing: Maintain good air circulation by spacing trees 20–30 feet apart.
• Sunlight: Mango trees thrive in full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily).
• Training: Young trees can be trained to encourage a strong central leader and balanced canopy.
• Scout trees weekly during bloom and fruiting
• Use traps for fruit fly and monitor pest pressure
• Encourage natural predators like lady beetles and lacewings
• Spray before rain and avoid spraying during high heat
• Record all treatments and observations

For science-based guidance, contact UF/IFAS Extension – St. Lucie County
(772) 462-1660
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucie

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