Mangifera indica 'Pickering'

'Pickering' is a dwarf variety and considered a condo mango because it can be grown in a container. It is also great for those who have limited space. It has a bushy, compact growth habit, and can be maintained at just 6 feet tall. 'Pickering' is a seedling selected by Walter Zill of Boyton Beach, FL in the 1980s, and is speculated to be a cross between Carrie and Irwin. It was named after Wayne Pickering, a long-time customer of Walter's. The fruit are oblong-oval in shape, medium-sized, turning light-yellow at maturity with light pink blush and pink 'splotching' on the skin. The flesh is yellow, very firm, with a minimal amount of fiber. The flavor at peak ripeness is extremely sweet with coconut overtones. The fruit ripens early season, from June to July. (Pot size: 3 gallon)

Mango Care: To get the most out of your new mango tree dedicate an area in your yard for it away from other trees and structures. Your new mango wants full sun, the more sun the more fruit you'll have. For the first 30 days you must water your mango tree to get it established, it does not want to be over watered. Look for a flush of leaves in the first month or so, this will tell you it's growing well. Once established mango trees do not want too much water and are drought resistant. You may want to sparingly fertilize at the end of August with a simple 6-6-6 fertilizer. The nitrogen in fertilizer, the first number, will help your tree grow leaves.  The second number, phosphorous encourages roots. The third, potassium creates the fruit. In the following years you may only be fertilizing with potassium for a good crop of fruit.

If you'd like to learn more about site selection, planting, proper irrigation, more advanced fertilizing, and pruning for your mango tree please check out the University of Florida's Agricultural Extension office's site on proper home mango care.