Mangosteen Farming in the Philippines: How to Plant and Grow Mangosteen

February 7, 2023 by Lauro Braganza

Mangosteen farming is becoming popular and profitable in the Philippines due to its financially-promising return and also its delicious flavor. If you are here looking for a mangosteen farming guide, continue reading.

Mangosteen is one of the most popular fruits in the world, and it’s also one of the easiest to grow. With the right know-how, you can have a healthy, bountiful mangosteen tree in no time. In this article, we’ll be breaking down the ultimate guide to planting and growing mangosteen – from step-by-step instructions on how to choose the best location for your tree, to tips and tricks on how to feed your plant properly. So if you’re looking for an easy way to get started with mangosteen farming, then read on!

Introduction to Mangosteen

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical fruit that is indigenous to Southeast Asia. The fruit is round and has a leathery, purple rind. The edible flesh of the mangosteen is white and segmented, and it has a sweet, tangy flavor. Mangosteens are typically eaten fresh, but they can also be used in juices, jams, and other recipes.

Mangosteens are a relatively easy fruit to grow, as long as you have the right climate and conditions. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about planting and growing mangosteen, from start to finish. We will cover topics such as choosing the right variety of mangosteen for your climate, preparing the soil, planting the tree, caring for it during its first year of growth, and beyond. By the end of this guide, you will be an expert on all things mangosteen!

Overview of Mangosteen Farming

Mangosteen trees are native to Southeast Asia and require a tropical climate to produce fruit. The tree grows best in humid, tropical areas with well-drained soils. Mangosteen trees can be propagated from seed or cuttings, and it is best to plant them in full sun.

Mangosteen trees are generally slow-growing, taking 3-5 years to reach fruiting age. Once the tree starts bearing fruit, it will produce mangosteens for 10-20 years. Each tree can yield up to 200 fruits per season.

The mangosteen fruit is a delicate berry that is dark purple in color. It has a thick rind that encases a white, fleshy interior. The fruit is sweet and tangy, with a flavor that has been likened to a combination of grapefruit, strawberries, and apricots. Mangosteens are typically eaten fresh, but they can also be made into jams, jellies, and other preserves.

What You Need to Know Before Planting Mangosteen

Mangosteen fruit is round and has purple-brown skin with white flesh. Mangosteen is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes and has a sweet, slightly sour taste.

The fruit can be found fresh in many Asian markets or online. Mangosteen can also be found in powder form, which is perfect for making smoothies or adding to baking recipes.

When planting mangosteen, it is important to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. The tree prefers warm climates and does not tolerate frost. If you live in an area with cold winters, you can grow mangosteen in a pot and bring it indoors when the weather gets too cold.

Mangosteen trees can grow up to 20 feet tall and have a spreading canopy. They are relatively slow-growing trees, so be patient when waiting for your mangosteen tree to bear fruit. Most mangosteen trees will start bearing fruit after 3-5 years.

If you want to harvest mangosteen fruits earlier, you can purchase dwarf varieties of the tree which will mature faster. When the fruits are ripe, they will fall off the tree on their own. You can then collect them from the ground and enjoy your delicious mangosteens!

Step-by-Step Guide on Mangosteen Farming

Assuming you have already obtained your mangosteen tree, it is now time to plant and grow it! This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to do that:

Choose the right spot in your yard. Mangosteen trees need full sun and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole that is twice the width of the tree’s root ball and just as deep.
Place the tree in the hole and backfill it with soil, tamping it down as you go.
Water the tree deeply immediately after planting.
Mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture in the soil.
Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer formulated for fruit trees. Follow package directions for application rates and frequency.
Prune mangosteen trees annually to encourage fruiting and maintain a desired shape or size.

Caring for Mangosteen After Planting

Mangosteen trees are relatively easy to care for once they are established. Here are a few tips to help you keep your tree healthy and productive:

Water regularly during the first growing season to help the roots establish themselves. After that, water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Feed your tree with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Prune mangosteen trees annually to encourage new growth and fruit production.
Mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and control weeds.

Harvesting Tips

Assuming you have a mature mangosteen tree, the harvesting process is actually quite simple and straightforward. Here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of your crop:

First, only harvest mangosteens when they are fully ripe. You can tell they’re ready when the skin turns a deep purple color.
Secondly, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the fruit from the stem. Be careful not to damage the tree in the process.
Thirdly, handle the mangosteens with care as they are quite delicate and can bruise easily.
Lastly, eat or use your Mangosteens as soon as possible after harvest for the best flavor and quality.

Questions Related to Mangosteen Farming

How long does it take to grow a mangosteen tree?

Seedlings from seeds take 8 to 15 years to bear fruit, but grafted seedlings can bear fruit as early as three years. Individual trees have been reported to yield more than 1,000 fruits in a season, but the plants usually produce good crops only in alternate years. The mangosteen has been cultivated in Java, Sumatra, Indochina, and the southern Philippines from antiquity.

Where does mangosteen grow best?

Because the tree is truly tropical and cold-sensitive, the best region to grow mangosteen is south Florida especially Miami Dade (USDA 11a). It has been reported that mangosteen was first planted in Miami in 1977. Many people have grown or tried to grow mangosteen trees in Florida but not in a large scale.

What season is mangosteen in the Philippines?

Mangosteen is usually in season from August to October only and the Philippines is currently looking into off-season production to increase the volume of mangosteen produced due to the increasing demand for this fruit.

Does mangosteen grow in the Philippines?

Luzon and Mindanao islands in the Philippines are the important mangosteen-producing provinces whose growing areas are scattered on these two islands.

Is mangosteen easy to grow?

Mangosteen trees are relatively easy to grow and thrive in deep, rich organic soil but will survive in sandy loam or clay-containing course material. While standing water will kill off seedlings, adult mangosteens can survive, and even thrive, in regions where their roots are covered with water most of the year

How much is mangosteen per kilo?

In 2023, the average farmgate price of mangosteen in the Philippines was at P85.00 Philippine pesos per kilo.

Conclusion

Planting and growing a mangosteen tree can be an incredibly rewarding experience. With the right guidance, you can enjoy your own homegrown mangosteen fruit in no time! We hope that this step-by-step manual has given you all the information you need to get started on your journey toward becoming a successful home grower of this exotic tropical fruit. Now, it is up to you to put these tips into practice and have fun as you watch your mangosteen tree thrive in its new environment!

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