Mango trees can create interest and bring cooling, dappled shade to your garden, not to mention pretty blossoms, attractive foliage, and delectable fruit. And who can resist the sweet and succulent taste of a perfectly ripe mango?
If you live in a tropical or sub-tropical climate then successful mango growing can be relatively straightforward but if you want to level up on your mango harvest, then you’re going to need to use mango tree fertilizers.
Choosing the right mango tree fertilizers will not only help you achieve the right pH balance for your soil but you will also be rewarded with the lushest of foliage and the most fragrant sweet, golden flesh.
Best Mango Tree Fertilizers
If you’re in a hurry, the two mango tree fertilizers I have highlighted below offer high-quality nutrients that are perfect for use on mango and other fruiting trees.
Best Granular Fertilizer
Dr. Earth Fruit Tree Fertilizer 5-5-2
The TruBiotic mix releases organic microbes and mycorrhizae into the soil to provide nutrients directly to the roots.
Best Slow Release Fertilizer
Jobe’s Fruit & Nut Fertilizer Spikes 8-11-11
Feed your mango tree all season long with just two fertilizer spikes. Super convenient.
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Best Fertilizer For Mango Trees
Mango tree fertilizers come in different forms. Depending on how many trees you have and how much time you want to spend fertilizing, you can choose from organic mixtures that are formulated either as spikes, liquids, and granules.
Fertilizer Spikes
These are pre-measured, mess-free solutions to fertilizing. You simply need to hammer them into the ground around your mango tree.
They offer a slow release of nutrients to your tree at the root level and can last up to nine months depending on which brand you buy. They are also considered to be people and pet safe because they are hidden below ground so there is less chance of little hands or paws reaching them.
They are a convenient way of saving time and effort but are generally more expensive than other fertilizing methods.
Liquid Concentrate Fertilizer
You’ll need to dilute the required amount of fertilizer with water in a watering can before distributing it around the base of the tree. Nutrients are then absorbed into the soil and carried to the root system.
The advantage of liquid feeds is they get to work straight away and help to keep the pH levels in your soil balanced. However, their concentrated formula means that there can be a tendency to over-feed and this can lead to root burn, especially in young mango trees.
Granules And Powders
Granules And Powders typically don’t require diluting. They can either be sprinkled around the trunk as a top dressing, or they can be dug in. Just follow the instructions on the product’s packaging to indicate the quantity required based on the size of your mango tree.
Organic Vs Inorganic
Choosing an organic or inorganic formula comes down to personal preference based on product results and ecological opinion. While they both have their own advantages and disadvantages, organic is mostly preferred to keep you and your edible trees and plants healthy.
Whatever your preference, always follow the manufacturer’s guidance when using these products and wash edible produce thoroughly before eating them.
Organic fertilizers
Organic fertilizers are made up of 100% natural plant or animal matter and typically smell somewhat organic! They are kinder to the environment and will not harm people or pets provided you stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Inorganic fertilizers
Inorganic fertilizers are manufactured with chemical nutrient compounds. They usually have little or no odor but overuse or misuse of these products can leave behind hazardous chemicals which may harm your plants, not to mention people and pets and the surrounding area.
Mango Tree Fertilizer N-P-K
Both organic and inorganic fertilizers feature three numbers on their packaging. These numbers indicate the N-P-K ratio of the fertilizer. (N) stands for Nitrogen, (P) for Phosphorus, and (K) Potassium.
Young mango trees will benefit from a higher ratio of nitrogen to help with the development of healthy foliage growth early in the season, but once they start bearing fruit the need for nitrogen decreases.
Once flowering and fruiting begin mango trees need an increased ratio of phosphorus and potassium. This helps to develop healthy blooms and fruit, maintain nutrient absorption, and protect against disease.
However, it’s fine to use a single fertilizer product throughout eh growing season for convenience and still get great results. Look out for an N-P_K around 5-5-5. The plant’s ability to take in the nutrients depends on the soil pH and other trace elements. Think of it in terms of making the fertilizer digestible.
With that in mind, all of the products I have selected on the list below contain these key ingredients; natural phosphorus sources from rock phosphate, guano, blood meal, or bone meal to provide phosphorus and potassium that is derived naturally from seaweed or potassium sulfate.
Mulching with good quality, organic compost will also help with the absorption of phosphorus and potassium.
Mango Tree Fertilizer Reviews
Choosing from the vast array of mango tree fertilizers available on the market doesn’t need to be a chore. When it comes to reviewing these products this comprehensive list of the best available on the market has you covered. This list takes into account the performance of the fertilizer, what it’s made of, value for money, and the level of customer satisfaction, based on thousands of user reviews across major online platforms.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get choosing!
Pros
- Fast results
- Works well in different types of environments
- Safe around people, pets, and wildlife
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
Dr. Earth Premium Fertilizer delivers fast results for fertilizing your mango trees. It contains its trademark TruBiotic mix that releases organic microbes and mycorrhizae directly into the soil and provides nutrients to the roots.
The organic granules offer a slow-release option that quickly creates a nutrient-rich environment and the end result is lush foliage and plenty of fruit. This fertilizer doesn’t need water to become activated and so it is perfect for drought-tolerant environments.
Check Dr. Earth’s latest price here.
How To Use: For mature mango trees, work 1 cup of fertilizer into the soil within the drip line every three months throughout the growing season. When planting a new tree, add 2 cups to the planting hole and water thoroughly.
Customer Reviews: Impressive results in a short amount of time but a bit smelly. Users were also delighted with how growth increased and fruit harvest was plentiful. A great value-for-money option that scored an impressive 4.5 / 5 stars.
Pros
- Only one application needed for the whole season
- Improves soil condition while fertilizing cherry trees
- Contains patented Biozome for a safe and eco-friendly process
Cons
- Needs to be stored in a cool, dry place
- Too big for potted trees
If you want a fuss and mess-free solution to feeding mango trees then look no further than these Fruit and Nut Organic Spikes from Jobe’s. They gradually release a slightly higher ratio of phosphorus and potassium directly into the soil to improve flower and fruit production, so they are great for mature trees.
The clever people at Jobe’s know a thing or two about fertilizing and so they have come up with the unique Biozome formula that contains beneficial microorganisms to improve soil quality, enhance plant growth, and generally help your garden to resist disease and drought. Buy Jobe’s Spikere on Amazon
These spikes don’t just work on improving the growth and yield of mango trees. They are a great all-around fruit and nut tree organic feed. I’ve been using them as a fertilizer for cherry trees and it has really helped to enhance the beautiful cherry blossom as well as fruit quantity. And I only need two applications per year.
How To Use: Water soil thoroughly for easier application. Distribute spikes evenly around your tree at the drip line. Sinking them 1-2 inches below the soil surface.
Customer Reviews: Users love the ease of use and results of this product, so much so that they have a global consumer rating of 4.7 / 5.
Pros
- Fast results
- Can be worked into the soil or applied as a diluted tea
- Resealable bag for easy pouring and storage
Cons
- Over-feeding may result in less foliage and fewer blossoms and fruit
Another product from Jobe’s Organics now, this time as granular fertilizer. This one is OMRI listed for organic gardening by USDA so you know it contains a list of ingredients that you can trust to be natural and environmentally sound.
Just like Jobe’s fertilizer spikes, this product gets to work gradually and also boasts the patented Biozome formula. That means you can be assured that your soil will be in better condition and your mango trees will have enhanced growth and be more resistant to pests and drought.
The main difference is in how you administer this product and how often. Check Jobe’s fruit fertilizer price on Amazon.
How To Use: Feed each tree with 3 cups of granules per 1” of trunk’s diameter, within the tree’s drip line. Apply once every 2-3 months, during the growing season.
Customer Reviews: Users that don’t mind a little hard labor every quarter said they were happy with how quickly they saw results. This fertilizer scored an overall rating of 4.5 / 5 stars.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quick results and excellent fruit yield
- Excellent citrus tree fertilizer as well
Cons
- Strong organic odor
Don’t be distracted by the name here, Espoma Citrus-Tone fertilizer is a granular feed that will fertilize your mango trees just as well as it works as a fertilizer for citrus trees.
This is a slow-release fertilizer that I’ve found gets to work quickly once it’s been dug in and well-watered into the soil. It is a class act at supporting the overall health of trees as well as encouraging high fruit yield thanks to its trademark Bio-tone microbes.
Check Espoma’s latest price here.
How to use: The application is recommended in January for a pre-bloom early kickstart, then post-bloom in May or June. It is optional to add a further application in fall/spring to top up and meet all overwinter nutrient requirements. You will be required to dig into this formula for the best results. Avoid fertilizing within 6″ of the tree trunk.
Customer Reviews: This one scores a fantastic 4.7/5 across all customer feedback but there is just one common complaint…the smell. The product contains organic materials and that includes chicken manure so it’s no wonder there is a strong odor!
Healthy growth and fruit yield results are all positive and best of all it can be used as a fertilizer for citrus trees and nut tree species including avocado.
Pros
- Fantastic fertilizer for all fruit trees and a particularly good fertilizer for lemon trees
- Good value for money
- Great results with a mass of fruit
Cons
- Requires mixing into the soil
This organic fertilizer mix from Down to Earth is loaded with micronutrients including zinc and calcium. It also boasts an impressive list of natural plant and animal matter ingredients including fishbone meal. All of this combined is great news for mango trees so expect new growth, more fruit, and fragrant blossoms if you choose to use it.
This is a great option for young trees that you’re going to want to fertilize at the time of planting because it has a slightly higher nitrogen ratio which will encourage lots of healthy foliage growth.
It does require a little effort to dig the granules into the soil but on the flip side, this product is of great value. You can use it as a fertilizer for citrus fruits, fruit trees, vines, and ornamental plants as well as mango trees.
Check the latest price on Amazon
How to use: For established trees, use up to 4 times a year. For new trees, more applications are needed. The product must be mixed with soil as per the instructions.
Customer Reviews: Users rated this fertilizer 4.5 / 5 stars thanks to how well it encourages vibrant growth. This product does need regular applications for best results and some reviewers found the smell a little ‘organic’.
How To Feed Mango Trees
The method you use to feed your mango trees is entirely dependent on the type of mango tree fertilizers you prefer to use. It has to suit your needs and the way in which you garden.
The reviews above of the top 5 mango tree fertilizers provide descriptions and directions on how to feed. Ranging from slow-release fertilizer spikes that are a once-per-year solution to the liquid concentrates that get to work immediately but need more regular feeds.
These fertilizers all have advantages and disadvantages but in order for your mango tree to be able to absorb all of these essential nutrients and thrive, they need to be planted in soil with a pH range of between 6 and 7. You can feed them all you like with the most expensive and best tree fertilizers but if the soil pH isn’t right, you will simply be wasting your money.
Get your soil pH tested or invest in a soil pH test kit if you don’t already have one and adjust the soil levels accordingly. Ideally, you should be doing this before you start planting but it is possible to adjust soil pH if you already have a planted mango tree in your garden.
You will need to review soil pH annually and may need to take action to neutralize it thereafter.
You can buy specific products to either lower or increase soil pH and in addition, you should be using mango tree fertilizers that help to bring the right balance too.
Another way to ensure your mango trees are absorbing nutrients is to mulch twice a year in spring and fall with good quality, organic compost.
This will not only help to lock in the nutrients you have added to adjust the soil pH but will also help with the absorption of other micronutrients that are beneficial to mango trees such as iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and calcium.
When And How Often To Fertilize Mango Trees
For young and established mango trees feed in spring, summer, and fall with a slow-release fertilizer. If you are using granules or powder, sprinkle the required amount all around the drip line and water in.
As I said earlier in this article, young mango trees need a higher ratio of nitrogen to help with the development of healthy foliage growth. Once this is established and fruit-bearing begins, the need for nitrogen decreases.
As your mango tree begins flowering and fruiting it is important to increase the ratio of phosphorus and potassium. This encourages healthy blooms and fruit to develop. It will also help your mango tree keep up with nutrient absorption and protect against disease.
Final Thoughts On Fertilizing Mango Trees
So, there we have it. As promised, a list of the 5 best mango tree fertilizers carefully put together tried and tested experience and gardening know-how along with delving into the opinions and reviews of customer feedback from global retail sources and gardening forums.
Just before you jump in and click on the mango fertilizer that is right for you, please spare a thought for your soil type. It really is worth investing in a soil pH test kit as chances are you’ll need to use it annually to get the right ground conditions for your mango trees.
Once your soil is right, you’ll be better equipped to choose a fertilizer with the right N-P-K ratio for the age of your tree and the ability to keep those soil nutrients correctly balanced.
So, what’s it to be? Jobe’s Organic Fruit and Nut Fertilizer with their ease of use and long-term, slow-release benefits. Or perhaps, Dr. Earth’s Natural Wonders, for that all-important lush foliage and plentiful harvest. No matter which you choose, nurturing your mango trees and giving them the boost they need is always a well-rewarded effort.
Best Granular Fertilizer
Dr. Earth Fruit Tree Fertilizer 5-5-2
The TruBiotic mix releases organic microbes and mycorrhizae into the soil to provide nutrients directly to the roots.
