Alphonso Mango
Mangifera indica 'Alphonso'
Known as the 'King of Mangoes,' this legendary variety from India produces incredibly sweet, creamy fruits with virtually no fiber and an intoxicating floral aroma. Considered by many to be the world's finest mango, Alphonso commands premium prices in markets but can be grown successfully in containers in warm climates. The ultimate tropical fruit for discerning gardeners seeking exceptional flavor.
Harvest
1460-1825d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
8–11
USDA hardiness
Height
65 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Alphonso Mango in USDA Zone 8
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Alphonso Mango · Zones 8–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Mango trees thrive in tropical and subtropical areas. Mature trees can withstand air temperatures as low as 25°F for a few hours with leaf damage, while young trees may be killed at 29-30°F. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Mangos adapt to many soil types including light sand and limestone but perform poorly in poorly drained soils. In flood-prone areas, plant on a large mound 2-3 ft high by 4-6 ft in diameter. Water new trees every other day for the first week, then 1-2 times weekly for a couple months. Mature trees do not need frequent watering — overwatering may cause poor quality fruit and trees to decline. Apply fertilizer every 2-3 months for young trees (6-6-6-2 formulation). Mature trees need reduced nitrogen and increased potash (6-3-16 formulation). On calcareous soils, apply annual foliar sprays of copper, zinc, manganese, and boron. Maintain a grass-free area 2-5 ft around trunk. Apply 2-6 inches of mulch, kept 8-12 inches from the trunk. Source: UF/IFAS Extension. Alphonso is an Indian-type monoembryonic variety prized for its rich flavor and minimal fiber. As an Indian type, it is susceptible to anthracnose in humid climates. Source: UF/IFAS Extension.
Harvesting
Flowering to maturity takes 100-150 days. Peak production occurs June-July, with fruits generally available May through September. Fruits ripen on the tree but are typically picked when firm and mature. Maturity indicators include: shoulders and nose broaden, slight color development, and flesh near seed changes from white to yellow. Mature fruits ripen 3-8 days after harvest at room temperature. Average yields of 4-6 bushels (220-330 lb) from mature grafted trees. Grafted trees begin bearing in 3-5 years. Source: UF/IFAS Extension.
Storage & Preservation
The best temperatures for ripening mangos are 70-75°F. Higher temperatures cause shriveling and off-flavors. Refrigerate only after ripening — chilling unripe fruit causes brown/gray discoloration, pitting, uneven ripening, and off-flavors. Source: UF/IFAS Extension.
History & Origin
Mangos originated in the Indo-Burma region and have been cultivated in India for over 4,000 years. They reached Florida in 1833 at Cape Sable. Indian-type mangos (monoembryonic seeds, highly colored, anthracnose-susceptible) include Haden, Tommy Atkins, and Kent. Indochinese types (polyembryonic seeds, green/yellow, anthracnose-resistant) include Nam Doc Mai and Carabao. Trees are propagated via veneer-grafting, cleft-grafting, or chip-budding. Common rootstocks include 'Turpentine' and unnamed criollo-types. Source: UF/IFAS Extension. The Alphonso cultivar originated in the Konkan region of western India and is named after Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese general.
Advantages
- +Adapts to many soil types including sand and limestone
- +Mature trees are drought-tolerant
- +Average yields 220-330 lb per tree
- +Good source of vitamins A, C, B-6, and E
- +Long harvest window (May-September)
Considerations
- -Young trees killed at 29-30°F
- -Susceptible to anthracnose disease (especially Indian types)
- -Overwatering causes fruit quality decline
- -Vigorous varieties need 25-30 ft spacing
- -Severe pruning reduces production for 1+ seasons
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Coconut Palm
Provides complementary canopy structure and shares similar water requirements
Curry Leaf Plant
Repels fruit flies and adds nitrogen to soil through leaf drop
Lemongrass
Deters mosquitoes and other flying pests that affect mango trees
Marigold
Repels nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Papaya
Similar growth requirements and attracts pollinators without competing for nutrients
Banana
Provides wind protection and mulch from fallen leaves, shares similar tropical conditions
Sweet Potato
Ground cover that suppresses weeds and doesn't compete with shallow mango roots
Neem Tree
Natural pest deterrent that protects against mango pests like hoppers and scale insects
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to many fruit trees including mango
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth and competes aggressively for water
Large Oak Trees
Heavy shade reduces fruit production and root competition affects mango growth
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169910)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Susceptible to anthracnose and powdery mildew
Common Pests
Mango weevil, scale insects, fruit flies, thrips
Diseases
Anthracnose, powdery mildew, bacterial black spot