Tommy Atkins Mango
Mangifera indica 'Tommy Atkins'
The most widely recognized mango variety in North America, prized for its reliable production and excellent shipping qualities. This vigorous grower produces large, colorful fruits with a classic mango flavor that appeals to both beginners and mango enthusiasts. Tommy Atkins is the perfect introduction to homegrown tropical fruit with its forgiving nature and consistent harvests.
Harvest
100-130d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
8–11
USDA hardiness
Height
65 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Tommy Atkins Mango in USDA Zone 8
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Tommy Atkins 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. Tommy Atkins is a high-vigor Indian-type variety maturing June-July, producing 16-24 oz red-yellow fruit with good production. Moderately resistant to anthracnose. 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. Tommy Atkins produces 16-24 oz fruit, maturing June-July. 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.
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
Creates beneficial microclimate, shares similar water needs, and provides wind protection
Papaya
Compatible root systems and growth habits, attracts beneficial insects
Lemongrass
Repels mosquitoes and other pests, aromatic deterrent for insects
Marigold
Repels nematodes and aphids, attracts beneficial predatory insects
Comfrey
Deep taproot brings nutrients to surface, excellent mulch and compost material
Banana
Provides windbreak and shade, creates humid microclimate mangoes prefer
Sweet Potato
Ground cover that suppresses weeds, fixes nitrogen, compatible shallow roots
Moringa
Attracts pollinators, provides wind protection, minimal root competition
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to mango trees and inhibits root development
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds inhibit growth, competes aggressively for water and nutrients
Pine Trees
Acidifies soil through needle drop, mango prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169910)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to anthracnose and bacterial black spot
Common Pests
Mango seed weevil, scale insects, thrips, fruit flies
Diseases
Anthracnose, powdery mildew, bacterial black spot