Eric Raith: The Mango Chronicles; How Many Coconut Cream Mango Trees can I Kill? Let See…

I love mangoes, but, Apparently I do not have a talent for growing mango trees. In my defense though I am trying to grow my mango trees without plant steroids, so that may be where some of my issues are coming from. Currently on I’m on my third Coconut Cream mango tree. I don’t know; is a Coconut Cream mango tree a hard variety to grow? So far, my experience has shown that I am definitely having slow growth and in some cases, death.

From what I understand, the “Coconut Cream” mango was developed by Gary Zill in Boynton Beach, Florida. It’s a patented variety, a cross between the Edward and Gary mangoes, released to the public in 2009. I planted my frist one in 2020, and so far I am still waiting to taste a coconut cream mango. Coconut Cream Mango tree 1 last about a year. The first hurdle I faced was selecting the right environment for planting these mango trees. Coconut Cream mangoes thrive in warm, sunny climates, ideally in USDA zones 10-11. so the region is right but the moisture I guess was wrong. Due to frequent hurricanes Coconut Cream mango tree number 1 made it’s home in a plastic pot. My idea was to drag it into the house when a hurricane came. I did that successfully and saved mango tree number 1 from hurricane season. It seemed like a great solution at first; however, pot-associated moisture issues led to root rot, and I lost my first tree. At first I couldn’t believe it, but I confirmed it when I did a mango tree autopsy by pulling the tree out of the pot to examine the roots. A professional Gardner came by and confirmed it also, that I had a very dead mango tree. I was disappointed, but not deterred.

Determined to learn from my mistakes, I researched the best practices for maintaining healthy mango trees. One key aspect I discovered was the significance of well-draining soil. Mango trees require a sandy loam mix that allows water to pass through easily while holding just enough nutrients. Armed with new knowledge, I carefully prepared a potting mix and tried again. This time, I planted it in the ground. This time, I felt I would do it the way nature intended it. So, I solved the root rot that I had caused, probably from overwatering. I did not, however, solve the hurricane issue. Coconut Cream Mango tree 2: was very small, and I think Hurricane Ian took it out. Coconut Cream Mango tree3: is still with us, but it is small and struggling. I tied it to a very sturdy pole, which you can see in the photo above. With the recent rain, it is looking good, but it has stayed small for many months.

At this point I would take any advice. I am determined to eat Coconut Cream mango. Gary Zill if you ever read this maybe you have some advice. When I lived in Palm Beach County I did buy mangoes from your brother, Walter and his lovely wife Verna for years. The Coconut Cream mango tree truly requires commitment and love, embodying the mind of a gardener who refuses to give up even when faced with setbacks. My dream of harvesting ripe Coconut Cream mangoes continues to thrive, and I look forward to sharing the fruits of my labor with fellow enthusiasts on EricRaith.com.