Mango ‘Pickering’ (Mangifera Indica)

Brittany’s favorite mango!

The Pickering Mango is a fast-growing, disease-resistant fruit tree that is a member of the Cashew family, Anacardiaceae and is thought to be a cross between the Carrie and Irwin varieties. It is known as a “condo” mango because it is compact and perfect for small properties or containers. It matures to a size of 10 to 15 feet with a 15-foot canopy spread, but can easily be kept at 6 to 10 feet high in a container. This small, grafted tree will produce fruit at a young age and a small size.

Pickering’s evergreen leaves grow in rosettes on the branches and pinkish-yellow flowers bloom in late winter to early spring. The leathery-skinned fruits mature by midsummer, 4 to 5 months after flowering, and are a blend of green, yellow, blushing pink, and purplish hues. On average, they weigh from 0.75 to 1.5 lbs. Inside, the yellow-orange pulp is firm and creamy, with little or no fiber. It is extremely sweet and juicy, with a delightful coconut-mango, or piña colada flavor.

The fruits are a rich source of vitamins and minerals with antioxidant properties that boost the immune system and promote heart, skin, hair, and digestive health. They can be eaten out-of-hand or added fresh to fruit salads, garden salads, smoothies and ice cream. The possibilities are endless with this amazing fruit!

Mangoes generally are not fussy about their soil as long as it’s well-draining. It grows best in full sun and requires moderate moisture. Pickering mangoes are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11 with some frost protection until well established.