Mango tree Kent - Mangifera indica

Mangifera indica 'Kent' is a well-known mango tree cultivar, widely grown for its late, abundant production of excellent flavour. This tree only thrives properly in tropical or subtropical climates, requiring long warm periods and mild winters. It can be grown outdoors in southern Europe, but elsewhere it makes a fine greenhouse or conservatory plant.

The 'Kent' mango tree, like all mango trees, belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. This cultivar was discovered in 1938 in Florida, USA, by Leith Dunlop Kent, who planted a seedling of the 'Brooks' variety in his garden in Coconut Grove in 1933. It is a medium to large-sized tree, typically reaching between 6 and 10 metres in height when grown outdoors. It has a dense, rounded habit, with large, dark green, glossy, elongated evergreen leaves. The tree grows vigorously and provides dense shade, making it a favourite in tropical and subtropical gardens.

The flowering of the 'Kent' mango tree is rare in temperate climates, occurring in spring. It produces clusters of small, cream-white flowers. After flowering, large oval fruits develop. 'Kent' mangoes are usually large, with smooth skin that turns from green to red with yellow hues when ripe. Their flesh is yellow, juicy, sweet, and almost fibre-free, making them one of the best varieties for fresh consumption. The harvest typically takes place in late summer, extending the mango season into autumn.

The Mangifera genus includes many species of mango trees, primarily native to southern Asia, particularly India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Mangifera indica is the most widely cultivated species, prized for its delicious and nutritious fruits. In the wild, these trees grow in tropical and subtropical forests, preferring warm climates with a well-defined dry season.

To cultivate the 'Kent' mango tree, it is essential to provide a location with at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. Indoors, avoid placing it directly behind unshaded glass. The tree prefers moderate relative humidity, around 50 to 60%, and ideal temperatures between 24 and 32°C. It is highly sensitive to frost and requires protection from temperatures below 3°C. In regions with cool winters, container cultivation is essential to bring the tree indoors or into a greenhouse during cold periods.

To grow a 'Kent' mango tree at home, plant it in a large pot sheltered from the cold, ideally in a conservatory, greenhouse, or even indoors. As a potted houseplant, it reaches about 1.5 metres in height. The mango tree thrives in a sandy, humus-bearing, well-drained substrate that stays moist. It makes a stunning indoor plant, thanks to its new leaves, which display striking pink-bronze to dark red hues before turning green. In summer, typical indoor temperatures suit it perfectly, while in winter, a very bright room at 15°C is ideal. During summer, you can move it outdoors to a sheltered, partially shaded spot in the garden.