Kensington Pride Mango Tree

Kensington Pride (Mangifera indica 'Kensington Pride') is the mango most Australians picture when they think of the fruit: deep golden flesh, very little fibre, and the flavour the Bowen mango reputation was built on. In a garden it makes a broad shade tree to about 7m tall and 5m wide, though annual pruning holds it at 3m to 4m so the crop stays in reach.

Why you'll love it

• The benchmark Australian mango. Sweet, aromatic, low fibre flesh that eats cleanly rather than stringing on the stone.
• Fast to fill out. A young tree builds framework quickly, so you are not looking at a stick for five years.
• Shade and fruit from one tree. A canopy near 5m across throws proper shade over a lawn or seating area, and it holds its leaves year round.
• Prunes to picking height. Held at 3m to 4m it stays easy to net and harvest from the ground, and the cream flower panicles bring bees and butterflies in.

Where it works best

Warm gardens in full sun. Tropical, subtropical and warm temperate districts. It wants all day sun and shelter from wind, particularly while flowering.

As a shade tree. Allow the full 5m spread and set the trunk at least 4m from fences and paving, or you will be fighting the canopy in ten years.

In a productive garden. Underplanted with lower growing tropical fruit, it anchors the warm end of a backyard orchard.

Growing Kensington Pride mango in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and a warm, sheltered aspect. This is a frost tender tree damaged by even light frost, so cool temperate and frosty inland gardens are not the place for it. In a marginal warm temperate garden, plant against a north facing wall.

Soil. Deep and free draining. Mangoes will not tolerate waterlogged roots, so on clay build a mound 400mm high and 1.5m across and plant into that.

Water. Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers. Once established it is drought tolerant, but water consistently while the fruit fills. Easing back through late autumn helps trigger flowering.

Feed and prune. A complete fruit tree fertiliser after harvest and again in spring, going light on nitrogen near flowering or you get leaves instead of fruit. Prune straight after harvest, taking the leader back to hold height and opening the centre to light. Wear gloves, because mango sap can irritate skin.

What to expect when it arrives

It is supplied in a 5L pot: a young tree with a single main stem and the start of a branch framework, at the size that transplants most reliably. Fruit generally follows within three to five years, and the first crop or two will be light.

Trees are packed to travel upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Plant in spring or early summer where you can, allow a few quiet weeks, then expect a strong flush of new leaf. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Compare mango varieties
• Browse the full fruit tree range
• Preparing soil and drainage before planting
• Tropical plants to grow alongside it

Common questions

How long until it fruits?

Usually three to five years from planting a tree this size, given a warm position and consistent care. Expect a small first crop, then a real increase each year.

Do I need a second tree for pollination?

No. Mangoes are self fertile, so a single tree sets fruit on its own. Insects do the work, which is why spraying insecticide during flowering can cost you the crop.

Can I keep it small?

Yes. Pruned each year after harvest it holds at 3m to 4m, which makes netting and picking far easier. Left alone it reaches about 7m with a 5m spread.

Will it fruit in a cooler southern garden?

It is frost tender and needs sustained warmth to set fruit reliably, so cold districts are a poor bet. In a mild coastal warm temperate garden it can work in a sheltered sunny spot, with a lighter crop.