עברית
Growing mangosteen is a challenge because it requires tropical climate conditions and a lot of patience, it is a long-term crop and requires investment and patience, but the result of a delicious and refreshing fruit is undoubtedly worth the effort.
Mangosteen, also known as the “Queen of Fruits”, is a tropical fruit from the Gercinia family. Its scientific name is Garcinia mangostana. It is a small to medium sized tree, and usually reaches a height of 6-25 meters. Mangosteen trees are characterized by dense, green vegetation, with thick, smooth, shiny leaves that look almost leather-like.
The tree bears large flowers, which develop into a round fruit with a diameter of about 3-7 centimeters. The fruit is coated with a thick red skin that contains strong anti-oxidant substances. Inside the shell there are soft white fruit lobes that are characterized by a sweet and delicate taste and a pleasant smell. The fruit contains between four and eight lobes, with each lobe containing a large, hard kernel.
How to get seeds?
Mangosteen can be sown from seeds, but remember that the seeds lose their ability to germinate very quickly and therefore need to enter the germination process or be planted soon after being taken from the fruit. Choose fresh seeds from ripe mangosteen fruit. Dry or old seeds can reduce the chance of germination.
Germination
- When we want to plant the mangosteen seed directly from the fruit, the mucous layer must be peeled from the seed before the germination process. It is important to perform the peeling while still moist.
- We will wrap the clean seeds in damp absorbent paper and place them with the damp paper in a sealed bag to preserve the moisture.
- Place the bag with the seeds in a dark and ventilated place for two to three weeks.
Planting without germination
- Soaking: Soak the seeds in water for up to 24 hours before planting to encourage germination. Soaking the seeds in water for several hours will increase the chances of germination. Mangosteen seeds need high heat and humidity to germinate.
How to plant?
Climatic conditions: Mangosteen requires a tropical climate with high humidity and warm and stable temperatures that do not drop below 5 degrees Celsius. The plant will not survive in areas where there is cold or stagnation.
Preparing the soil: Prepare a pot with an acidic, rich, well-filtered soil mixture. A soil mix for orchids or palms may be suitable, as it provides good drainage and maintains adequate moisture.
planting:
- In the case of planting without germination: plant the seeds at a depth of about half a centimeter inside the pot. Place the seeds flat side down. Cover gently with soil and water.
- In the case of planting after germination: plant the seeds with the thick sprout upwards when it protrudes above the soil and the root (thinner) downwards into the soil.
Soil type: The mangosteen prefers rich, soft and acidic soil (pH of about 5.5-6.5). It is important to use good soil for planting with organic fertilization and a lot of organic matter.
Germination time: between 15-25 days
How to grow?
Growing conditions: Keep the pots at a temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius and in a warm place with high humidity. Mangosteen likes tropical conditions, so exposure to extreme cold or strong winds should be avoided.
Watering and fertilization: Mangosteen requires consistent and abundant watering, but you must make sure that the water drains well from the soil to avoid excess moisture that could cause the development of diseases.
And fertilization: use a balanced fertilization with NPK components (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and other vitamins and minerals to encourage good growth and the health of the tree. Fertilize the plant with a full fertilizer once every few weeks at a low dose.
Growing and nurturing:
Mangosteen is a slow growing plant and can reach maturity and start forming fruit only after 7-10 years. It is important to prune it to encourage wing growth and prevent diseases. In addition, one should pay attention to pests and diseases that may harm the plant.
Pruning: Pruning slightly older trees can help maintain the shape of the tree and encourage the growth of new branches.
