
Long illegal in the US due to the belief that they harbored the Asian fruit fly, mangosteens are no longer contraband. The ban was lifted in October of 2007, and the first fruits were shipped in April of this year. What tropical fruits can be grown in California? Exotic Fruits Grown In California
Where do Mangosteen trees grow in the US?
Attempts have been made to cultivate it in the U.S. (in California, Hawaii and Florida), Honduras, Australia, tropical Africa, Jamaica, the West Indies and Puerto Rico with extremely limited results. The mangosteen tree is slow growing, upright in habitat, with a pyramid shaped crown.
Can you grow mangosteen in an indoor container?
Yes, you can grow a mangosteen plant in an indoor container as long as you provide favorable conditions to them. Generally, it needs a quietly large space to grow very well. Furthermore, you should concern about the light requirement of the plant when you grow those indoors. First, you should take a pot that suits to plant mangosteen trees.
Do Mangosteen trees need fertilizer?
Stake the tree if you live in a windy environment, but you should do your best to plant it in a place that is protected from the wind. These trees don’t do well in windy environments. Until your mangosteen is at least three years old, you need to fertilize it every three to four months.
How are mangosteen fruit trees propagated?
Basically, there must be the perfect storm of components when growing mangosteen fruit trees. Propagation is done through seed, although experiments with grafting have been attempted. Seeds are really not true seeds but hypocotyls tubercles, as there has been no sexual fertilization.
How hot does mangosteen get?
How long do mangosteens need to be in shade?
What does mangosteen taste like?
What are some things that have no chance in California?
Can mangosteen grow in a greenhouse?
When should I fertilize tropical plants?
Can mangoes grow in the bay area?
See 4 more
About this website

Can you grow mangosteen tree in California?
The tree is cultivated in Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, the Philippines and southwestern India. Attempts have been made to cultivate it in the U.S. (in California, Hawaii and Florida), Honduras, Australia, tropical Africa, Jamaica, the West Indies and Puerto Rico with extremely limited results.
Can you get mangosteen in California?
Yes, you can buy mangosteen in the US.
Can mangosteen grow in Southern California?
And secondly, mangosteen plants need humidity, and are probably going to have difficulty in Southern California because the humidity is not high enough.
How many years does it take for a mangosteen tree to produce fruit?
HARVESTING, CURING AND STORING Mangosteen usually flowers in 10 to 15 years but if given proper care, asexually propagated trees bear fruit in eight to nine years. It takes about five to six months from flowering stage to fruit ripening. Harvesting is normally done from the month of August to October.
Can you grow mangosteen in Los Angeles?
Native to Indonesia and Malaysia, mangosteen trees require a highly tropical, humid climate, and they cannot be grown commercially in the contiguous United States, although a few determined enthusiasts have coddled them to fruiting in the warmest parts of Florida.
Can you grow tropical fruit in California?
The warm climate of California and rich soils makes many parts of the state ideal for the cultivation of Mediterranean crops, citrus, and exotic fruits hailing from tropical parts of the world.
Is mangosteen hard to grow?
As mangosteen is a very slow-growing plant, young plants will require two years to reach 12-18 inches height.
Can I grow mangosteen indoors?
Things You'll Need In cool climates, mangosteens can only be grown indoors in containers. The mangosteen is a sweet, tropical fruit that grows on trees that can reach 80 feet tall in the wild.
What climate do mangosteens grow in?
equatorial climateMangosteen prefers an equatorial climate—high even temperatures with high humidity. Its preferred temperature range is 20–33°C and it cannot tolerate temperatures below 5°C nor above 38°C. Seedlings are particularly sensitive to cold and will fail if the temperature drops below 8°C.
What is the side effect of mangosteen?
It might cause constipation, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. When applied to the gums: Mangosteen gel is possibly safe. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if mangosteen is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Where does mangosteen grow best?
The tree grows best in a wet tropical climate, with 1500 to 3000 mm of rain well distributed throughout the year, and preferably within 20° north and south of the Equator, with minimum temperatures not below 5°C. Altitude to 800 m. Irrigation can remove some limitations in dry areas.
Who is the queen of the fruits?
mangosteenThe mangosteen, also known as the “queen of fruits” is a tropical fruit which originated in Southeast Asia. Its flavor is described as being “exquisitely luscious and delicious“, and because of this, mangosteen production has slowly spread throughout the world.
Can I grow mangosteen?
1:073:44How to Grow Mangosteen From Seed - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe soil should be a minimum of four feet deep sprouting typically takes 20 to 22. Days and isMoreThe soil should be a minimum of four feet deep sprouting typically takes 20 to 22. Days and is complete in 43 days. The young saplings take a minimum of two years to grow to twelve inches in height.
What zone is mangosteen?
Culture. Winter hardy to USDA Zones 11-12. Acceptable growth requires rich soils in hot and humid tropical climates, abundant water (over 150" per year), and air temperatures that do not fall below 40 degrees F.
Can mangosteen grow in shade?
Mangosteens can do well under shade also. Unlike the fully-grown trees, the young plants may not be able to survive in direct sunlight. So keep your plants under shade or in a spot where they get indirect or filtered sunlight.
What color is mangosteen?
Mangosteen are delicious, dark purple when ripe and size of an average apple with white flesh in segments inside.
Is mangostana hard to grow?
The true mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana is very tropical and is hard to grow in climates like Miami...But
Is there a breadfruit tree in Modesto?
Though I do have a breadfruit tree growing here in Modesto... it gets pulled under protection when the weathe gets cold... though its still outside right now.
How much rainfall does a mangosteen need?
Mangosteens are picky about elevation, humidity and require annual rainfall of at least 50 inches (1 m.) with no drought. Trees thrive in deep, rich organic soil but will survive in sandy loam or clay containing course material. While standing water will kill off seedlings, adult mangosteens can survive, and even thrive, ...
Why are mangosteens not pests?
Because of the bitter latex exuded from the bark, mangosteens suffer rarely from pests and are not often plagued by diseases.
What is Mangosteen?
A mangosteen ( Garcinia mangostana) is a truly tropical fruiting tree. It is unknown where mangosteen fruit trees originate, but some conjecture the genesis to be from the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas. Wild trees can be found in Kemaman, Malaya forests. The tree is cultivated in Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, the Philippines and southwestern India. Attempts have been made to cultivate it in the U.S. (in California, Hawaii and Florida), Honduras, Australia, tropical Africa, Jamaica, the West Indies and Puerto Rico with extremely limited results.
How tall is a mangosteen tree?
The mangosteen tree is slow growing, upright in habitat, with a pyramid shaped crown. The tree grows to between 20-82 feet (6-25 m.) in height with nearly black, flaky outer bark and a gummy, extremely bitter latex contained inside the bark.
How far apart should mangosteens be planted?
The tree may fruit in seven to nine years but more commonly at 10-20 years of age. Mangosteens should be spaced 35-40 feet (11-12 m.) apart and planted in 4 x 4 x 4 ½ (1-2 m.) pits that are enriched with organic matter 30 days prior to planting.
What is the name of the tree that grows in certain latitudes?
One such tree is called the mangosteen.
Where are Hermaphrodite blooms found?
Hermaphrodite blooms are found at the tip of branchlets and are yellowish green bordered with red and are short lived. The resulting fruit is round, dark purple to reddish purple, smooth and about 1 1/3 to 3 inches (3-8 cm.) in diameter.
How to grow mangosteen
Many people are interested in growing mangosteen plants because they have heard that they are easy to grow.
How do you prepare the soil for growing mangosteen?
Prepare your soil by digging to a depth of 24-36 inches, removing all rocks and debris.
How do you water mangosteen?
Mangosteen trees need about an inch of water every week to grow the best mangosteens.
Conclusion
The fruit of the mangosteen is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy.
What season does mangosteen grow?
At the beginning of the rainy season is best to plant mangosteen plant. Also, the pit should have enough space to grow the root system. Therefore planters dig around 4 x 4 x 4 feet pit for that. Moreover, it should enrich with organic matter and topsoil.
How long does it take to grow a mangosteen tree?
Generally, wild mangosteen varieties fully mature within 30-45 years. But the trees may reach fruit-bearing after 6 years. Further, mangosteen usually propagates by its seeds. Because vegetative propagation is difficult in this plant. These seeds can germinate within 14-21 days under favorable conditions.
How tall does a mangosteen tree grow?
Mangosteen is a slow-growing plant. Generally, it can reach around 9-10 meters (31-32 feet) height in the wild. Moreover, favorable conditions encourage the plant growth rate. Mangosteen is a tropical plant. Thus, it needs the same conditions to grow well in a foreign location.
How do you fertilize mangosteen?
Fertilizers playing a major role in plant growth. Thus, feed your mangosteen plant with N, P, K solution that consists of compounds at 16, 16, 16 ratios. Also, you can use the 20, 20, 20 (N, P, K) ratio too.
Is mangosteen easy to grow?
Yes, the Mangosteen plant is easy to grow if environmental conditions perfectly match their desirable levels. Especially as tropical plants, they need moderate temperatures between 40 o F -100 o F. Also, this plant needs soil that consists of more clay and little silt.
How much rainfall does a mangosteen tree need?
Further, it needs high humid conditions to grow well. Also, mangosteen trees need at least 1250mm rainfall annually. Good rainfall encourages plant growth.
What is mangosteen rich in?
Mangosteen inner flesh includes vitamin C, folate, and thiamine. Also, it is rich in manganese, copper, magnesium, and fiber. Moreover, these nutrients help to control blood sugar, improve the immunity system and maintain healthy skin. Further, their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to destroy cancer cells.
How long does it take to grow mangosteen?
Growing mangosteen is a lengthy process. It may take up to 15 years to see your first harvest.
What is Mangosteen?
Known as the queen of tropical fruit, mangosteen ( Garcinia mangostana) is a fruity treasure. It’s native in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia and cultivated in India, Thailand, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Florida, and Vietnam.
Why are my mangosteen leaves turning yellow?
It’s common for mangosteen to be deficient in nitrogen or phosphorus. Provide a quality fertilizer in liquid form. Fish emulsion works well, but any fertilizer heavy in nitrogen and phosphorus works.
What causes mangosteen leaves to die?
This caterpillar causes extensive damage to mangosteen leaves. It eats the new, emerging foliage, often making the tree look like it’s losing its leaves.
How much water do mangosteens need?
Mangosteens need an annual rainfall of at least 50 inches. Provide water if you don’t live in an area with this kind of rainfall. Pooling water is fatal to young trees, but older trees will survive even with wet feet.
Can mangosteens be picked underripe?
You can pick slightly under-ripe mangosteens as long as they are fully formed. If they aren’t, the fruit won’t ripen. Full-formed fruits will continue to ripen off of the tree.
How hot does mangosteen get?
The mangosteen got baked in the heat wave over the Summer. I wasn't there but was told the temperatures got up to 105°. Throughout this entire time the mangosteen was kept well-watered, and eventually two chairs were set up around the plant with a shade tarp over it to try to protect it from further heat damage. As you can see, the mangosteen took a big hit.
How long do mangosteens need to be in shade?
Small Mangosteens need to be in shade until they get large, which can take quite a few years. That damage would have been mainly from the sun and low relative humidity. That temperature in shade wouldn't have been much of an issue while it was getting plenty of water. You need to set up some sort of shade for it for the next half dozen years or so. Mine is under the canopy of some larger trees which can be trimmed back when needed.
What does mangosteen taste like?
Smelling the outer fruit (before it has been opened up), there is a faint smell that is musky and perfumed and a little bit reminiscent of papaya. Inside, the texture of the fruit is very juicy, like peach The flavor is difficult to describe. There is an aroma of banana; not like regular bananas but like one of those very exotic banana varieties in Southeast Asia that have a tropical flavor. The mangosteen had another tropical aroma that I would describe as analogous to passion fruit or starfruit, but not quite the same as either. The seed to flesh ratio was not particularly good, and the inner half of the edible flesh had a tendency not to separate from the hard flat seed. Overall I would rate the flavor of mangosteen at about the same level as mango, just slightly below a good banana and a little bit higher than Rambutan.
What are some things that have no chance in California?
Somethings have no chance in California- like Breadfruit or Durian. After that? You never know. Coconuts have fruited in the California desert. You just might get Mangosteen in coastal San Diego to take after some grow out in your greenhouse. Its so much better to plant something like that 6' or much more.
Can mangosteen grow in a greenhouse?
A mistake many rare fruit grower enthusiasts may have made is not using a greenhouse and trying to plant the little mangosteen seedling into the ground outside unprotected. And then they think mangosteen can't grow here. Fruit trees, including tropical, become hardier and much more resilient after they have had a few years to get bigger and more established. It will also be important to put an open container of water in the greenhouse to add humidity.
When should I fertilize tropical plants?
You might fertilize it right now. I like to fertilize tropical plants when they flush..its obvious that is a time they want a boost feeding besides the usual schedule.
Can mangoes grow in the bay area?
Parker- Cloudforest said Mangoes could never grow in the bay area. Totally wrong. There is a 12-15' tree in Fremont,my Baileys is now 7' and 5' wide with the rest of the growing season to go. I might get another foot.

Overview
Description
- The mangosteen tree is slow growing, upright in habitat, with a pyramid shaped crown. The tree grows to between 20-82 feet in height with nearly black, flaky outer bark and a gummy, extremely bitter latex contained inside the bark. This evergreen tree has short stalked, dark green leaves that are oblong and glossy atop and yellow-green and dull on the underside. New leaves are ros…
Morphology
- Blooms are 1 ½ -2 inches wide, and may be male or hermaphrodite on the same tree. Male flowers are borne in clusters of three to nine at the branch tips; fleshy, green with red spots on the outsides and yellowish red on the interior. They have many stamens, but the anthers bear no pollen. Hermaphrodite blooms are found at the tip of branchlets and are yellowish green bordere…
Characteristics
- The resulting fruit is round, dark purple to reddish purple, smooth and about 1 1/3 to 3 inches in diameter. The fruit has a notable rosette at the apex composed of four to eight triangle shaped, flat remnants of the stigma. The flesh is snow white, juicy and soft, and may or may not contain seeds. The mangosteen fruit is acclaimed for its luscious, delectable, slightly acidic flavor. In fact…
Environment
- Mangosteens are picky about elevation, humidity and require annual rainfall of at least 50 inches with no drought. Trees thrive in deep, rich organic soil but will survive in sandy loam or clay containing course material. While standing water will kill off seedlings, adult mangosteens can survive, and even thrive, in regions where their roots are c...
Cultivation
- Propagation is done through seed, although experiments with grafting have been attempted. Seeds are really not true seeds but hypocotyls tubercles, as there has been no sexual fertilization. Seeds need to be used five days from removal from fruit for propagating and will sprout within 20-22 days. The resulting seedling is difficult, if not impossible, to transplant due to a long, delicate t…
Ecology
- Because of the bitter latex exuded from the bark, mangosteens suffer rarely from pests and are not often plagued by diseases.