Mangos are widely grown as a dooryard tree in almost every area of Hawaii. It is mostly eaten fresh but is easily made into ice cream, chutney, relish, pickles, preserves and a wide array of baked delights. The plants were first brought to Hawaii around 1824 from the Philippines and India. Many varieties and seedling selections have been successfully grown here, with resistance to anthacnose being the most important adaptation. This tolerance is necessary, as the flowering season is usually humid and rainy, causing flower drop, reduced fruit set and black spots on developing fruit on varieties that are not resistant to the fungus.

The mango grows best in areas with 40-60 inches of rain annually. It is a large, spreading tree that can reach 40 feet in height. A grafted tree will begin to bear after three to four years with most varieties fruiting in the summer months. The harvest time can be as short as 8 weeks to as long as 16 weeks. There are many popular varieties available in Hawaii, here are some of the best tasting:

'HADEN': The most widely planted variety. Fruits early in the summer in June and July with 16 to 24 ounce fruits. Tends to be an alternate bearer and a vigorous grower. Best suited for dry areas.

'BROOK'S LATE': A Florida selection that bears from August-October. Fruit size is 17 to 29 ounces, skin stays green, thin seed, mild, sweet flesh. Suitable for wet areas.

'EXCEL': An upright, medium size tree that bears in July and August. Fruit size is 10-18 ounces with red and yellow skin. Suitable for dry areas only, (see Bulletin).

'FAIRCHILD': Bears early in June and July, the tree and fruit are small, 5-7 ounces and can be planted in wetter areas. Skin color is yellow and green, fruit is low in fiber. The flesh is juicy, sweet and rich.

'FLORIGON': A large, vigorous tree with excellent flavor. Fruit size is from 10-17 ounces and the skin is bright yellow. Bears regularly from May-July. The tree is fairly anthracnose, (fungus) resistant.

'GLENN': A small to medium size tree with fruits of excellent quality. Bears 16 ounce fruits regularly in June and July. Skin is yellow with an orange-red blush. It seems to bear well at some rainier locations.

'GOUVEIA': A medium size tree with aromatic, delicious fruit. Only suitable for dry areas. Bears from July-August, skin is green and red, fruit is almost fiberless.

'HARDERS': A medium size tree recommended by UH as a commercial variety. Bears 10-12 ounce fruits from June-September regularly, sometimes even later.

'JULIE': A small and slow growing tree, considered to be a "dwarf" mango. It has small fruit from 6-10 ounces. The skin is red, flesh is smooth and delicious.

'KEITT': From the same parent line as 'Haden', is a regular, late bearer of high quality fruit from 15-50 ounces each. The tree is vigorous, anthracnose resistant and a heavy producer from Aug.-Oct. Will set fruit in wet areas.

'MANZANILLO': A Mexican selection, medium size tree, is a heavy, regular bearer of fiberless fruit in June and July. Has a very thin seed, the delicious melting fruits average 20-30 ounces each.

'POPE': From Hawaii comes this regular, heavy bearer of high quality fruit. They are ripe July-Oct. and weigh between 10-18 ounces, skin is red and yellow.

'RAPOZA': Also a Hawaii selection, a medium size tree, fruits weigh 25-35 ounces, fiberless and delicious. Bears heavily and regularly from August-October. (see Bulletin).

'WHITE PIRIE': An older Hawaiian variety with good fruit in July. The tree has a spreading habit, skin color is greenish-yellow, the delicious fruits average 8-12 ounces.

'ZILL LATE': A Florida selection with large, green skinned fruits with a purple blush. It is a regular bearer from August-October. Suitable for dry areas only, the tree is medium sized and regular bearing.