Commercial premium mango variety valuated due to its unique fruit color and quality, excellent flavor, and high productivity. Originating from Florida it is still grown on a small commercial scale on Merritt Island. The production and cultivating area in Europe is limited to the subtropical coast of Andalusia (Malaga and Granada), Being the only source of this variety worldwide and furthermore the only area of Osteen production within Europe. The plant, which is a member of the family Anacardiaceae, is an evergreen tree.
Origin: Hybrid parentage: Haden × unknown, originated in Merritt Island, Florida. The original tree grew from a seed planted in 1935 on the property of S.A. Osteen. Vigour: the trees are vigorous growers and produce dense canopies. The variety Osteen can reach heights of up to 9 m. Its canopy is wide, often exceeding 6 m. Mango trees adjust their size to the growing conditions. They are pruned low in commercial fields. Young new leaves are usually colourful, orange-pink, changing to a glossy red or copper colour. Later they darken and become leathery and green. Rootstock: seedling of mango Gomera-1, commonly used as a rootstock because of their ease of growth and root hardiness to cold wet winters and drought Blossom: self fertile yellow-white fragrant flowers appear at the end of winter through the beginning of spring, varying with location. After a few years of growth, the tree will begin to flower, usually around 3-5 years after planting. Fruits: oblong shaped with a rounded base and apex that sometimes contains a small beak, with an average weight between 300 and 700 Gramms. The smooth thick skin coated with natural wax has a very distinctive purple colour with shades of orange, yellow and green. After harvest, the fruits have a shelf life of up to 25 days when stored at a temperature of 8 to 10°C. Flesh: excellent quality flesh is fiberless, juicy and possesses an vibrant orange colour. The texture is smooth and buttery. The stone is small, narrow and long. Flavor: well-balanced with tropical notes, mild yet sweet, very aromatic, with a distinctive resinous sweet smell Harvest season: the harvest season in Andalusia usually lasts 7 to 8 weeks from early September to mid-October. Thanks to it’s privileged location within the European continent the harvest of Osteen is performed at a higher level of Brix (between 9 and 10) than mangoes which are imported in sea containers, thereby achieving a natural maturity process which produces the high quality mango with exceptional taste, flavour and juice. Yield: high productivity, bears fruit 3 to 4 years after planting, depending on the location Disease resistance: the variety is very resistant to diseases due to it’s thick skin which gives it better protection against insects. One of the most common problems mango trees face is root rot, typically caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. To prevent this, ensure proper drainage and avoid excessive moisture around the roots. Frost resistance: mangoes are tropical evergreen trees with little tolerance for cold. They are hardy only to about -1°C. In our climate, only growing in containers and wintering in a greenhouse is possible. Planting and care: mango trees thrive in tropical and subtropical regions, requiring full sun exposure for at least 6-8 hours daily. Wind and frost protection is crucial. Mangoes prefer well-draining sandy loam soil with a neutral pH, which allows for optimal root growth. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter and compost to enhance fertility. The best time to plant is late spring to early summer. Space the trees 6-9 meters apart to allow for their expansive growth. After planting, give your mango tree a deep watering. This initial soak helps establish strong roots. For ongoing care, water weekly during dry spells, adjusting based on rainfall. Be vigilant for signs of overwatering, such as yellowing leaves, or underwatering, indicated by wilting. A balanced NPK fertilizer apply every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. Pruning is essential for maintaining mango healthy growth. Late winter or early spring is the best time to prune. Focus on removing dead or crossing branches. For container growing, choose the right pot size with adequate drainage. This prevents root rot and promotes healthy growth.
