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The best time to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida is when they begin to change color and give off a sweet aroma, but before they are fully soft.
Knowing when to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida can feel a bit tricky, especially since these tropical fruits don’t ripen the same way as apples or peaches.
If you’ve ever stood under a heavy branch wondering if that mango is ready, you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll dig into the exact signs that tell you when to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida, plus tips for ripening them indoors and avoiding common mistakes.
Let’s get to it.
When To Pick Mangoes Off The Tree In Florida: The Right Timing
When to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida really comes down to the variety, the season, and the fruit’s stage of maturity.
Unlike some fruits that must stay on the branch until fully ripe, mangoes are unique because they actually continue to ripen after being picked.
That means you don’t have to wait for them to be soft on the tree, you can harvest them at the mature-green stage and let them finish ripening on your counter.
Here’s what to look for so you know when to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida like a pro.
1. Check The Mango’s Color Change
One of the first clues for when to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida is a shift in skin color.
A mature mango will start to lose its deep green hue and develop yellow, orange, or red blushes depending on the variety.
For example, popular Florida varieties like Tommy Atkins turn a red-blushed yellow, while Kent mangoes go from green to a yellow-green with orange tints.
If the fruit is still completely green, it’s probably not mature enough to pick just yet.
But don’t rely on color alone, as some green varieties stay green even when mature.
That’s why you should pair this with other signs like shape and smell.
2. Look At The Shape And Shoulders
When figuring out when to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida, the shoulders of the fruit are a big giveaway.
Mangoes grow with a stem end and a blossom end.
As they mature, the shoulders, which are the area near the stem, will plump up and rise above the stem attachment point.
An immature mango tends to have flat or sunken shoulders, looking almost flat on both sides.
A mature mango gets chubby, round, and the shoulders seem to swell, making the fruit look fuller.
So when you spot that plump, rounded shape, you’re much closer to knowing when to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida.
3. Give The Mango A Gentle Squeeze
Firmness is a helpful indicator for when to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida, but you need to be gentle.
A ripe mango will give slightly to pressure, similar to a ripe avocado or peach.
However, you don’t want the mango fully soft on the tree because that often means it’s overripe and may attract pests or rot quickly.
The ideal harvest time is when the fruit is still slightly firm but just beginning to soften a bit around the stem.
If it’s hard as a rock, it’s not ready, but if it’s mushy, you waited too long.
This balance is key for when to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida.
4. Follow The Calendar Season
Florida’s mango season typically runs from May through September, but the exact timing depends on where you live in the state.
In South Florida, like Miami and the Keys, mangoes can start ripening as early as May.
Central Florida varieties usually hit their peak in June and July, while North Florida sees harvests closer to August.
So when to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida also depends on your region’s microclimate and the specific cultivar.
Just remember that an early spring without frosts can push the season earlier, while a cooler spring may delay it.
5. Use The Float Test With Caution
Some old-timers swear by the float test to determine when to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida.
Simply drop a mango into a bucket of water.
If it sinks, they say it’s ready, if it floats, it’s not mature.
While this can be a fun trick, it’s not always reliable because density varies between varieties.
Use this method as a backup, not your main guide, and always combine it with the other visual and tactile signs.
How To Ripen Mangoes After Picking Them In Florida
Once you’ve figured out when to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida, the next step is ripening them perfectly indoors.
Because you’re harvesting at the mature stage, the mangoes will continue to ripen off the tree.
Here’s how to get that sweet, juicy result.
1. Ripen At Room Temperature
Place your freshly picked mangoes on the kitchen counter at room temperature.
Avoid direct sunlight because that can cause uneven ripening and sunburn spots on the skin.
Within two to five days, the fruit should soften and develop that rich tropical aroma you’re after.
Check them daily, as they can go from perfect to overripe quickly.
2. Speed It Up With A Paper Bag
If you’re impatient, put the mangoes in a brown paper bag and fold the top closed.
This traps ethylene gas, which is the natural plant hormone that triggers ripening.
Adding a ripe banana or apple to the bag will release even more ethylene and speed up the process.
Just peek inside every day so you don’t end up with mushy fruit.
3. Refrigerate Only After Ripening
Once your mangoes are soft and fragrant, move them to the fridge to halt further ripening.
They’ll stay good for up to five days when chilled.
But never refrigerate a hard, unripe mango because the cold will stop the ripening process entirely, leaving you with a bland, fibrous fruit.
Common Mistakes When Picking Mangoes In Florida
Even when you nail the timing for when to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida, small errors can ruin your harvest.
Here’s what to avoid.
1. Pulling The Mango Off The Tree
Never just yank a mango off the branch.
This tears the stem and leaves an open wound that invites disease and sap burn.
Instead, use clean pruning shears to snip the stem about two inches above the fruit.
2. Leaving The Sap On The Fruit
Mango sap is sticky and can cause black spots on the skin, plus it irritates some people’s skin.
After cutting, let the mangos sit stem-down on a rack so the sap can drain out quickly.
Then wipe them off before bringing them inside.
3. Picking In Wet Weather
Try to harvest mangoes on a dry day when to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida is on your mind.
Wet fruit is more prone to fungal diseases and can rot quickly in storage.
A sunny morning after the dew has dried is the perfect window.
So, When To Pick Mangoes Off The Tree In Florida?
Knowing when to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida comes down to watching color, checking shoulders, squeezing gently, and following your local season.
You’ll know it’s time to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida when the fruit shows some yellow or red blush, has plump shoulders, and gives just a hint under light pressure.
And don’t worry if it’s still a bit firm, because mangoes ripen beautifully indoors.
By following these tips for when to pick mangoes off the tree in Florida, you’ll enjoy sweet, juicy harvests all summer long.
Happy picking.