Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana)

Known as the “Queen of Fruits,” it yields dark purple fruits containing soft, snow-white segments with a sweet, delicate flavor. Grown as a grafted specimen in a 24×24 inch grow bag, it requires partial shade/shade net protection when young, consistent moisture, and acidic potting media, fruiting within 3 to 5 years under Kerala’s humid climate.

Description

Mangosteen is a tropical fruit tree known for its purple fruits with sweet, juicy white flesh. It grows well in warm, humid climates with partial shade, especially when young. Plant it in fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water regularly to maintain soil moisture, but avoid waterlogging. Protect young plants from strong sunlight and dry conditions.

Recommended Planting Method for Best Results

For healthy growth and strong establishment, prepare a 2–3 ft deep pit. If available, place a layer of green leaves at the bottom. Mix 1.5 kg bone meal, 1 kg oil cake, 20 kg raw cow or goat dung, and 100 g urea with an equal quantity of soil, then fill the pit and cover it with soil.

Leave the pit for about one month, watering it daily so the mixture decomposes well. After one month, mix the contents again and add 100 g calcium or dolomite. Wait one more week, then plant the sapling.

If you need to plant immediately and cannot wait for the one-month decomposition period, do not add oil cake or calcium/dolomite; use only the soil, manure, bone meal, and urea mixture for planting.