It depends a lot on tree age and variety, but young trees should give 3 or more growth flushes per year, and mature trees at least 2. A newly planted tree may make 8. If you haven't fertilized lately, you might consider fertilizing them, and that may stimulate another growth flush.

SWrancher, No problem. It was nice seeing you too. I think the long and lanky problem is because the mahachanooks were pretty cramped until recently. I've seen the same thing happen with lots of the mango trees that aren't given adequate space. By the way, your car is pretty cool. Jay, Must suck not being able to just stop by the nursery anytime to pick up new tropical fruit trees.

Hi Mia, What type is the mango you enjoyed so much ? Just curious,..my favorite is the Kents ! It just so happens that I tried exactly what you are considering. A little over 2 years ago I started noticing the occasional small green baby mango plants that would pop up at the base of a banana plant that I used my organic compost to fertilize, ( the compost was full of old mango seeds ). Then a big 25 gallon clay pot became available so I decided to try growing one of the green sprouts, carefully digging up the root which of course, was a big, oval, thin mango seed ! I gave it all the TLC I could, a mixture of regular soil, topsoil & organic compost, put pot in a full sun spot on side lawn with a few bricks underneath so moisture could drain easily, and added half a hand full of 6 - 6 - 6 fertilizer every two months. Was just curious what would develop. Day before yesterday I ripped it out of the pot as I just got tired of looking at a wimpy, 1/2 " diameter, 3 ft tall twig with a few green leaves that was drooping one way, then the other despite my attempts to support it upright ! Had been told that any fruits the plant might generate in future would most likely not be the same as the mother tree. However, I was willing to try anyway, just a casual attempt on my part, no tears shed last Wednesday when I pulled the twig out ! ( smile ) Just my brief experience, - I wish you better luck !

That is all correct. The upward-curved vine tip will occur when the vine is growing along the ground, because when it encounters a vertical surface it is positioned to take advantage of it. The same curve will happen when it grows past the top of the vertical surface and is hanging in space because it is still seeking a vertical orientation. If it were to grow straight on the ground and in the air, it would pass the tree or vertical surface instead of attaching to it and climbing it. A straight orientation hanging in the air would put it on a trip back to the ground. This plant is programmed to climb. If it grows on the ground, its leaves are small, and its tip is curved upwards. It grows small leaves to support its growth and focus all of its energy towards elongation. Internodes are long, and it is REACHING to find something to climb. When it encounters a suitable surface and attaches, it has achieved mission number 1. Leaves get larger, and the vine thickens with each new leaf. Internodes get shorter, the tip straightens because it is vertically oriented and attached. If the tip curved now, it would launch itself out into space and defeat mission number two, which is reaching the canopy, where it can get the premium quality light. Right now it is putting all of its energy into growing large leaves, large vines, and large aerial roots to grip its host. It is happy in this position, growing the largest, most robust leaves and vines that are simply not achievable without being attached. It is still reaching (upward), but not with the same desperation. Its needs are being met while it pursues mission number 2. If you were to pry the tip away from its host, each new leaf will grow smaller, the vine will grow thinner, the internodes will lengthen, and the tip will curve toward a vertical orientation. Now it is again in reaching mode, elongating desperately in search of a new host. Now I am not a botanist, and i havent read any books on the subject. I learned this by observing its behavior when i encounter it. Maybe someone that has some botanical training can confirm or correct my hypothesis.