Z, Two items. 1. Environment 2. Feeding For me, when a plant is struggling to open blooms, it is environmental. Too hot, too much sun, lack of consistent watering. As each variety is different, like people, finding a happy balance can be difficult. Example is that all of my plants are indoors for the winter with a lower light, cool temps, and dry humidity. Some are blooming greatly, where others drop flowers before they open. I watch each of them and address their needs. Remember, all those leaves, and especially the blooms need fluids. Next is feeding. Each variety and their situation needs to be monitored for nutrients. I have some that really enjoy a nutrient rich soil and I fertilize regularly. Others do not, and I watch for build ups of certain elements. The goal is to find a happy balance for the plants. hope this helps. Ed This post was edited by Gutzmek on Tue, Jan 14, 14 at 19:30

Wow just happened to be passing by the site and saw the new posts. Mangos generally will bloom without any problem here, but as stated before the problem is sooty mildew. probably from the generally damp climate. Our best chance for fruit are the newer (for Jamaica) varieties like keit, tommy atkins etc. July, east Indian or bombays are a rarity. The first few years I got fruit from the santol I was only succesfull after girdling the truck. This is no longer necessary and just got my largest crop ever, probably hundreds of fruit. Austin would be willing to share some seeds, you just have to work out how to get them to you.

No I dont have green fingers, the trees were barerooted I guess from Tuesday until I got them on Friday. I soaked them all in a barrel of water for the first night then potted them the next day. Quite a few leaves have dropped off but reading various posts this is to be expected so at the moment I am not too worried. If I could just leave them in the pots I am fairly sure they would be ok but I have to fly home on 13th June and they have to be in the ground before I leave. Should I wait until the last minute to replant them? Any thing else that I can do?

DH and I went to Jamaica in 2004 for our anniversary and we had a great experience. We also stayed at Sandals Dunn's River. We climbed the Falls, but this was booked through the hotel, so everything was safe. We did hear that some people had booked their own bus to the falls and the driver of the bus parked, got off the bus for a few minutes and then a robber came on and robbed them all. So the few bucks extra you spend through the hotel I personally think is worth it. The economy outside the resort areas is very depressed and yes, there are a lot of drugs, but if you stay in the confines of the resort, you should be just fine. We were not offered drugs, but some of our friends were. Just say no and you should be fine. They also sell a lot of other things outside of the resort such as belly chains, hair braiding etc,, just say no to everything and you'll be fine. All that stuff you can get at the hotel anyway. The hotel was great, food, entertainment etc was all great, we're glad we went. PS. It is also a good idea that when you travel outside the resort DO NOT carry ALL your cash, passport etc... The hotels have individual safes and only bring what you need. When you are through climbing the falls they walk you back toward the bus through a little flea market type of area, if you see something you like, by all means buy it and remember always bargain with them. But also be safe in this area (stay in groups etc) We made friends with about 5 couples and so we felt safe being together.