Mango 'Mallika' (Mangifera indica)

The Mallika is a highly productive, semi-dwarf “condo” mango with excellent disease resistance and exceptionally sweet, aromatic fruit. It was developed in India as a cross between the ‘Neelum’ and ’Dasheri’ varieties.

This 10-15 foot high tree makes an attractive addition to a warm, southern property or as a container tree in cooler regions. Mallika blooms in late winter to early spring and the fruits ripen in June-July or about 100 days after flowering. When ripe, the 10-20 oz., elongated fruits turn yellow with a red blush. It is recommended to pick the fruits when they are  mature but just before they are fully ripe and allow them to ripen at room temperature out of the sun.

Mallika is one of the best dessert mangos with deep orange, juicy, fiberless flesh that has a delightfully sweet citrus, melon, and honey flavor. It is best eaten fresh but can also be used in smoothies, preserves, chutneys, juices, and ice cream. In addition to their wonderful flavor, Mallika fruits are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, and are known to improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

This small tree thrives in full sun and rich, well-draining soil that is not allowed to completely dry out. It is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11 with some frost protection until well established. It can be grown easily in a large container.