Kensington Pride Mango Plant

The Kensington Pride Mango, often referred to as the Bowen Mango in Australia, is one of the most popular and widely cultivated mango varieties in Australia and is known for its excellent flavor and large fruit size.

Description:

• Fruit Appearance: The Kensington Pride Mango is medium to large in size, typically weighing between 300 to 600 grams. The fruit has an oblong to slightly oval shape, with a somewhat irregular surface. The skin is smooth and ranges from greenish-yellow to golden yellow when fully ripe, often with a pink to red blush on the sun-exposed side.

• Flesh: The flesh of the Kensington Pride Mango is deep yellow to orange, juicy, and tender. It has a smooth, melting texture with minimal fiber, making it a pleasure to eat. The flesh surrounds a medium-sized, oblong seed.

• Flavor: This mango variety is renowned for its rich, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor. It has a well-balanced taste with tropical notes and a strong, pleasant aroma. The flavor is often described as a perfect blend of sweetness with a mild acidity, making it a favorite for fresh consumption.

• Growth Habit: The Kensington Pride Mango tree is vigorous and medium to large in size with a spreading canopy. The leaves are dark green, long, and narrow. This variety is often grafted, which ensures that the tree will bear fruit identical to the parent plant and usually results in earlier fruit production.

• Grafting: Grafted Kensington Pride Mango plants are popular because they are more reliable in terms of fruit quality and yield. Grafted trees typically start producing fruit within 2-4 years, compared to 6-8 years for seed-grown trees. The grafting also helps preserve the desirable characteristics of the Kensington Pride variety, such as its flavor and fruit size.

• Climate: Kensington Pride Mangoes thrive in warm, tropical, and subtropical climates. They require full sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth. The trees are relatively drought-tolerant once established but benefit from regular watering during the fruiting season.

• Harvesting: The fruit usually ripens from late spring to early summer, depending on the climate. The timing of the harvest is critical to ensure the best flavor and texture. The fruit is typically harvested when it shows a slight color change and has a sweet fragrance.

• Uses: Kensington Pride Mangoes are highly versatile and can be enjoyed fresh, in smoothies, salads, desserts, and various savory dishes. They are also used to make chutneys, preserves, and juices. The fruit’s vibrant color and appealing taste make it a popular choice for both domestic and international markets.

• Ornamental Value: In addition to being a valuable fruit-bearing tree, the Kensington Pride Mango tree also has ornamental value, with its lush green foliage and attractive fruit. It can be grown in gardens, orchards, or even large containers.