With tropical fruits steadily gaining popularity across the UK, it's no surprise that curious green thumbs are wondering whether they can grow exotic varieties like Kesar mangoes right at home. It's a fair question — and one we hear more often as interest in homegrown produce meets the craving for authentic global flavours.
So, is it actually possible to grow Kesar mangoes in a British backyard or conservatory? Let’s break it down.
Meet the Kesar Mango Tree
Originating from the sun-soaked foothills of Girnar in Gujarat, India, Kesar mangoes are prized for their golden pulp, fragrant sweetness, and smooth, rich texture. They’ve earned a near-mythical status among mango lovers, not just for their taste, but for the unique environment they’re grown in.
What makes them so hard to replicate elsewhere? It’s not just the tree — it’s the terroir. These mangoes flourish in a very specific cocktail of conditions: dry heat, elevated terrain, intense sunlight, and soil that’s packed with just the right minerals. It’s nature’s fine-tuned recipe — and a tough one to mimic.
Can Kesar Mangoes Survive (and Thrive) in the UK?
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the UK’s temperate climate is a far cry from the sweltering heat of western India. Mango trees — especially delicate varieties like Kesar — need:
- Consistent warmth: Ideally between 28°C and 40°C
- Plenty of sunlight: Around 6–8 hours of direct sun daily
- Dry air during flowering: Moisture in the air can hinder pollination
- Well-drained, loamy soil: Roots hate sitting in soggy soil
That being said, with a controlled environment — such as a heated greenhouse or an indoor growing system — it’s technically possible to keep a Kesar mango tree alive in the UK. Fruiting, though? That’s a different story. Unless you're going all-in to recreate tropical conditions year-round, getting your tree to bear edible fruit is highly unlikely.
Still Want to Try? Here’s What You’ll Need
If you’re in it for the experience (and not just the fruit), growing a Kesar mango at home can be a fun, rewarding project. Here’s a quick guide to getting started:
- Start with a fresh seed or sapling: Ideally from a polyembryonic Kesar mango, which increases your odds of growing a true-to-type plant.
- Choose a deep pot (12–14 inches): Go for one with great drainage. Mango roots don’t like staying wet.
- Find the sunniest spot you’ve got: A south-facing window is ideal. Alternatively, invest in a quality grow light.
- Keep it warm in winter: You’ll likely need a heat lamp to stop your plant from going dormant or dying in the colder months.
- Mind the humidity: Use a humidity tray to keep the air moist without soaking the soil.
- Feed during the growing season: A nitrogen-rich fertiliser will help fuel those glossy green leaves.
Just know this: most UK-grown mango plants will serve as leafy, exotic houseplants rather than fruit-bearing trees — and that’s completely okay. There’s joy in nurturing something rare, even if it never fruits.
Our Honest Take
At our store, we’ve tasted more Kesar mangoes than we can count — and if there’s one truth we’ve learned, it’s this: there’s simply no substitute for a Kesar mango grown under the Indian sun. The flavour, fragrance, and melt-in-your-mouth texture are deeply tied to their native environment. No greenhouse-grown version will come close.
But that’s part of their charm. There’s something special about marking the season, placing your annual order, and unboxing a treasure that’s travelled halfway across the world to reach your table. It’s a ritual, and one worth keeping.
Bottom Line: Grow for Fun, Buy for Flavour
So, can you grow Kesar mangoes at home? Technically, yes — with the right setup and a lot of dedication. But if you're chasing that signature taste and fragrance, there's only one place to get it: straight from Gujarat.
👉 Want to experience the real thing? head over to our shop to buy kesar mangoes online. No greenhouse required.