I Want To Keep Heat Around My Mango And Protect From Frost In A 9b Zone

Question

I want protection yet be able to have the most sunlight coming in to warm the mango plant that’s in a large container. Would 80% light transference or would a cover with 60% light transference keep the plant warmer especially since it’s in a container. I think 80% means it lets in more sunlight to warm it back up in the daytime

• 
• 

Answer 1

In zone 9b your mango should come indoors for the winter or inside a greenhouse. Fruit and flowers drop below 40 degrees F. Mangos can suffer severe damage below 30 degrees F. You can prune your mango to keep it a manageable size.

A frost blanket will help but I'm not sure that will be enough. Those allow more light in the lighter weight they are. The heavier frost blankets allow less light through. The Texas article below suggests a soil bank around the tree trunk.

These articles should help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/mango/mango-trees-in-pots.htm

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG216

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/2020/06/10/a-mango-tree-in-your-yard/

https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/fact-sheets/mango/

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/tools/frost-blanket.htm