“My struggle tree — about 10 mangoes a year. Still fighting for it.”
Background
A relatively new selection released in 2022 by Zill High Performance Plants of Boynton Beach, Florida, bred by Gary Zill. It is a seedling of the Zill-80 mango with a suspected Jakarta pollen parent, and previously circulated under the names '36-8' and 'India'. Despite the similar name, it is genetically distinct from the Indian Alphonso (Hapus) mango. The UA arboretum traces mango cultivation to India, referenced in Hindu writings going back thousands of years; it is now grown in more than 87 countries.
Distinguishing traits
Indian-flavored fruit: fiberless yellow flesh with classic mango flavor plus sweet resinous spice, pronounced coconut notes and subtle citrus acidity; fruit picked mature green and ripened 7-14 days off the tree for best flavor. Mid-season (June-July in Florida). Polyembryonic seeds, so seedlings come true to type. The UA arboretum describes mango as a tall tree with new leaves flushing tan-brown before maturing dark green, and showy late-winter to early-spring flower panicles.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- Not a limiting factor; mangoes need a cool, dry spell to trigger bloom rather than measurable chill.
- Cold hardiness
- Frost sensitive. Young trees need protection near or below 32°F; Queen Creek brief freezes can damage flushes. Plant in a sheltered microclimate away from cold wind. The UA arboretum flags mango as frost sensitive and notes it does not grow outdoors in the Sonoran Desert except in controlled environments.
- Heat tolerance
- Good heat tolerance; young trees benefit from afternoon shade cloth in 110°F+ Arizona summers until established.
- Water
- Deep watering regularly until established, then water when soil dries. Avoid overwatering; good drainage is essential. Mulch to retain moisture. The UA arboretum rates water use as high.
- Soil
- Well-draining sandy loam, pH 6.0-7.5. In Arizona, dig a wide hole, check for caliche/hardpan, and avoid planting in compacted or poorly drained spots.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun, 6-8+ hours daily. Some afternoon shade for young trees in desert heat.
Where to buy
- Jolly Green Nursery (Zill selection listing)
- Montura Gardens (via Tropical Tree Guide)