World’s most expensive mango variety: Expert tips on how to grow it at home

A nutrient-rich soil mix is essential for the plant to flourish. (Picture: Pexels)

• Miyazaki mango, a rare and pricey Japanese "Eggs of the Sun" variety
• Udupi farmer Joseph Lobo grew Miyazaki mango on his terrace
• Tips: Nutrient-rich soil, organic care, and patience

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If you enjoy sweet and juicy mangoes in summer, you’d love to know about Miyazaki mango, a rare Japanese variety that boasts a rich and smooth flavour. Also called “Eggs of the Sun,” it is one of the most expensive mangoes that can cost anywhere between Rs 2.5 to 3 lakh per kilogram. While it is highly valued in Japan, growing it outside the country can be challenging due to its specific climatic needs.

But according to The Better India, a farmer from Udupi, India, named Joseph Lobo achieved the rare feat on his terrace without even realising that he was growing a luxury fruit until he was informed by a reporter. Since then, his terrace has gained traction and inspired others to try their hand at it. Here are six expert tips he shared that you shouldn’t miss.

How to grow Miyazaki mango

Select the right sapling

Lobo advised choosing the right mango sapling. High-quality saplings ensure stronger and faster growth. Use a large grow bag or pot to give the roots enough space to expand. This allows proper water drainage and minimises the risk of root rot.

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Prepare a nutrient-rich soil mix

A nutrient-rich soil mix is essential for the plant to flourish. For this, Lobo prepared a special mix containing nine minerals, for which he used cow dung, sheep manure, homemade curd, and vegetable waste. He mixed this homemade mix with 50% regular soil.

Plant the sapling with care

Once your sapling and soil mix are ready, plant it with careful attention in the grow bag. It requires 6-8 hours of full sunlight daily and adequate watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Adopt organic farming practices

Avoid using harmful chemical insecticides; instead use a mix of neem oil and water spray to protect the plant from pests. Apply it to both the leaves and the soil. This ensures healthy growth of the plant and better quality of the fruit.

Meet their nutritional requirements

For healthy growth, provide the plants with nutrient-rich soil that has been prepared. This should be done every 30 days during the growing season to ensure there’s a sufficient supply of nutrients. Adjust water and nutrition according to the plant’s growth.

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Patience is key

While you may pay all your care and attention, it also requires considerable patience, as these take three and a half years to bear fruit. But eventually it’s something worth waiting for.