Mallika — One of the Sweetest of All, Melon, Citrus & Honey
Latin name: Mangifera indica cv. 'Mallika'
Mallika is a hybrid developed at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi — a cross between Neelam and Dasheri that combines the best of both parents. Consistently rated among the sweetest mangoes in existence, with complex flavour notes of melon, citrus and honey that go far beyond simple sweetness.
NZ Suitability
Why it grows here:Although Mallika is grown pan-India across many climate zones, it’s also found growing commercially as far north as Himachal Pradesh.. The climate logic that makes mango growing possible in those regions — warm summers, defined seasons, cooler winters — applies directly to New Zealand's northern regions.
Best NZ regions: Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne in warm sheltered spots. Good adaptability from its pan-India growing range.
Greenhouse: Not essential in northern NZ warm spots. A greenhouse improves consistency. Mallika is one of the more adaptable varieties for NZ conditions.
Wind shelter: All mangoes prefer shelter from strong winds — particularly during flowering when wind causes flower drop and reduces fruit set. A sheltered north-facing position is ideal. Young trees especially benefit from wind protection while establishing.
Frost: Can handle mild occasional frost when mature. Recommend frost protection when young.
Flavour Experience
Mallika is the sweetest mango we grow. The Brix levels are extraordinary — consistently among the highest recorded for any cultivar. But the sweetness is not simple — melon, citrus and honey all interplay in a complex flavour. The flesh is smooth, melting and completely fiberless.
Health Benefits
Exceptionally rich in natural sugars. Very high in vitamins C and A with excellent antioxidant content. The hybrid breeding that gives it exceptional sweetness also gave it strong disease resistance.
Fruiting in New Zealand
Mallika flowers August–October and fruits February–April in NZ. Pan-India growing range means it is adapted to a variety of climates. Sweetness levels in the fruit reflect the warmth the tree receives during development.
Growing Notes from Ben
Rewarding to grow. Mallika's disease resistance and adaptability make it one of the more straightforward varieties on this list.
Wind shelter. Protect from strong winds especially during flowering.
Moderate vigour — good for smaller spaces. Less vigorous than many varieties, making it a better candidate for smaller gardens or large containers.
Gallery
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Quick Planting Guide
- Location: Warm, sunny, sheltered north-facing position
- Soil: Deep loamy, well-draining (pH 5.5–7.5)
- Water: Reduce 2–3 months pre-bloom; consistent when fruiting
- Feed: Balanced fertiliser; high-K when fruit is sizing
- Nitrogen: Low at all stages — none when fruiting
- Wind: Shelter from strong winds especially during flowering
- Tipping: Tip when young — moderate vigour, easy to manage
- Harvest: Harvest when shoulder softens and aroma deepens
Common Questions
Is it really the sweetest? Consistently recorded among the highest Brix levels of any mango variety.
Frost tolerance? Moderate. Protect from frost especially when young.
When will it fruit? Typically 2–4 years from planting — one of the quicker varieties.
Good for smaller spaces? Yes — moderate vigour makes Mallika a good choice for smaller gardens or containers.
Growing Videos
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