News Summary
In a remarkable feat, a Haitian pastor in Tallahassee has successfully grown a 10-foot mango tree, a variety from Haiti, overcoming the region’s cold weather challenges. Hugues Balde’s dedication involved years of experimentation and innovative protective measures to nurture the tree in a non-tropical climate. This year, he harvested over 50 mangoes, delighting his community. Local experts are amazed by his success, noting the difficulties of cultivating mango trees in this area. Balde’s journey showcases resilience and the possibility of tropical agriculture in unexpected places.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida – A Haitian pastor has successfully cultivated a rare mango tree in his Tallahassee backyard, a significant achievement given the region’s cold weather challenges. Hugues Balde, the pastor at Eglise Bateau De L’Evangile De Jesus Christ, has grown a 10-foot mango tree, a special breed from Haiti that reminds him of the mangoes from his homeland.
Mango trees are generally found thriving in the southernmost regions of Florida, with commercial cultivation primarily concentrated in Dade, Lee, and Palm Beach counties. In contrast, mango trees are seldom grown north of Tampa due to their sensitivity to cold, making Balde’s accomplishment particularly noteworthy in Tallahassee’s climate. Experts have stated that the likelihood of successfully growing mango trees in this area is nearly negligible, given the conditions.
Balde’s journey to cultivate mango trees involved years of experimentation and perseverance. Initially, he planted four mango trees, utilizing various breeding techniques including grafting, air layering, and planting from seed. Throughout this process, he documented his experiences on a YouTube channel, sharing updates with his audience of 14 subscribers.
The motivation for Balde’s mango cultivation was deeply personal, influenced by political unrest in Haiti. He sought to create a connection to his roots and bring a taste of home to Florida. Eventually, air layering emerged as the successful method, allowing his tree to adapt and mature, which was crucial for its survival against harsher conditions.
To further safeguard the mango tree during winter months, Balde constructed an innovative shelter using plywood, chicken wire, and heat lamps. This makeshift greenhouse helps maintain a temperature of approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this precaution has increased his electric bills due to the extensive use of heat lamps.
This year, Balde’s mango tree has yielded an impressive harvest of over 50 mangoes. He has delighted friends, family, and members of his church community by sharing the fruits of his labor. Local horticulturists have expressed their disbelief at Balde’s success, as growing a mango tree north of Orlando is considered nearly impossible.
Audrey Post, a certified Florida Master Gardener, noted that while mature mango trees can survive low temperatures for short periods, they generally cannot withstand temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit without severe consequences. An alternative she suggested was growing mango trees in containers, as it allows for easier protection during the cold months.
Mark Tancig, affiliated with the University of Florida’s horticulture extension, echoed the sentiments regarding the challenges mango trees face in terms of cold resistance, emphasizing the necessity of specialized care in non-tropical climates.
Despite the difficulties, Balde remains hopeful and encourages amateur gardeners not to become discouraged by the challenges they may face. He believes that with dedication, patience, and hard work, others can achieve similar successes in cultivating mango trees and other challenging plants in cooler regions.
His story exemplifies resilience and passion in the pursuit of horticultural dreams, showcasing that even in less than ideal conditions, it is possible to achieve tropical success with the right approach.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: A Mango Tree in Tallahassee
- Tallahassee.com: Growing a Fruit Forest in Your Backyard
- Florida Phoenix: Cost of Turning Tree Farm into Discount Store
- Tallahassee.com: Mango Joy Ride Tour
- Tallahassee.com: Amicus Brewing Venture Opens
- Wikipedia: Mango
- Google Search: Mango Tree Cultivation
- Google Scholar: Mango Trees in Cold Climates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mango
- Google News: Mango Tree Success Stories
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
