Little Gem is a rare Florida mango from Gary Zill's breeding program, grown from a Julie seedling. The fruit is small and round, a handy single-serving size, with firm, fiber-free flesh and a medium-bodied Indian/West Indian-type flavor. On our Merritt Island trees it ripens in July.
Where does Little Gem come from?
Tropical Acres Farms reports that Little Gem was Zill planting 29-26, a seedling of Julie whose pollen parent may have been the Gary mango. Our Super Julie is another Julie seedling from Zill's program.
What does Little Gem taste like?
Tropical Acres Farms describes “a very nice medium bodied Indian/West Indian-type flavor” with firm, fiber-free flesh and thick skin. The small size makes it easy to eat one at a time.
Why growers like it
Tropical Acres Farms reports outstanding disease resistance and heavy crops, and calls it one of the more impressive later-season performers among the newer hybrids. Because the fruit is small, expect more pieces per box than with most varieties.
When is Little Gem in season?
On our Merritt Island trees it usually ripens in July, our busiest month, alongside Juicy Peach and Pineapple Pleasure. Tropical Acres Farms picks it from the end of July into August further south. See the July harvest.
How to order
Little Gem is a Rare & Collector variety: $197 for a Small Box (4–5 lb) or $247 for a Large Box (8–10 lb), with free USPS Priority shipping (2–3 days) to the lower 48 states except California. We can't ship to Alaska, Hawaii or U.S. territories. It's a pre-order for the 2027 season, and it usually ripens in July on our trees. If the harvest comes up short, you can choose a substitute variety or store credit for the full amount (no cash refunds). Pre-order Little Gem mangoes.
More grower's guides: What is a Pineapple Pleasure mango? and What is an All Summer mango?