It takes a bit of patience when growing a lychee tree because, as Chris says, “they remain dormant for about the first three years. At four or five years you’ll get a small amount of fruit, and by the time the tree is ten years old it is usually fully productive and can produce up to 200 kilos of lychees.”
How long does it take lychee to bear fruit?
Lychee trees usually take at least five years to mature before bearing any fruit, though it rare instances they may start producing fruit within three years.
How do I get my lychee tree to bear fruit?
The trick is to have the tree enter the cooler months in a state of dormancy so that the next wave of emerging buds develop into bloom spikes, providing that the temperatures are at or below 68 degrees F (20 degrees C).
How long does it take lychee to bear fruit from seed?
How Long Does It Take for Lychee Trees to Grow From Seed? Lychee trees might produce fruit in five years, ten years, or sometimes two decades. The seed and soil quality, rainfall, and amount of sunlight will all affect this timing.
How fast does a lychee tree grow?
Although slow to get growing, you will start to harvest a small crop after 5 years, with full production within around 10 years.
How often should I water my lychee tree?
Lychees should not be in standing water, as it will stunt their growth. Newly planted trees should be watered 2 to 3 times a week during the first weeks of planting, but can be reduced once the tree is established. Prune mature trees to help control the size and shape.
Why is my lychee not fruiting?
Probably the most obvious answer to why a lychee isn’t fruiting is timing. As with every fruiting tree, the time must be right. Lychee trees don’t begin producing fruit for 3-5 years from planting – when grown from cuttings or grafting. Trees grown from seed, may take up to 10-15 years to fruit.
Do you need two lychee trees?
Lychees are self-pollinating, producing both male and female flowers on the same panicle, so only one tree is needed to get fruit.
Can lychee grow in pots?
Since lychee is a tropical tree, it isn’t an option for many gardens. However, although this tree can be quite large outdoors, it is possible to grow lychee in pots. You may be able to find a young tree at a nursery, but you can also start a tree from the seeds.
Where is the best place to plant a lychee tree?
full sun
In general, lychee trees should be planted in full sun for best growth and fruit production.
How long does a lychee tree live?
The iconic lychee fruit is pinkish-red and grows in clusters of up to 50 fruits. Lychee trees are evergreen and feature an exceptionally long lifespan — some specimens have lived for over 1,000 years.
How tall do lychee trees grow?
Trees may grow to 40 ft (12 m) in height and have a beauti- ful, dense, rounded, symmetrical canopy extending nearly to the ground (Figure 2a and 2b). Trees are very attractive with dark green foliage and reddish-colored fruit. Typically major limbs of nontrained trees begin within 3 ft (0.9 m) of the ground.
What soil is best for lychee trees?
acidic soil
Lychee trees re quire well drained soil and grow best in acidic soil (pH 5.0–5.5). Hawaii has many microclimates that vary consider ably over relatively short distances. Careful site selec tion can make a great contribution to the growth of lychee trees. Wind protection is critical for good growth and fruit production.
What climate do lychees grow in?
Lychees are native to Kwangtung and Fukien provinces of China where the winters are dry and the summers hot and very humid. This is the climate they require in order to set fruit readily. Although tropical in nature, lychees do need a seasonal variation in temperature to produce fruit.
Do lychee trees self pollinate?
Lychee Trees are self-fertile. You will get fruit with only one plant. However, adding an additional Lychee Tree will drastically increase the size of your crop.
Can dogs eat lychee?
If you remove the pit and outer skin, dogs can eat lychee as an occasional treat if the fruit is ripe. A small amount of lychee can benefit your dog’s health as a source of fiber and nutrients. However, the fruit contains high amounts of sugar, and overeating lychee can lead to an upset stomach.
How much space does a lychee tree need?
If you have the land, the optimal spacing for a lychee tree is a 15′ radius from the center of the trunk in all directions. If you leave 10 or more feet access between rows this implies a row spacing of 40′.
When should I prune my lychee tree?
Annual lychee tree pruning is done as the fruit is being harvested, or shortly thereafter. As the clusters of ripened fruits are harvested, lychee growers simply snip off about 4 inches (10 cm.) of the branch tip that bore the fruit.
What country is lychee from?
South China
Lychee (Litchi chinesis Sonn.) originated in the northern tropical and southern sub-tropical regions of South China. Wild lychee trees can be found as one of the dominant tree species of tropical rainforests in southern provinces such as Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan.
How often do lychee trees bloom?
once a year
Flowering in lychee trees occurs once a year in the winter and happens during one growth cycle in the year round continuous growing process. Lychee trees must flower, pollinate and fully complete fertilization during this cycle for there to be fruit set.
Can you plant a lychee seed?
Lychee seeds dry out and lose their viability in a matter of days and should be planted as soon as possible. Fill a 6-inch (15 cm.) pot with moist, rich growing medium and sow a single seed at a depth of 1 inch (2.5 cm.). Keep the pot moist and warm (between 75 and 90 F., or 24 and 32 C.).