Last Updated on August 10, 2022 by Cristina
You can produce your own when you know how to grow a litchi tree from seed. These yummy fruits are easy to grow but require patience.
Litchi seeds are easy to come by. After buying this fruit from the supermarket and devouring it, simply save the seeds! You can grow your own litchi trees from these seeds with proper care, patience, and some weather manipulation.
In this article, I share the best season and climate to grow litchi seeds in, give you four easy steps to follow, and explain whether growing this fruit tree in a pot or directly in the soil is better.
The Best Season To Grow Litchi Seeds
Litchi trees are large subtropical plants. As a result, they only grow in certain USDA zones. One of these zones falls in Florida.
Litchi seeds can be grown during any season. Ensure you keep the pot in a warm, sunny area. Litchi seeds do well in greenhouses or indoors if grown in cold regions.
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How To Grow A Litchi Tree From Seed: Step By Step
Step 1 – Harvest
Harvest seeds from ripe litchi fruits. Litchis are ripe when they’re plump and red. A litchi fruit harvested too early won’t ripe further, and these seeds aren’t the best to use.
You can harvest a litchi seed by peeling its hard shell and eating the fruit. Litchi seeds are brown, smooth, and round. Discard seeds that are shriveled or oblong.
Step 2 – Rinse – How To Grow A Litchi Tree From Seed
Rinse the seed and pat dry gently with paper towels.
Next, you’ll have to soak your litchi seeds in water to open their hard outer shell. Set at least 3 days aside for this. Your seed will start splitting and germinate in this timeframe.
You can use a plastic container that covers the entire seed with water. Change the water daily.
Step 3 – Plant
Plant your litchi seed as soon as possible. Litchi seeds are only viable for a few days. Use a 6-inch pot filled with an excellent growing medium to ensure the best possible results.
Ensure the potting soil is slightly acidic, and bury your litchi seed about an inch deep. Keep the room your pot is in moist and warm to mimic subtropical conditions if you live in an area with a different climate.
Keep your young litchi plant in a shady area away from direct sunlight.
Elwyn 25pcs Lychee Fruit Seeds
Step 4 – Water
Water your litchi seeds often. Remember that they need a lot more water than the average houseplant. Check your plants’ moisture levels every day and water every other day.
Move your little litchi plant toward more sunlight as it grows.
Keep In Mind – How To Grow A Litchi Tree From Seed
Litchi trees are evergreen and do best in tropical climates. They’ll enjoy growing outside rather than in your house. Move your small litchi plant towards more sunlight as it matures. You can repot it after a year.
As your litchi tree grows, prune it regularly to ensure even growth. Litchi trees can grow tall, so prune them by cutting branches and leaves. Ensure to cut branches from the top of your tree.
You can plant your young litchi tree outdoors as soon as it’s strong enough. Enjoy watching it grow!
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Litchi Tree In A Pot Vs. Litchi Tree In The Ground
Litchi trees can grow quite large when planted outdoors in the ground.
Keeping litchi trees in pots once they’ve matured is uncommon but possible. It takes dedication and special care.
You can find potted young trees from your local nursery or grow one from seed. Place your pot in a spot with ample sunlight and moisture to ensure it grows strong. Your litchi tree might need acidic soil and weak fertilizer from time to time.
You can move your potted litchi tree indoors if it’s too cold outside. This is a great reason to keep your tree in a pot if you live in a cool region.
Your litchi tree might never bear fruit if grown indoors in a pot. Remember that pollination needs to occur for your tree to bear fruit. For this to happen, move your tree outdoors during the spring and summer months.
Litchi trees planted in pots don’t grow as large as those planted outdoors directly in the soil. Outside litchi trees also need less attention. Remember to only plant your litchi tree outdoors if you live in an area that offers the perfect habitat to grow.
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In Ending, How To Grow A Litchi Tree From Seed
You should be ready for the long game if you plan on growing a litchi tree from seed. While your plant will stand tall within its first year, it can take four more before you see your first fruits!
Litchi trees require patience, understanding, and love. When you’re growing one in an unideal climate, even more so. But, it’s not impossible to produce a bountiful harvest. If you follow expert tips and properly prune your tree, you’ll have success.
I hope this article was helpful and that you feel more confident growing a litchi tree from seed. If you have more questions about the process or how to take care of your mature tree, ask them in the comments. You can also share your own litchi success stories!
FAQ’s
How long does it take to grow lychees?
Lychees are slow growing, and it can take up to five years before you're able to harvest a small crop. Full fruit production only takes place around 10 years.
Indoor trees might take even longer.
Are lychees easy to grow?
Lychees are easy to grow, but it takes patience. These trees remain dormant for about three years and only produce a small harvest by year five or six.
When growing a tree outdoors, you'll have to keep up with pruning it to prevent an outburst.
What climate do lychees grow in?
Lychees grow best in sub-tropical climates with no frost.
What is the best fertilizer for lychee trees?
Lychee trees need a fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, and magnesium. Most of the nitrogen should be in organic form.