Within the soapberry family (Sapindaceae), the lychee tree (Litchi chinensis) is the only member of the genus Litchi. Lychee trees are indigenous to southern China's tropical areas, where they have been grown for over a millennium along river basins. Litchi chinensis is now grown in Australia, Israel, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Southern United States.
The skin is readily removed despite its appearance. The lychee is also known as the eyeball fruit because of its reddish-brown seed located in the centre of its white, gelatinous flesh, which has a sweet taste. It can be used to make sauces, jams, purees, and preserves, and is often consumed fresh or frozen. Lychee trees have evergreen foliage, therefore their leaves stay green throughout the winter.
Lychee Planting Guide
Here's how you can grow lychees in your backyard:
Suitable Planting Site
The ideal distance for lychee trees to be planted is at least 30 feet from your house, any other significant buildings and other trees in your yard. Planting them too close together might affect their fruit production and development, especially if they are shaded.
Planting the tree on a mound of dirt will assist in ensuring water discharge if you live in a flood-prone area. Lychees are not fond of damp feet. Because lychee trees are vulnerable to wind damage, plant them in full sun yet wind-protected areas. It is ideal to plant in the spring after any frost has passed.
Full Light
Full light is ideal for lychee growth, although the plants require some acclimatisation. When young plants are suddenly exposed to harsh light, they will suffer initially, but once acclimated, they will undoubtedly perform better.
Well-Drained Soil
Because lychees dislike alkaline soils, garden soil may need to be amended with pine bark or pine needles. Use well-draining, slightly acidic potting soil if you're trying to grow it in a container.
Sufficient Watering
All year long, these plants need a lot of water that is applied consistently. A slight drought stress in the autumn and early winter has been found to improve blooming. As soon as the soil gets dry, water young trees often. Watering more established trees once a week is recommended.
Ideal Temperature And Fertiliser
Though lychee truly likes warmer conditions, it is remarkably resistant to cold and can withstand brief periods of nearly freezing weather. Lychee requires at least 100 hours of exposure to cold temperatures (between 0 and 7 degrees Celsius) in order to blossom. After that, they will produce fruit in the early summer and blossom early in the spring. These trees thrive in high humidity, but wind damage to their new growth will cause them to perish.
Apply a little liquid fertiliser once or twice in the spring and summer to promote growth.
Harvesting
Though in rare cases they may begin to yield fruit after three years, lychee trees typically need at least five years to develop. If the tree is to blossom and eventually develop fruit, it has to be exposed to cold temperatures for at least 100 hours throughout the winter, and pollination of the female flowers is required. In an orchard, insects accomplish pollination; however, indoor trees will require manual pollination.