Holly's Homestead — Subtropical Fruit Tree
Lychee
Litchi chinensis · Soapberry family
DIFFICULTY Moderate–hard
TYPE Evergreen perennial tree
MATURITY 4–6 years to first fruit
TYPE Evergreen perennial tree
MATURITY 4–6 years to first fruit
Sun
Full sun, warm, sheltered
Water
Regular, then reduce before flowering
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
Spacing
8–10m
Depth
as per pot
01Needs a cool, dry winter trigger
Lychees flower best after a period of cool, relatively dry winter weather — a genuine seasonal contrast, similar in principle to mango, is important for a reliable crop.
02Planting
Method
Plant with the root flare at soil level; stake young trees.
Soil
Well-drained, slightly acidic, high organic matter.
Timing
Plant in spring, in a warm, sheltered, frost-free position.
03Growing care
- Provide a cool, relatively dry period over winter to encourage flowering.
- Water well through spring and summer growth and fruiting.
- Feed lightly after harvest.
- Protect from frost while young.
04Problems
- Fruit fly — net or bag developing fruit.
- Poor flowering — insufficient winter cool/dry period; more of a challenge in mild, wet-winter zones.
- Birds and bats — netting is close to essential at ripening.
- Frost damage — vulnerable while young.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Skin turns fully red/pink and slightly rough-textured.
Method
Cut small clusters with secateurs.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge, about a week.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
Native groundcoversAvoid nearby
Frost-prone positionsRotation note
Not applicable — long-lived perennial tree.