Ruqayyah Snyder
Lychee trees are native to southern China and were introduced to Australia over 60 years ago. They are tropical trees that can grow quite large outdoors, reaching heights of 2-5 metres or taller if left unpruned. In Australia, they are commonly grown in Queensland and northern New South Wales, with about 50% of production in Cairns, Ingham, and the Atherton Tablelands. Lychee trees can take 3 to 10 years to start producing fruit, and they require a frost-free, warm, and humid climate with lots of sunlight and water to thrive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 15m, but can be pruned to maintain size and height. Potted lychee trees can grow up to 9-12m. |
| Foliage | Evergreen with dark green leaves that have a reddish color when young. |
| Climate | Frost-free, sub-tropical climate with cool, dry winters. |
| Soil | Deep, free-draining soil with a pH of between 5.0 and 5.5, enriched with organic matter. |
| Position | Part-shade to full sun, protected from strong winds and frost. |
| Flowering and fruiting | Panicles of small white, yellow, and green flowers produced in early spring, followed by aromatic, fleshy white fruits with a red shell. |
| Feeding | Do not fertilize for the first few years. Feed every 8 weeks from spring to autumn with a specialized fertilizer. |
| Watering | Requires regular watering, especially during fruit set through harvest to enhance fruit quality and yields. |
| Pruning | Pruning can be done annually to maintain tree size and promote flowering and cropping. |
| Fruit production time | 3-5 years to come into production, with substantial crops from year 6 or 8. |
| Fruit harvesting time | Peak harvest season is during summer when the skin is completely red. |
| Fruit size | Varies depending on the variety, with some producing extra-large fruits. |
| Seed size | Varies depending on the variety, with some having smaller seeds and others having larger seeds. |
| Fruit taste | Sweet and aromatic, with some varieties being sweeter than others. |
| Fruit texture | White, almost transparent, juicy, and fleshy. |
| Fruit varieties in Australia | Erdon Lee, Kiamana, Kwai Mai Pink, Salathiel, Tai So, Bengal, Wai Chee, and more. |
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What You'll Learn
Lychee tree height and size
Lychee trees are tropical trees that can grow quite large outdoors, reaching heights of 2 to 5 metres or taller if left unpruned. They have a beautiful, dense, rounded, symmetrical canopy that extends nearly to the ground, with dark green foliage and reddish-coloured fruit. They are commonly grown in many subtropical areas such as Australia, Brazil, southeast China, India, Indonesia, and the US (Florida, Hawaii, and California).
In Australia, lychee trees are typically grown in Queensland, with about 50% of production in the northern part of the state (Cairns, Ingham, and the Atherton Tablelands) and 40% in central and southern Queensland (Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Gympie, Nambour, and Caboolture). They grow best in frost-free, warm temperate, tropical, and subtropical climates with cool, dry winters and can be planted year-round. However, spring and early autumn are the best times to plant, as mild conditions make it easier for new plants to establish themselves.
Lychee trees prefer a wind-protected spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight and moist, well-drained soil. They can be grown from cuttings or seeds, but trees grown from cuttings will start to fruit after around three to four years, while seed-grown trees can take much longer (up to ten years). To promote healthy growth and fruiting, feed lychee trees every eight weeks from spring to autumn with a specialised fruit fertiliser.
Potted lychee trees are not common, but for many gardeners, this is the only way to grow the tropical fruit tree. Growing lychee indoors is challenging and requires a lot of warmth, sunlight, and special care. It is recommended to keep potted lychee trees in a greenhouse during the colder months, as they need to be kept warm.
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Where to grow lychee trees in Australia
Lychee trees are a delightful addition to any garden, offering a stunning display of fragrant spring flowers and deliciously sweet and aromatic fruit. They can grow quite large, reaching heights of 2-5 metres, or even taller if left unpruned. They are sensitive to climate and prefer growing in frost-free, warm temperate, tropical and subtropical climates with cool, dry winters.
In Australia, lychee trees are commonly found in Queensland, particularly in Cairns, Ingham, the Atherton Tablelands, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Gympie, Nambour, Caboolture, and 75 kilometres north of Brisbane. About 50% of lychee production in Australia is in northern Queensland, 40% in central and southern Queensland, and 10% in northern New South Wales. They grow well in these areas because of the warm, subtropical climate.
When growing lychee trees in Australia, it is important to choose a suitable location. They need to be protected from strong winds and frost, and they require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The soil should be moist, well-drained, and enriched with organic matter. It is also important to note that lychee trees can take up to four years or more to fruit, so patience is required.
Lychee trees can also be grown in pots, which is a good option if you want to protect them from the wind and sun until they are larger. Choose a pot that is at least 400 mm wide and deep, and use a premium potting mix that meets Australian standards. As the tree grows, repot it into larger pots until it reaches a height of at least 1.5 metres.
With the right care and attention, lychee trees can thrive in Australia, providing a beautiful and tasty addition to your garden.
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How to plant and position a lychee tree
Lychee trees can grow quite large, reaching heights of 2 to 5 metres or even taller if left unpruned. They can be grown in a large pot, but more compact varieties, such as Kiamana, Kwai Mai Pink, Tai So and Wai Chee, are best suited for pots. If you're planting a lychee tree in your garden, it's important to choose a spot that's protected from strong winds and frost. They thrive in full sun, but if you're in a particularly sunny area, it's a good idea to provide some shade for the first few years while the tree acclimatises.
When you're ready to plant your lychee tree, start by digging a hole that's twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole and mix in some organic matter, such as compost or decomposed manure, to enrich the soil. If your soil is heavy clay, you can add some gypsum clay breaker to help improve drainage. Position the lychee tree in the hole and backfill with soil, gently firming it down as you go. Form a raised ring of soil around the plant to create a well that will direct water to the roots. Water your newly planted tree well and keep the soil moist as it establishes itself.
To promote healthy growth and fruiting, feed your lychee tree every 8 weeks from spring to autumn with a specialised fruit fertiliser. Water your tree deeply, once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Lychee trees can take a while to fruit, with some trees taking up to 10 years to produce a substantial crop. Be patient and persistent in your care, and you'll be rewarded with delicious, sweet lychees straight from your garden!
If you're growing your lychee tree from seed, the process is a little different. Soak the seed in water for 3 to 4 days until it starts to split, then plant it in a small pot with a premium seed-raising mix. Place the pot in a warm, sunny position and keep the soil moist. After 4 to 6 weeks, when the seed has germinated and grown, you can transplant it into a larger pot or into the ground following the steps outlined above.
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How long does it take for a lychee tree to bear fruit?
Lychee trees require tropical conditions and grow well in warm climates, such as those found in Florida, California, and Hawaii. They require a dry, cold (but not freezing) winter, a warm spring, and a hot, humid summer. They also need at least 100 hours of exposure to cool temperatures (32°F to 45°F) in the winter to produce flowers that bear fruit.
Lychee trees take several years to bear fruit, with estimates ranging from three to five years for grafted trees and up to 10 to 15 years for trees grown from seed. In rare instances, some lychee trees may start producing fruit within three years. The time required for a lychee tree to bear fruit depends on various factors, including the growing temperatures and conditions, and the age of the tree.
Proper pruning techniques can also help encourage fruiting. Pruning after the growth season in late summer and maintaining a dormant period in the winter can promote new growth before the tree enters its dormant stage. Additionally, fertilizing young trees up to four years old can support consistent growth, although older fruit-bearing trees may not require fertilization.
Once the spring flowers appear, the fruit should be ready for harvest in about 140 days. The color of the husk is a good indicator of ripeness, starting as yellow and gradually turning darker pink. Overripe lychees will have a deep magenta hue and may have entered the fermentation stage.
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Caring for a lychee tree
Lychee trees are native to China but can be grown in Australia, particularly in the tropical and subtropical climates of Queensland and New South Wales. They are fragile plants that require a lot of care and attention to grow successfully. Here are some tips for caring for a lychee tree:
Planting
Lychee trees grow best in deep, fertile, and well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. They prefer a wind-protected spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight and should be planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. When planting, form a raised ring of soil around the plant to create a well for water.
Watering
Lychee trees require regular and ample watering, especially during the growing season. However, they do not like wet feet, so ensure the soil drains well. Young trees should be watered frequently, while more established trees can be watered once a week. Applying mulch can help retain soil moisture and keep the roots at a consistent temperature.
Feeding and Fertilising
Lychee trees do not require fertiliser every year, and overfeeding with nitrogen will result in more leaves and less fruit. However, they can benefit from feeding with a specialised fruit fertiliser every eight weeks from spring to autumn.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to control the size and shape of the tree and to promote new growth. Prune mature trees after the growth season in late summer and before the dormant period in winter. Avoid cutting branches that are larger than one inch to prevent reduced fruit production.
Pest Control
Lychee trees are commonly raided by birds, bats, and flying foxes, so netting is essential to protect the developing fruit. Fruit flies and erinose mites can also be an issue and may require treatment with baits or wettable sulphur, respectively.
Harvesting
Lychee fruit is ready to harvest when the skin is completely red. Cut off clusters of fruit using secateurs, and be sure to taste-test for ripeness. Unripe lychees contain toxins and will not ripen once picked, so it is important to wait until the fruit is fully mature before harvesting.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take up to 10 years for a lychee tree to produce fruit, but this can be shortened to 3-5 years if the tree is grown from cuttings.
Lychee trees can grow up to 12 metres tall, but can be pruned to maintain their size and height. They are commonly grown in pots to restrict their growth.
Lychee trees are tropical and subtropical and prefer a frost-free, warm and humid climate. They require a lot of sunlight and water to grow.
