🍈 Lychee: Growing Guide
Lychee (Litchi chinensis) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at 2–38 °C (36–100 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Space plants about 800 cm (315 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Litchi chinensis |
|---|---|
| Category | Exotic |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 800 cm (315 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 2–38 °C (36–100 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Height | 600–1500 cm (236–591 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Tropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out |
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jan, Nov · Harvest: Feb–Apr, Jul–Oct.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Regular watering.
Growing tips
A beloved tropical fruit. Brewster and Mauritius. Being trialed in Crete.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Lychee: when should I sow and plant it?
Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jul–Sep. Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jan, Nov · Harvest: Feb–Apr, Jul–Oct.
Lychee: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Regular watering.
Lychee: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 800 cm (315 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 10 cm (3.9 in).
Lychee: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Lychee: which plants grow well with it?
Longan.
Lychee: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Fruit borer, Mite.
Plan your garden
Add Lychee to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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