🍒 Rambutan: Growing Guide
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at 10–38 °C (50–100 °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 | Nephelium lappaceum |
|---|---|
| Category | Exotic |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 800 cm (315 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 10–38 °C (50–100 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 1200–2000 cm (472–787 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Feb–Jan.
Watering
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Loves moisture.
Growing tips
Hairy red fruit. Lychee-like flavor. Tropical Southeast Asia. Cannot tolerate cold.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Rambutan: when should I sow and plant it?
Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Feb–Jan.
Rambutan: how often should I water it?
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Loves moisture.
Rambutan: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 800 cm (315 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Rambutan: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Rambutan: which plants grow well with it?
Lychee, Longan.
Rambutan: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Bark borers.
Plan your garden
Add Rambutan 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.
Open the free planner →