How to grow a lychee tree from seed

Growing a plant starting from the seed is one of the simplest and most satisfying ways, even if you need to be very patient to see the results. In this article, we will present how to grow a lychee tree from seed.

The lychee (Litchi chinensis) is an exotic fruit originating in China rich in mineral salts and vitamins (especially Vit. C) and fibers and is appreciated for its delicate flavor reminiscent of grapes and strawberry. It is oval with an inedible lumpy peel that varies from green to red depending on the degree of ripeness. The inner pulp is instead white and very juicy and contains the elongated dark brown seed.

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How to grow a lychee tree from seed?

Growing from seed is easy and satisfying. It will take along to see results. Lychee (Litchi chinensis) is one of the most slow-growing plants I ever saw since I started 8 months ago and it still looks like seedling compared to other plants after that one.

how to grow a lychee tree from seed

Stage 1

Lychees are round-shaped tropical and sub-tropical fruits originating from China. They are rich in minerals, vitamins (most of all vitamin C) and fibers. Their red-pink skin isn’t edible while the white juicy flesh’s taste reminds grapes and strawberries.

Stage 2

Once the seeds have been thoroughly cleaned from the pulp, immerse them for a day in a glass of water to keep them hydrated and then transfer them to a pot with soil rich in organic matter. The seeds must be only partially covered and “lying down.” Given that the percentage of seeds that germinate is meager. It is good to sow a large number (of the 9 that I have planted only 3 have sprouted, and only 1 has survived until today).

Stage 3

The soil must always be moist (spray it with a little water when it dries on the surface), and the pot must receive plenty of light but not be exposed to direct sunlight. As for the temperature, this must be as constant as possible (since the lychees can be found mainly in autumn/winter, start sowing at home!).

Stage 4

After about a month and a half, the seeds will begin to open, and a small red shoot will emerge which will slowly grow to form 4 small leaves. At this point, the seedlings can be transferred to individual pots where we will always keep the soil moist. When temperatures start to increase, and there are no more nighttime frosts our litchi can be transferred to the outside in a sheltered and bright area.

Stage 5

It is always better to avoid direct sunlight which could burn the leaves). In the first months, the growth is prolonged and seems to stop after the first larger leaves have appeared. Just do not give up and continue to take care of our plant, and as the months go by, the number of sheets will increase.

Stage 6

We have to get the seeds the best way to buy fresh food in a grocery or supermarket. Once you have eaten them (they are delicious and healthy) put the seeds in a glass filled with water for 24 hours to keep them hydrated. Then put the seeds in a bowl filled with rich topsoil that must always be kept moist. The seeds need to be covered by the soil and lay down on it. The seeds should be placed in a bright place (with no direct sunlight).

Stage 7

Now you can wait until the seed cracks. The red seedling comes out. Once the first little leaves are grown in the seedling can be moved into another vase. Since lychee plant grows slowly (when the first “adult”) The vessel can be moved outdoors in a sheltered and bright place (again no direct sunlight since it could burn the leaves).

Currently, my plant is about 8 months old (the seed was sown around Christmas) and seems to have increased the rate of growth by forming new leaves within a week or two. Every few weeks.