How to Plant a Lychee Tree in Florida

Lychee trees are a popular tropical fruit tree that can grow well in Florida's warm and humid climate. If you're interested in planting a lychee tree in your backyard, here's what you need to know:

Choose the Right Lychee Tree Cultivar

Before planting your lychee tree, you need to choose the right cultivar. There are many different lychee varieties, but some perform better in Florida's climate than others. The Brewster, for instance, is a popular cultivar that is well-suited for the hot and humid conditions of southern Florida. Other recommended cultivars include the Hak Ip, Mauritius, Sweetheart, and Emperor.

Find the Perfect Planting Location

Once you've chosen your lychee tree cultivar, you'll need to find the best spot to plant it. Lychee trees require a sunny location, preferably one that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They also prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH of between 6.0 and 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, you can amend it with sulfur to bring down the pH.

Plant Your Lychee Tree

Now that you know where you're going to plant your lychee tree, it's time to get started. Dig a hole that is wider and deeper than the root ball of your tree. Carefully remove the tree from its container and place it in the center of the hole. Backfill the soil around the tree, making sure to gently tamp it down to remove any air pockets.

Care for Your Lychee Tree

After planting your lychee tree, you'll need to take good care of it to ensure that it thrives. Water your tree regularly, especially during periods of drought, to keep the soil moist. Lychee trees also benefit from fertilization, which should be done two to three times a year. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can also apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvest Your Lychee Fruit

After a few years, your lychee tree should start producing fruit. Lychee trees typically bear fruit between June and July, and the fruit is ready to harvest when the skin turns from green to red. Carefully pick the fruit by grasping it firmly and twisting it gently. Avoid pulling the fruit off the tree, as this can damage both the fruit and the tree.

Now that you know how to plant a lychee tree in Florida, it's time to get started! With the right care and attention, you can enjoy delicious lychee fruit straight from your own backyard for many years to come.