Lychee, a fruit celebrated for its sweet, fragrant pulp, grows on an attractive evergreen tree native to southern China. Planting a lychee seed is a satisfying project, though it requires significant patience, as a tree grown from seed may take five to fifteen years to produce fruit. The single, large seed inside the fruit is classified as recalcitrant, meaning it cannot survive drying out. It must be planted almost immediately after removal to remain viable, ideally within a few days of extraction.
Seed Preparation and Viability
The first step involves carefully extracting the seed from the ripe fruit, ensuring all traces of the sweet, white aril—the fruit pulp—are removed by gently rinsing it under cool water. Any remaining sugary residue can attract mold once planted, which can quickly compromise the seed’s health. A viable lychee seed should be plump, smooth, dark brown, and firm to the touch. Discard any seeds that appear shriveled, cracked, or abnormally small, often called “chicken tongue” seeds.
To increase the chances of successful sprouting, soak the cleaned seeds in room-temperature water for 24 to 48 hours. This process softens the seed coat, allowing the embryo to absorb water and begin metabolic activation. A simple viability test is to observe the seeds during this soak; viable seeds typically sink, while non-viable ones often float. Change the water daily during the soaking period to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold.
Creating the Ideal Planting Environment
A small container with excellent drainage, such as a four- to six-inch pot, is necessary for the initial planting. Lychee roots are highly sensitive to standing water, making proper drainage a requirement to prevent root rot. The planting medium should be light, well-draining, and slightly acidic, ideally with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
A suitable soil mixture can be created by combining a standard potting mix with materials like perlite, coarse sand, or peat moss to improve aeration and drainage. Plant the prepared seed about one-half to one inch deep into the soil. Placing the seed on its side, or with the flatter, wider end pointing down, is the most effective orientation for the emerging root. Gently firm the soil over the seed, avoiding compaction, which can impede water movement and root growth.
Post-Planting Care and Germination
After planting, the environment must mimic the warm, humid conditions of the lychee’s native subtropical habitat to encourage germination. The soil must be kept consistently moist but never saturated, which is achieved by watering lightly whenever the top layer of soil begins to feel dry. Maintaining a warm temperature is equally important, with the ideal range for germination being consistently between 75 and 85°F.
Temperatures outside this range can significantly delay or prevent sprouting. Placing the pot on a heat mat or in a warm location, such as on top of a refrigerator or near a sunny window, helps maintain the necessary warmth. Covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or dome creates a mini-greenhouse effect, trapping humidity and heat. This cover must be removed periodically to allow for air circulation and prevent mold development. Under these optimal conditions, the lychee seed should germinate within one to four weeks.
Managing the Young Seedling
Once the young sprout emerges from the soil, move it to a location that receives bright, indirect light. The first leaves often display a reddish-bronze color, a natural characteristic of new lychee foliage before it turns green. Protect this tender seedling from direct, intense sunlight initially, as sudden exposure can scorch the delicate leaves.
As the seedling grows, it needs to be gradually introduced to stronger light; this process, known as hardening off, is important if the plant is intended to eventually grow outdoors. The seedling is ready to be transplanted into a larger container, such as a six- to eight-inch pot, once it reaches a height of four to six inches or develops a strong root system. Begin feeding the plant with a highly diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer at this stage. The young lychee remains vulnerable to cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F, requiring protection for continued healthy development.