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Ever tried growing lychee from seed?
It’s easier than you think.
With the right tactics, you can grow your own juicy lychee at home.
Here are 8 foolproof methods to get you started.
Ready to dig in? Let’s go!
Get a Fresh Lychee Seed
First thing’s first, you need a fresh lychee seed. If you’ve just enjoyed a lychee fruit, you’re in luck!
Carefully remove the seed without damaging it. Make sure it’s plump and has that glossy brown look.
If you can’t find fresh fruit, you might need to get seeds online, but fresh seeds work best.
Clean the Seed
Rinse the seed under cool water to get rid of any fruit residue. You don’t want any leftover fruit pulp because it can cause mold.
Once it’s clean, let the seed dry for about a day. This step is important because it helps the seed be ready for planting.
Prep the Potting Mix
Lychee loves well-draining soil. Mix equal parts of potting soil and sand to get a nice, airy mix.
This kind of soil helps prevent water from sitting around the roots, which lychees hate. Fill a small pot with this mix, leaving an inch of space at the top.
Plant the Seed
Make a small hole, about an inch deep, in the center of your pot. Place the seed in the hole with the pointed end facing down.
Cover it lightly with soil and gently pat it down. You don’t want to pack it too tight; the seed needs some room to breathe.
Water Well
Give your newly planted seed a good drink of water. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
After the initial watering, keep the soil consistently damp. Check it daily and water as needed.
A spray bottle works great for this because it won’t flood your seed.
Find the Right Spot
Lychee seeds love warmth and light. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot, like a windowsill.
If you have a grow light, that can work too. The seed needs plenty of light to start sprouting, but avoid putting it in direct, scorching sunlight.
Be Patient
Growing lychee from seed takes time. You might start seeing changes in a few weeks, but sometimes it can take longer.
Keep watering and giving it light. Patience is key here, so don’t give up if you don’t see sprouts right away.
Good things come to those who wait!
Transplant When Ready
Once your baby lychee plant has a few sets of leaves and looks strong, it’s time to move it to a bigger pot or even outside if the weather is right. Carefully transplant it without disturbing the roots too much.
Give it some more space, and it’ll grow even quicker.