Longan, 'Biew Kiew' (Dimocarpus longan)

Quick Care Guide

Full Growing Guide

Climate and Soil Requirements

• Climate: Biew Kiew Longans thrive in tropical and subtropical climates and are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 10-11. The tree prefers warm temperatures and high humidity, with consistent rainfall or irrigation. In slightly cooler regions, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors or into a greenhouse during colder months.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). The tree benefits from soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost, but excellent drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.

Planting

1. Location: Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Biew Kiew Longans perform best in full sun, which is essential for vigorous growth and abundant fruit production.
2. Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by tilling and adding compost or organic matter to enhance fertility and drainage.
3. Planting Time: Plant in the spring after the last frost, when the soil has warmed up. If planting in containers, ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate the tree’s growth and has adequate drainage.
4. Spacing: Space trees 20-30 feet apart to allow adequate room for growth and air circulation.

Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Biew Kiew Longans have moderate to high water needs, especially during the growing season. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, particularly during hot weather.
• Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Sunlight and Fertilizing

• Full Sun: Ensure the tree receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and fruiting. Supplement with additional nutrients such as potassium and magnesium, which are important for fruit development. Fertilize every 6-8 weeks during the growing season for best results.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Routine Pruning: Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree. Regular pruning helps to maintain a manageable size and promotes better air circulation and light penetration.
• Maintenance: Biew Kiew Longans are relatively low-maintenance once established. Keep the area around the tree clear of weeds and debris to prevent pests and diseases.

Pest and Disease Management

• Common Pests: Monitor for pests such as aphids, scale, and fruit borers. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations.
• Diseases: Biew Kiew Longans are relatively disease-resistant, but it’s important to watch for signs of root rot and leaf spot. Ensure proper spacing, good air circulation, and avoid overwatering to reduce disease risk.

Harvesting Fruit

• When to Harvest: Biew Kiew Longans typically ripen from late summer to early fall. The fruit is ready to pick when it reaches full size, the skin turns slightly firm, and the fruit becomes fragrant.
• How to Harvest: Gently cut or twist the fruit clusters from the tree. Enjoy the fruit fresh, or store it for a short period in a cool place. Longans can also be dried for longer storage.

Climate and Growing Conditions

Climate:

• Longan trees thrive in tropical and subtropical climates and are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 10-11. They prefer warm, humid conditions and are sensitive to frost. Longan trees can tolerate brief periods of cooler temperatures, but prolonged cold or frost can damage the tree or affect fruit production.
• In slightly cooler regions (zones 9+), longan trees can be grown in containers and brought indoors or into a greenhouse during colder months.

Light Requirements:

• Longans need full sun to thrive, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate sunlight is crucial for healthy growth, flowering, and fruit production.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

• Longan trees prefer well-draining, sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). The tree benefits from soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost, to improve fertility and water retention.

Drainage:

• Excellent drainage is essential to prevent root rot, a common problem in overly wet or poorly draining soils. If your soil does not drain well, consider planting longan trees on raised beds or in containers.

Planting Longan Trees

Planting Time:

• The best time to plant longan trees is in the spring, after the last frost, when the soil has warmed up. In regions with mild winters, fall planting can also be suitable.

Planting Location:

• Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Ensure there is enough space for the tree to grow to its full size, which can reach 30-40 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide, depending on the variety.

Spacing:

• If planting multiple trees, space them 20-30 feet apart to allow for adequate air circulation and sunlight penetration.

Planting Method:

1. Digging the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of the young tree.
2. Planting: Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the base of the tree.
3. Watering: Water the tree thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Watering

Watering Needs:

• Longan trees have moderate to high water needs, especially during the growing season and when fruiting. They require consistent moisture, so water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
• Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, particularly during hot or dry weather, as this can stress the tree and reduce fruit production.

Mulching:

• Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Fertilizing

Fertilization Schedule:

• Fertilize longan trees in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and fruiting.
• During the growing season, supplement with additional nutrients such as potassium and magnesium, which are important for fruit development.
• Fertilize every 6-8 weeks during the growing season for best results.

Organic Fertilizers:

• Compost, well-rotted manure, and organic fertilizers can also be used to enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning:

• Prune longan trees in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree. Regular pruning helps maintain a manageable size, improves air circulation, and allows more sunlight to reach the inner branches, promoting better fruit production.

Thinning:

• After the tree sets fruit, it may be necessary to thin the fruit clusters to ensure larger, higher-quality fruits and prevent branches from breaking under the weight of an overly heavy crop.

Weed Control:

• Keep the area around the tree clear of weeds and debris to prevent competition for nutrients and water and to reduce the risk of pests and diseases.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Longan trees are susceptible to pests such as aphids, scale insects, fruit borers, and mealybugs. Monitor your tree regularly for signs of infestation and treat with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other appropriate organic pesticides as needed.

Common Diseases:

• Longan trees can be affected by fungal diseases such as root rot, leaf spot, and anthracnose. To minimize the risk of disease, ensure proper spacing, good air circulation, and avoid overwatering. Fungicides may be used to treat fungal infections, but prevention is key.

Harvesting Longan Fruit

Harvest Season:

• Longan fruits typically ripen from late summer to early fall, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Signs of Ripeness:

• The fruit is ready to harvest when it reaches full size, the skin turns slightly firm, and the fruit becomes fragrant. The flesh inside should be juicy and sweet.

How to Harvest:

• Harvest the fruits by gently cutting or twisting the fruit clusters from the tree. Longans are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be dried or stored in the refrigerator for a short period.

Shop all of our unique Longan Varieties