Growing Guide: Lychee Trees
| Sweetheart Lychee | Mauritius Lychee | Brewster Lychee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Litchi chinensis 'Sweetheart' | Litchi chinensis 'Mauritius' | Litchi chinensis 'Brewster' |
| Common Names | Sweetheart Lychee | Mauritius Lychee | Brewster Lychee |
| Family | Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family) | Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family) | Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family) |
| Origin | Southeast Asia (cultivar developed in FL) | Southeast Asia (popularized in Florida) | Southeast Asia (introduced to U.S. early) |
| Plant Type | Tropical Fruiting Tree | Tropical Fruiting Tree | Tropical Fruiting Tree |
| Life Cycle | Perennial | Perennial | Perennial |
| Food Forest Layer | Canopy / Mid-Story Layer | Canopy / Mid-Story Layer | Canopy / Mid-Story Layer |
| Mature Size | 15–25 ft (prune to maintain) | 20–30 ft (prune to maintain) | 20–30 ft (prune to maintain) |
| Light | Full Sun | Full Sun | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Moderate; protect from standing water | Moderate; prefers consistent moisture | Moderate; protect from flooding |
| Harvest Season | Early to Mid Summer | Late Spring to Early Summer | Mid to Late Summer |
| Time to Fruit | 0-2 years (air-layered) | 0-2 years (air-layered) | 0-2 years (air-layered) |
| Self-Fertile | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Slow to Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Zones | USDA Zones 9–11 (Mature Lychee trees are cold tolerant to at least 26 degrees.) | USDA Zones 9–11 (Mature Lychee trees are cold tolerant to at least 26 degrees.) | USDA Zones 9–11 (Mature Lychee trees are cold tolerant to at least 26 degrees.) |
| Florida Native | No | No | No |
| Propagation | Air-layered | Air-layered | Air-layered |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Evergreen; small seed, reddish new growth | Evergreen; early ripening, bronze new growth | Evergreen; cold-hardy, broad upright canop |
NOTES:
Mature Size:
Very easy and fun to prune and maintain at smaller sizes and are well-suited for container growing.
Soil & Moisture:
Good drainage, rich soil, and irrigation are essential for the early success of this tree. Well-draining soil is essential for Lychee tree growth and they do very well planted on mounds to promote drainage. Requires regular watering until well-established. Increase watering during flowering and fruiting season. Does not like standing water or too much salinity.
