Top 20 Lychee Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Lychee (Litchi chinensis) is a tropical fruit known for its sweet, floral flavor and juicy, translucent flesh. Native to southern China, lychee trees thrive in warm, subtropical climates and can be grown in home gardens or larger orchards. Choosing the right lychee variety can make a significant difference in your harvest’s quality and flavor. This guide will explore the top 20 lychee varieties to grow, along with tips to ensure your lychee trees thrive and produce abundant fruit.

1. Brewster

Brewster is one of the most common lychee varieties grown in the United States. It produces large, bright red fruit with juicy, sweet-tart flesh.

Tip: Brewster lychees thrive in full sun and need well-drained soil. Water consistently, especially during the growing season.

2. Mauritius

Mauritius lychees are small to medium-sized with red skin and crisp, sweet flesh. This variety is known for its high yields and reliability.

Tip: Mauritius lychee trees are cold-tolerant and make a great choice for subtropical regions. Ensure good airflow around the tree to prevent diseases.

3. Kwai Mai Pink (Bosworth 3)

Kwai Mai Pink, also known as Bosworth 3, is a popular Australian variety that produces small to medium-sized fruit with a rich, sweet flavor and slightly pink skin.

Tip: Plant Kwai Mai Pink in full sun and provide regular irrigation. This variety benefits from wind protection as it grows.

4. Hak Ip

Hak Ip, also known as Black Leaf, produces large, heart-shaped fruit with a reddish-black skin and sweet, juicy flesh. It is highly prized for its excellent flavor.

Tip: Hak Ip lychee trees prefer slightly acidic soil and need consistent watering during the fruiting season to ensure plump, juicy fruit.

5. Emperor

Emperor lychees are known for their large fruit, which can be nearly double the size of other varieties. The flesh is sweet and slightly floral.

Tip: Emperor lychees are slower growing and more compact, making them suitable for container growing. Protect them from frost and ensure plenty of sunlight.

6. Sweetheart

Sweetheart is a favorite variety due to its large, heart-shaped fruit and sweet, seedless flesh. It’s ideal for fresh eating and desserts.

Tip: Sweetheart lychees require full sun and need well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Water deeply once a week during the growing season.

7. No Mai Tsze

No Mai Tsze is a highly sought-after variety in China, known for its smaller fruit and rich, honey-like flavor. The flesh is firm and fragrant.

Tip: No Mai Tsze lychees thrive in warm, humid climates and need regular pruning to encourage healthy growth.

8. Salathiel

Salathiel is a rare lychee variety with small, red fruit and firm, juicy flesh. The seeds are tiny, giving the fruit a higher flesh-to-seed ratio.

Tip: Salathiel lychees prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and keep the roots cool.

9. Fay Zee Siu

Fay Zee Siu produces large, heart-shaped fruit with a sweet flavor and vibrant red skin. The flesh is juicy and perfect for fresh eating.

Tip: Fay Zee Siu lychees need plenty of sunlight and regular watering during fruit development to ensure the best flavor and texture.

10. Tai So

Tai So is a vigorous, early-ripening variety that produces medium-sized fruit with a sweet, floral flavor and smooth texture.

Tip: Ensure Tai So lychees are planted in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Prune regularly to maintain size and encourage airflow.

11. Groff

Groff lychees are known for their small fruit with a large seed, but the flesh is sweet and flavorful, making them perfect for fresh eating.

Tip: Groff lychee trees require protection from strong winds and cold snaps. Plant in a sheltered location for best results.

12. Wai Chee

Wai Chee is a late-season variety with small, sweet fruit that has a distinct floral flavor. The fruit is prized for its extended shelf life.

Tip: Plant Wai Chee lychees in full sun with well-drained soil. This variety benefits from a steady watering schedule during fruiting.

13. Chacapat

Chacapat is a Thai variety known for its large, sweet fruit and high productivity. The fruit has a reddish skin with a smooth, creamy texture.

Tip: Chacapat trees need full sun and regular watering, especially in dry conditions, to keep the fruit juicy and flavorful.

14. Kaimana

Kaimana is a Hawaiian variety that produces large, sweet fruit with a bright red skin and a smooth, juicy texture. It’s perfect for fresh eating.

Tip: Kaimana lychees need full sun and protection from cold. Regular pruning helps control the size and encourages better fruiting.

15. Souey Tung

Souey Tung lychees are medium-sized, with sweet, juicy flesh and a slightly tart flavor. They are perfect for fresh eating or making desserts.

Tip: Souey Tung trees need well-drained soil and plenty of water during the growing season to ensure high fruit yields.

16. Taiwan Green

Taiwan Green lychees are a unique variety with greenish-yellow skin and sweet, juicy flesh. They are ideal for both fresh use and processing.

Tip: Taiwan Green lychee trees thrive in full sun and need protection from strong winds. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

17. Erdon Lee

Erdon Lee is a newer Chinese variety that produces large, sweet fruit with minimal seed. The fruit has a rich flavor and smooth texture.

Tip: Erdon Lee requires full sun and regular watering. Prune after the fruiting season to encourage new growth.

18. Poamoho

Poamoho is a Hawaiian variety that produces medium to large fruit with sweet, juicy flesh and a delicate floral aroma.

Tip: Poamoho lychee trees need regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and fruit production.

19. Chompogo

Chompogo is a lesser-known variety with small, sweet fruit and a fragrant, floral flavor. The flesh is juicy and perfect for fresh eating.

Tip: Chompogo lychees benefit from regular watering during the growing season and full sun exposure for the best fruit quality.

20. Nuomici

Nuomici is a Chinese variety with sweet, juicy flesh and a smooth texture. The fruit is small but highly prized for its rich flavor.

Tip: Plant Nuomici in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure consistent growth and fruiting.


Tips for Growing Lychees Successfully

  1. Choose a sunny location: Lychees thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily for optimal fruiting. They grow best in warm, tropical, or subtropical climates.
  2. Well-drained soil: Lychees prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
  3. Water consistently: Lychees need regular watering, especially during the growing season and while the fruit is developing. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  4. Mulch to retain moisture: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool during hot weather.
  5. Prune for airflow and size: Prune lychee trees annually after harvest to remove dead or damaged branches and promote better air circulation. This helps reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
  6. Fertilize in spring and summer: Feed your lychee tree with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer to encourage healthy growth and fruit production. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit.
  7. Protect from frost: Lychee trees are sensitive to frost, especially when young. Use frost cloths or blankets to protect them during cold spells or grow them in containers to move indoors during the winter.
  8. Pest control: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, mites, and scale insects. Use organic or chemical treatments as necessary to protect your tree.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for a lychee tree to produce fruit?
Lychee trees typically begin producing fruit 3 to 5 years after planting, though it may take up to 7 years for full production.

Q2: When is the best time to plant lychee trees?
The best time to plant lychee trees is in early spring or late fall when temperatures are mild. In tropical climates, lychee trees can be planted year-round.

Q3: How often should I water lychee trees?
Water lychee trees deeply once or twice a week, more frequently during hot or dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Q4: Can lychee trees be grown in containers?
Yes, dwarf or compact lychee varieties can be grown in large containers. Ensure the container has good drainage and water regularly.

Q5: How do I protect lychee trees from birds?
Birds love lychees, so use netting or other deterrents to protect your fruit as

it ripens.


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