How to Grow Longan in Australia
A warm-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Longan at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$10-15/kg. Rarely available fresh outside Asian grocers.
This guide covers when to plant Longan in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Longan is a warm-season crop, frost-tender and needs a frost-free run. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January and February. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Kohala
Hawaiian selection, compact tree, heavy bearing. Reliable in Australian conditions.
Try: Daleys, Tropical Fruit World
Biew Kiew
Thai variety. Larger fruit with excellent flavour. Later season.
Try: Daleys, specialist nurseries
Position and Soil
Give Longan full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 6.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It can be container-grown in 60cm+ (dwarf only), though it is happier in the ground.
Planting
Plant Longan into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 800 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Lychee relative with translucent, sweet flesh. Needs tropical to warm subtropical climate. More reliable than lychee in marginal areas. Buy air-layered or grafted trees. Fruit in large clusters. Net for fruit fly. Needs a cool, dry period to trigger flowering.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 15 L per plant every 4 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Fruit fly, Lychee stink bug and Erinose mite. The main diseases to watch are Dieback and Anthracnose. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Longan is typically ready to harvest within roughly 49 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze peeled and deseeded for months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, longan is good eaten fresh out of hand, added to tropical fruit salads, used in Asian desserts and drinks and dried as a traditional snack. Nutritionally: good source of vitamin C and contains copper and potassium.
Companion Planting
Longan grows well alongside Lychee and Mango. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Longan Growing
Add longan to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Longan in Australia?
Longan is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January and February. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Longan take to grow?
Longan is generally ready to harvest within roughly 49 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
How much sun does Longan need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Longan in the Plant Library
