How to Grow Lychee in Australia
A warm-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing your own Lychee is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$6-12/week at peak, lychees are premium-priced in supermarkets.
This guide covers when to plant Lychee 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
Lychee is a warm-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October and November. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Lychee full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It needs an open garden bed rather than a pot, getting too big or deep-rooted for containers.
Planting
Plant Lychee into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 1000 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.
Flourishes in SEQ coastal subtropical climate. Needs a dry, cool winter to trigger flowering. Tai So and Kwai May Pink are top varieties. Takes 5+ years from grafted tree to first crop.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 15 L per plant every 5 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 and Erinose mite. The main diseases to watch are 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
Lychee is typically ready to harvest within roughly 61 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Fridge in a bag for up to 1 week. Freeze peeled lychees for months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, lychee is good fresh straight from the tree, added to fruit salads and cocktails, made into lychee sorbet or granita and used in Asian sweet soups and desserts. Nutritionally: high in vitamin C and antioxidants and contains copper and minerals.
Track Your Lychee Growing
Add lychee 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 Lychee in Australia?
Lychee is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October and November. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Lychee take to grow?
Lychee is generally ready to harvest within roughly 61 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
Can I grow Lychee in a pot?
It is best grown in an open garden bed rather than a pot, needing more root room than a container gives.
How much sun does Lychee need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Lychee in the Plant Library
