How to Grow Lychee

Updated June 2026

A warm-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

Lychee is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Lychee in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the lychee page for exact timing.

Varieties

Mauritius, Reliable South FL bearer (Florida fruit nurseries)
Brewster, Large, popular variety (Florida fruit nurseries)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 32.8 ft between plants.
Sowing: sow about 12 in deep.
Water: roughly 4 gal per plant every 5 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Erinose mite. In humid regions, Anthracnose can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Lychee is usually ready to harvest within roughly 61 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant lychee where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

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