CULTURAL INFORMATION 
Like citrus and many other varieties of sub-trop- 
ical fruits, Lychee seedlings cannot be depended 
upon to reproduce true to type. As ordinary methods 
of budding and grafting have not proven success- 
ful, inarching or air layering are depended upon 
for exact reproduction of varieties. Air layering, 
under recently improved techniques, has proven to 
be the most efficient method for reproducing su- 
perior varieties of the Lychee. 
Young Lychee trees may be planted at any time 
of the year. They should be set out in fertile soil, 
well mulched and watered more frequently than 
the average fruit tree planting. Well rotted manure 
may be added to the soil when planting. The trees 
can later utilize more than the normal amount of 
fertilizer applied to citrus trees. If set in low ground 
they should be elevated when planted. The water 
level should be at least two and a half feet down 
for best results. Some shade, such as cheesecloth, 
is desirable the first summer until the trees have 
established themselves, and they should be protect- 
ed from high winds and severe frosts. In orchard 
formations the trees should be planted forty feet 
apart in each direction with another tree in the cen- 
ter of the square so formed. 
Young trees can be expected to come into bear- 
ing from four to six years after they have been set 
out. Their growth is rapid once they have become 
established, and a vigorous tree sends out a new 
flush of leaves several times a year. 
When mature the tree withstands nearly as much 
cold as the average citrus tree. It appears to pre- 
fer a somewhat acid soil and thrives best in soil 
that is reasonably rich. Many parts of South Flor- 
ida have soil and climate conditions that favor 
the growth of the Lychee and large specimens 
are thriving on the ordinary type of citrus land. 
Moisture requirements of the Lychee are believed 
to be somewhat greater than that for citrus. 
