The Lychee ‘Kwai Mai Pink’ is a top-notch lychee tree, a favourite among backyard growers and commercial farmers for its consistent and heavy crops of delicious fruit. This is a medium-sized, evergreen tree with a dense, rounded canopy of glossy green foliage. It is highly valued for its fruit, which is typically a lovely pinkish-red colour on the outside. The real treasure is inside—a beautiful, translucent, white flesh that is incredibly sweet, fragrant, and juicy, with a very small seed.
Caring for Your ‘Kwai Mai Pink’ Lychee
- Growing Conditions: This lychee variety thrives in a subtropical climate. It loves a sunny, sheltered spot that is protected from strong winds and frost, especially while it is young. It prefers rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH.
- Watering: Lychee trees need consistent moisture, particularly during flowering and fruiting. Water them deeply and regularly, especially in dry, hot weather. A good layer of mulch around the base will help retain moisture.
- Feeding: Feed your lychee tree with a fertiliser high in nitrogen and potassium during the growing season (spring and summer) to encourage strong growth and a good harvest.
- Pruning: Light pruning is best to maintain a manageable size and shape. Prune it after harvest to encourage a new flush of growth and to ensure the tree has good air circulation.
Usage and Harvest
The fruit is typically ready to harvest from late spring to early summer. You’ll know the fruit is ripe when the skin has turned a good pink or red colour. The fruit is best eaten fresh right off the tree, but it can also be used in fruit salads, sorbets, or as a garnish for drinks. With its reliable fruiting and high-quality flavour, ‘Kwai Mai Pink’ is a brilliant choice for a home orchard.
