Lychee Chom Pogo

• Originally developed in Thailand, the Chom Pogo variety is prized for its sweet flavour and reliable cropping. It's considered one of the finest lychee cultivars available.
• Produces distinctive rough-textured pink fruit with translucent white flesh surrounding a glossy brown seed. The fruit has an intensely floral aroma and sweet taste.
• Grows as a dense, rounded tree reaching 3-5 metres in ideal conditions. The glossy green foliage provides year-round ornamental value beyond fruit production.
• Beloved by home gardeners for bringing tropical luxury to Australian backyards. Fresh lychees are expensive to buy but easy to grow at home.

• Water deeply once or twice weekly, increasing during fruit development and summer heat. Check soil moisture 5cm down before watering.
• Position in morning sun with afternoon shade protection, particularly in zones 9-11. Young trees need gradual sun exposure to prevent leaf burn.
• Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic soil enriched with compost and organic matter. Mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Feed monthly with balanced fertiliser during spring and summer, switching to low-nitrogen formula during fruit development. Supplement with potassium for fruit quality.
• Prune lightly after harvest to maintain shape and remove dead wood. Avoid heavy pruning which reduces next season's flowering.
• Maintain humidity with regular misting and thick organic mulch layer. Consider companion planting with other humidity-loving species.
• Protect from frost and strong winds, especially when young or carrying fruit. Harvest when fruit turns pink and gives slightly to gentle pressure.

• Provide morning sun with afternoon shade protection, especially in hot Australian climates. Young trees need filtered light until established.
• Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Increase watering during fruit development and hot summer months.
• Maintain humidity around the tree with mulching and regular misting. Lychees prefer humid conditions similar to their subtropical origins.
• Protect from frost and temperatures below 5°C - use frost cloth or move potted specimens indoors. Optimal growing temperature range is 15-30°C.
• Apply balanced fertiliser monthly during growing season, reducing to quarterly in winter. Extra potassium supports fruit development and quality.

• Scale insects can attack leaves and stems - spray with horticultural oil during cooler parts of the day. Regular inspection helps catch infestations early.
• Fruit fly can damage developing lychees - use exclusion bags or traps during fruiting season. Remove fallen fruit promptly to break breeding cycles.
• Root rot occurs in poorly draining soils - ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering. Yellowing leaves often indicate waterlogged roots.
• Sunburn can damage young trees - provide afternoon shade protection in harsh Australian summers. Gradually acclimatise young plants to full sun exposure.