Lychee Kwai Mai Pink

• Native to southern China, lychees have been cultivated for over 2000 years and are considered the 'king of fruits' in many Asian cultures.
• The Kwai Mai Pink variety produces medium-sized fruit with pink-tinged skin and exceptionally sweet, floral-tasting flesh that's highly prized by fruit connoisseurs.
• These evergreen trees can reach 8-12 metres but respond well to pruning, making them suitable for smaller gardens and even large containers.
• Lychees are self-fertile but produce better crops with cross-pollination, and mature trees can yield 40-100kg of fruit annually.
• The distinctive bumpy pink skin encases translucent white flesh with a unique grape-like texture and complex sweet flavour profile.

• Water deeply once or twice weekly in summer, reducing to fortnightly in winter. Check soil moisture 5cm down before watering.
• Provide morning sun with afternoon shade protection, especially in areas with harsh afternoon heat. Bright, filtered light is ideal.
• Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic soil enriched with compost and organic matter. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions.
• Feed monthly with citrus fertiliser during growing season (spring to autumn), reducing to quarterly in winter.
• Prune lightly after harvest to maintain shape and size, removing dead or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning.
• Maintain humidity with thick organic mulch and regular misting of foliage during dry periods.
• Protect from frost when young and provide wind protection as branches can be brittle.

• Plant in morning sun with afternoon shade protection, especially in hot inland areas. Lychees need bright light but protection from harsh western sun.
• Water deeply but infrequently, maintaining consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Increase watering during fruit development and reduce in winter.
• Maintain high humidity around the plant by mulching heavily and grouping with other tropical plants. Mist foliage regularly in dry conditions.
• Protect from temperatures below 5°C as young plants are frost sensitive. Mature trees can tolerate brief light frosts.
• Fertilise with citrus fertiliser in spring and summer, reducing feeding in autumn to prepare for dormancy.

• Scale insects can attack branches and leaves, causing yellowing and sticky honeydew. Treat with horticultural oil or systemic insecticide during cooler parts of the day.
• Fruit flies can damage developing fruit, causing premature drop and rot. Use fruit fly traps and exclude netting during fruiting season.
• Root rot occurs in poorly draining soils, causing wilting and yellowing leaves. Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
• Sunburn can damage fruit and leaves in harsh afternoon sun. Provide afternoon shade protection during extreme heat waves.
• Stink bugs pierce developing fruit causing dimpling and scarring. Monitor regularly and use exclusion netting or organic sprays when populations are high.