Litchi Seeds, Litchi chinensis Fruit Seeds
Litchi chinensis Sonn. • Sapindaceae • Native to Southern China
Grow Litchi Seeds, Litchi chinensis for quality plants from seed. Ideal for tropical fruit gardens, containers, nursery propagation, and rare fruit collections, with fresh seed packs for reliable germination and healthy growth.
Plant Name: Litchi Seeds
Quantity: 100 Seeds
Selected: Litchi Seeds / 100 Seeds
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
Lychee seeds lose viability rapidly once removed from the fruit, so plant them within two to five days of extraction for the strongest chance of sprouting.
Botanical profile
Meet the Litchi
Step-by-step planting
Growing lychee from seed is a slow and sometimes unpredictable process, but with the right conditions it is genuinely rewarding for a patient gardener.
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1
Extract and Clean the Seed
Remove the seed from a fresh, ripe lychee, rinse off all fruit pulp under cool water, and plant it the same day or within a few days to protect lychee seed viability.
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2
Soak the Seed
Place the cleaned seed in a cup of room-temperature water for 24 hours before planting, which softens the outer coat and can help encourage litchi seed germination.
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3
Choose the Right Soil Mix
Fill a small pot with a well-draining, slightly acidic mix, ideally combining loamy soil with perlite or coarse sand, keeping in mind that lychee soil requirements favor a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
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4
Plant at the Correct Depth
Press the seed about half an inch into the soil with the pointed end facing down, then cover lightly and water gently until moisture reaches the root zone without waterlogging.
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5
Maintain Warmth and Moisture
Keep the pot in a warm location where soil temperature stays consistently between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, since litchi seed germination depends heavily on sustained warmth rather than brief heat spikes.
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6
Provide Light and Transition Seedlings
Once the seedling emerges, move it to a bright spot with indirect sunlight for the first few weeks before gradually introducing more direct light to toughen the young growth.
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7
Plan for Long-Term Care or Containers
If outdoor planting is not possible in your region, lychee container growing in a large pot with good drainage can work well, though you will need to repot every few years as the tree matures and be prepared to manage size through pruning.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Litchi Seeds
How long do litchi seeds stay viable?
Lychee seeds are recalcitrant, meaning they do not store well and begin losing viability within days of leaving the fruit. For the strongest results, plant seeds within two to five days of extracting them from a fresh lychee. Refrigerating them wrapped in a damp paper towel can buy a few extra days, but germination success drops noticeably the longer you wait.
What temperature is needed to germinate litchi seeds?
Litchi seed germination works most reliably when soil temperature is held between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Below 70 degrees, sprouting slows significantly and seeds may rot before they germinate. A seedling heat mat placed under the pot is a practical way to maintain consistent soil warmth, especially in cooler homes or climates.
How many years until a seed-grown lychee tree fruits?
Lychee days to fruit from seed are notoriously long, with most seed-grown trees taking anywhere from 10 to 25 years to produce their first harvest. This is one of the most important things to understand before starting, and many serious growers eventually graft or air-layer trees to shorten that timeline. Growing from seed is best approached as a long-term ornamental project with fruit as a possible future bonus.
Can lychee trees be grown in containers?
Lychee container growing is entirely possible and is actually how many gardeners outside of tropical climates manage the tree. Choose a pot at least 15 to 20 gallons in size with excellent drainage, and be prepared to bring the tree indoors during cold months. Container trees tend to stay smaller than in-ground specimens, which makes them more manageable but can further delay fruiting.
What soil pH is best for litchi?
Lychee soil requirements point to a moderately acidic range, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 being ideal for healthy growth and nutrient uptake. Soils that are too alkaline can cause yellowing leaves due to iron and manganese deficiencies. If your local soil runs neutral or alkaline, amending with sulfur or using a purpose-blended acidic potting mix will help create a friendlier environment for the tree.
Are litchi seeds toxic to pets or humans?
Unprocessed lychee seeds contain a compound called methylenecyclopropylglycine, which has been associated with hypoglycemia when consumed in quantity, particularly in young children on an empty stomach. They are not safe to eat and should be kept away from children and pets. The flesh of the ripe fruit is safe to eat, but the seeds and unripe fruit should always be treated as inedible.
Do litchi seeds need soaking before planting?
Soaking litchi seeds in room-temperature water for 12 to 24 hours before planting is a widely used practice that can soften the seed coat and give germination a small head start. Do not soak for much longer than 24 hours, as prolonged soaking in standing water can promote fungal growth. After soaking, plant immediately rather than letting the seed dry back out.