🧧 The Summer Jewel: Litchi Selection
The Litchi (Litchi chinensis) is the ultimate tropical showstopper. These magnificent, slow-growing evergreen trees are prized for their dense, glossy canopy and their clusters of rough-skinned, ruby-red fruit that signal the height of a South African summer.
HLH Mauritius Litchi
The Reliable Favourite: This is the most widely grown litchi variety in South Africa for a reason. It is exceptionally productive and produces high-quality fruit even in younger trees.
Fruit Profile: Medium-sized, heart-shaped fruit with a bright red, "spiky" skin. The flesh is translucent, incredibly juicy, and has a distinct floral sweetness. It is the gold standard for fresh eating and summer fruit platters.
Requirements:
Climate: Litchis love the humidity of the Gqeberha coast! While they thrive in the sun, they are sensitive to frost and should be planted in a warm, wind-sheltered spot at "Die Plaas."
Sun: Requires full sun to encourage heavy flowering and fruit set.
Soil: They prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil. We recommend enriching the planting hole with our Triple Mix Farm Soil (R50) and a bag of acid compost.
Watering: Litchis have a shallow root system and are thirsty during the flowering and fruiting stage (September to January). Never let the soil dry out completely during this time.
Feeding: Use our CFT Liquid Fertilizer (R80) every 4–6 weeks to maintain a lush, dark-green canopy.
Mulch: A thick layer of Bark Chips (R55) is essential to keep the shallow roots cool and moist during the heat of February.
📍 Pot & Barrel "Die Plaas" Tip:
Litchis are "slow and steady" growers. To get the best harvest, avoid heavy pruning in the first few years. They also love a "resting period" in winter—cooler (but not freezing) temperatures help trigger the massive burst of flowers you'll see in spring. If you have a smaller garden, they can be kept compact with light annual pruning after the harvest.
Visit us at the shop in Walmer, Port Elizabeth, or contact us on Whatsapp 072 867 3243.
Our Litchi Trees are currently available at R280 each.