Extract and Clean the Seeds:

Materials Needed:

• Fresh lychee seeds (from ripe lychee fruit)
• Small pots or seedling trays
• Well-draining potting soil (mixed with sand if available)
• Watering can or spray bottle
• Transparent plastic wrap or a plastic bag

Steps:

• Eat or remove the lychee flesh, then carefully take out the seed.
• Rinse the seed in water to remove any residue from the fruit. Fresh seeds have the highest germination rate, so try to plant them within a day or two after removing from the fruit.

2. Prepare the Pot and Soil:

• Choose small pots with drainage holes.
• Fill the pots with a well-draining soil mix. You can mix in a bit of sand to improve drainage, as lychee prefers slightly sandy, loamy soil.

3. Plant the Seed:

• Plant the seed about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep, with the rounded side facing up.
• Cover the seed lightly with soil.

4. Watering and Humidity:

• Gently water the soil, ensuring it’s moist but not overly wet.
• Cover the pot with plastic wrap or place it in a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect, helping to retain moisture.

5. Germination:

• Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot, but out of direct sunlight.
• The seed should start sprouting within 1–4 weeks, although sometimes it may take a little longer. Be patient!

6. Transplanting Seedlings:

• Once the seedling reaches about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in height, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground if you live in a warm climate.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, as young lychee plants are sensitive to overwatering.

7. Long-Term Care:

• Lychee trees prefer warm, subtropical climates and may need protection from frost or cold weather.
• It can take 3–5 years for a lychee tree to mature enough to bear fruit, and in colder climates, it may be best to keep the tree in a pot and move it indoors during winter.

With patience, you’ll eventually have a beautiful lychee tree that could yield delicious fruit!