Litchi seedling planting technology

Lychee trees are a famous Lingnan fruit with soft and smooth flesh, sweet taste and high juiciness, and good planting benefits. Farmers generally choose high-quality lychee seedlings for planting. Below, the editor will introduce the lychee seedling planting technology. Let’s take a look.

1. Site selection and land preparation

Lychee seedlings have strong adaptability, but it is best to choose deep, fertile, well-drained, organic-rich and slightly acidic soil for planting. Before planting, the land should be deeply plowed and an appropriate amount of organic fertilizer should be added to improve soil structure and increase fertility. At the same time, ensure that the land is flat to facilitate irrigation and drainage.

2. Seedling selection

Choose healthy litchi seedlings that are free of pests and diseases, growing well, with lush branches and leaves, and strong roots and stems. The height of the seedlings should be higher than 60 cm. The varieties can be selected according to market demand and local climatic conditions, such as Sanyuehong, Feizishao, etc.

3. Planting density

Since the height of a mature litchi tree can reach 1-2 meters, the row spacing between each tree should be as wide as possible, generally 5×5 meters or 6×6 meters, and only 20 seedlings should be planted per acre.

4. Planting method

The planting time for litchi seedlings is generally chosen in mid-March or early October. The climatic conditions in these two time periods are conducive to the survival and growth of seedlings. First, dig a few large holes with a depth and width of 80×100 cm. After placing the litchi seedlings in the large holes, add green manure, miscellaneous fertilizers and loose mud in layers and fill them around the roots of the seedlings, covering the roots by about 10 cm. After filling, compact the soil and then water it thoroughly to help it take root.

5. Water and fertilizer management

Water in time after planting to ensure survival. If the weather is dry, water the plant every 2-3 days. Do not water too much each time, just keep the soil around the roots moist. In addition, during the rainy season, we must prevent the plants from sinking due to water accumulation, and the plants should be properly raised to facilitate normal growth. Litchi seedlings need sufficient nutrients to grow. Fertilization can start one month after transplanting. The principle is to use well-rotted and high-quality nitrogen fertilizers as the main fertilizer with a small amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Apply small amounts but carefully, frequently and in small amounts. As the seedlings grow, gradually increase the amount of fertilizer.

6. Pruning

Proper pruning can help litchi seedlings maintain healthy growth. When pruning, remove diseased branches, weak branches and crossed branches to increase ventilation and light. At the same time, we must maintain the beautiful shape of the tree and improve the quality of the fruit. Pruning work is mainly carried out in summer, autumn and winter, especially after fruit picking, when damaged dry branches and dead branches need to be cut off.

7. Pest and disease control

Litchi seedlings are easily attacked by diseases and pests such as frost blight and algal spot. Therefore, during the planting period, we must pay attention to the growth of litchi, discover it in time and take corresponding prevention and control measures. For example, biological control, chemical control and other methods can be used to control the spread of pests and diseases.

The above is the litchi seedling planting technology. After the seedlings are planted, water and fertilizer management as well as disease and pest prevention and control work must be done well. Fertilization can be started half a year after the trees have taken root, four times a year, every time the season changes, and fertilizers with specific elements should be applied based on the different growth conditions of the fruit trees.