HOW TO GROW RAMBUTAN FROM SEEDS

HOW   TO  GROW  RAMBUTAN  FROM   SEEDS

Rambutan is an exotic fruit with a hairy exterior and flavorful taste. It is full of antioxidants, iron, vitamin C, copper, and anti-cancer properties. The juicy fruit has a sweet, floral flavor and features a red or yellow color. It is often hard to find at markets, so many rambutan devotees grow their own fruit trees. Each fruit holds a single seed, and the trees thrive in semi-tropical environments or greenhouses. Gardeners who wish to grow rambutan from seed should review some important planting and care tips.

Germination and Seedling Care

Germinating rambutan seeds and properly caring for the seedlings give the plant a healthy start. Choose a fertile growing medium, such as topsoil mixed with compost or manure. The added nutrients help speed up germination and seedling growth. Plant the seed horizontally with the flat side facing down. This helps the plant grow straight and establish a strong root system. Keep the plant in a sunny location and never let the soil dry out. Germination takes nine to 25 days. When seedlings reach about 12 inches, they are ready to transplant to a yard or a greenhouse.

Growing Requirements

Rambutans require special care and growing conditions. Gardeners need to provide care for the tree to grow and survive. The rewards are an abundance of healthy fruit and a beautiful addition to the landscape.

Climate and Soil Type

Rambutan trees thrive in climates with high humidity and rainfall. It is necessary to replicate this environment to grow healthy trees. The temperature of the growing area needs to stay between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezing temperatures are detrimental to these plants. Rambutans prefer a well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.

Culture

Plant rambutan trees at least 33 feet apart. The roots spread considerably and need plenty of room to grow. If the trees are too close together, they may not produce a high yield of fruit. After a fruit harvest, apply 2.2 pounds of ammonium sulfate and 2.2 pounds of a 12-24-12 fertilizer per tree to the soil. Apply the same amount of ammonium sulfate only to the soil after the rain system. This replaces nutrients lost from heavy rain and soil drainage. Shelter the trees from strong winds that can damage flowers or fruits.

Yield and Harvest

It takes about five years for the first rambutan fruit to appear. Limbs on this tree produce fruit after one year also bear fruit the next. However, yield may vary from year to year. Young trees produce fruit at random times from December to August, but mature trees bear an abundance of fruit once a year. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and attract bugs that help with pollination. Harvest rambutan fruit two to three weeks after it begins to change color. The best time to harvest is in the morning, and using picking poles for tall branches is advised.

Pests and Diseases

Pests that target rambutan trees include leaf eating grubs, leaf eating beetles, fruit spotting bugs, ants, mealy bugs, and scales. Choose an organic pesticide to get rid of pests. Chemical pesticides may contaminate growing fruit. Fungal infections and fruit or stem rots are common diseases that plague the rambutan tree. Look for signs of disease regularly to avoid losing the plant.

Mulch

Spread mulch, such as aged bagasse or spoilt hay, around the base of the rambutan tree. This helps control weeds pests, conserves water, increases humidity, adds nutrients, and insulates surface roots. Mulch is especially beneficial to young trees that are establishing a root system and fruiting periods. Replenish the layer of mulch two or three times a year or as needed. Spread layers 3 to 5 inches thick and a few yards outward from the tree.