Understanding Longan: Its Origin and Benefits
The longan is an exotic tropical fruit tree native to southern Asia, especially in China and Thailand. Longans have been cultivated for thousands of years and were once known as “dragon’s eyes” due to the fruit’s resemblance to an eyeball when the fleshy aril surrounds the shiny black seed. Nutritionally, longans are high in vitamins and antioxidants like vitamin C,providing around 72% of your daily needs in one cup.
Originally from southern China, longans have spread throughout Southeast Asia and are now also grown in Australia,Florida, and Hawaii.Global production of longans has increased substantially over the last few decades, reaching over 3 million tons in 2016, with China as the leading producer. The increasing popularity of longans is largely due to greater awareness of their nutritional value and health benefits. With its delicious flavor and texture, the longan fruit deserves more attention as a tropical superfood.
Preparing the Soil for Longan Planting
To grow longan trees successfully, preparing the right type of soil is the key. Longans require a fertile, well-drained, sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5 to 6. The soil should be rich in organic matter, such as compost or rotted manure. If the native soil is heavy clay or sand, it must be amended to become loamy.
Loamy soil refers to ideal garden soil that has a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, with the largest portion being silt. To test your soil and determine if it has the right pH for longans, get a soil testing kit. If the pH is too high or too low, it can be corrected by adding aluminum sulfate or lime respectively. It is best to test the soil at least 6 months before planting to make any necessary adjustments.
In addition to pH, providing good drainage and oxygen levels are also critical for healthy longan trees. Longans are susceptible to root rot if their roots sit in water. Before planting, dig holes that are at least 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide. Fill the bottom third of the holes with compost or manure and then pack it down firmly. Then refill the holes with the native soil. This will improve both drainage and soil structure.
Here are some other useful tips for preparing the soil:
• Add compost or manure: Mix 3 to 4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 12 inches of soil. This will provide nutrients and improve soil structure.
• Mulch around trees: Place a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch, such as composted leaves or wood chips, around the base of the trees. This will help retain moisture in the soil, prevent weed growth, and as it decomposes, provide nutrients to the trees.
• Soil drainage test: To test drainage, dig a hole 12 inches deep and fill it with water. Let it drain completely. Then fill it with water again and measure the depth after 2 hours. If less than 1 inch has drained, the soil may have drainage issues that need to be addressed before planting.
• Aeration: For very compacted soils, manual aeration using a shovel or pitchfork can help loosen the soil and allow for better drainage and root growth. More intensive options include using a mechanical aerator or raising the soil level before planting.
Planting Longan: Step-by-Step Guide
Once you have prepared the planting site and soil for longans, it is time to plant the trees. The most critical factors for successful planting are choosing a suitable longan cultivar, planting at the right time of year, proper spacing between trees, and providing good post-planting care.
Selecting longan cultivars
There are many longan cultivars to choose from, differing in tree vigor, fruit quality, and disease resistance. Popular cultivars for home growing include:
• Kohala: Large, very sweet fruit. Heavy bearing tree with good disease resistance.
• Biew Kiew: Very popular cultivar producing medium-sized, sweet fruit. Upright, moderately vigorous tree.
• Haew: Seedless cultivar producing medium-sized, very sweet fruit. Moderate yielding tree.
Planting season
The ideal time for planting longan trees is in late spring or early summer, after the chance of frost has passed. Planting in warmer months will allow the young trees to become established before winter.
Planting space
Longan trees can grow quite large, up to 40 feet tall and wide. For optimum growth and fruit production, space the trees at least 15 to 20 feet apart. Longans can also be planted closer together, around 10 to 15 feet apart to form a hedge. Closer spacing will require more frequent pruning and may reduce fruit yields.
Digging holes and planting
Dig holes at least two to three times as wide as the container or root ball. Place some of the soil, compost, and any fertilizer in the bottom of the hole. Remove the tree from the container and place in the hole, filling in around the roots with the amended soil. Water thoroughly after planting and spread mulch around the base of the tree.
Post-planting care
Newly planted longan trees require regular watering and fertilizing. Water the soil around the tree every day or two for the first month, and then reduce to about an inch per week. Fertilize the trees with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the first growing season. Also, periodically check for common pests or diseases and treat them if necessary.
With the right cultivar selection, properly spaced and planted longan trees, and good post-planting care, your longan trees will establish themselves and start producing the delicious fruit in just a few years. Be patient and in time, you’ll be enjoying the sweet rewards!
Caring for Longan Trees: Watering, Fertilizing, and Pruning
Longan trees require attentive care, especially when young, to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Providing adequate and consistent irrigation, fertilizing during the growing season, and pruning at the right times of year are essential to successful longan cultivation.
Watering
Longan trees should receive 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Water regularly, especially for the first few years after planting until the roots become established. The soil around the tree should dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overhead irrigation which can promote disease. Drip irrigation or a soaker hose are good options for longans.
Fertilizing
Fertilize longan trees three times per year – once shortly before new growth starts in spring, once in early summer, and once more in midsummer. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as 10-10-10. Follow the directions on the product packaging regarding how much to apply under mature and juvenile trees.
Pruning
Pruning helps shape longan trees, improves air circulation, and controls tree height for easier harvesting. Light pruning can be done anytime, but heavy pruning should be done before spring growth starts.
Here are some tips for pruning longan trees:
• Remove any dead or crossing branches as well as suckers (vigorous upright shoots) at the base of the tree.
• Thin out congested branches, especially in the center. This will allow better air circulation reducing disease risk.
• After harvesting, cut back any branches that fruited heavily leaving a few buds. This will encourage new growth.
• To control size and height, prune main branches back to laterals. Never remove more than 25% of branches at once.
• For younger trees, prune to develop an open center framework with 3 to 5 main scaffold branches at roughly 45-degree angles.
• Sterilize pruning tools with isopropyl alcohol between cuts to avoid disease spread.
With attentive care and maintenance, your longan trees will reward you with an abundance of sweet and juicy fruits for many years to come! Consistent cultural practices including irrigation, fertilization, and pruning are key to success.
Caring for Longan Trees: Watering, Fertilizing, and Pruning
Longan trees require attentive care, especially when young, to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Providing adequate and consistent irrigation, fertilizing during the growing season, and pruning at the right times of year are essential to successful longan cultivation.
Watering
Longan trees should receive 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Water regularly, especially for the first few years after planting until the roots become established. The soil around the tree should dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overhead irrigation which can promote disease. Drip irrigation or a soaker hose are good options for longans.
Fertilizing
Fertilize longan trees three times per year – once shortly before new growth starts in spring, once in early summer, and once more in midsummer. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as 10-10-10. Follow the directions on the product packaging regarding how much to apply under mature and juvenile trees.
Pruning
Pruning helps shape longan trees, improves air circulation, and controls tree height for easier harvesting. Light pruning can be done anytime, but heavy pruning should be done before spring growth starts.
Here are some tips for pruning longan trees:
• Remove any dead or crossing branches as well as suckers (vigorous upright shoots) at the base of the tree.
• Thin out congested branches, especially in the center. This will allow better air circulation reducing disease risk.
• After harvesting, cut back any branches that fruited heavily leaving a few buds. This will encourage new growth.
• To control size and height, prune main branches back to laterals. Never remove more than 25% of branches at once.
• For younger trees, prune to develop an open center framework with 3 to 5 main scaffold branches at roughly 45-degree angles.
• Sterilize pruning tools with isopropyl alcohol between cuts to avoid disease spread.
With attentive care and maintenance, your longan trees will reward you with an abundance of sweet and juicy fruits for many years to come! Consistent cultural practices including irrigation, fertilization, and pruning are key to success.
Harvesting and Storing Longan Fruits
After 3-5 years of growth, longan trees will start producing the delicious fruit. Longans generally ripen from July through October in tropical climates. Proper harvesting and storage techniques are necessary to enjoy the fruit at its peak flavor and quality.
Checking ripeness
Longans are ready to harvest once the fruit clusters turn brown and the individual fruits feel firm and heavy for their size. Gently shake the fruit clusters and the fruits that are fully ripe will drop easily. Ripe longans will have a yellow-brown rind and the seed inside will rattle when shaken. Avoid harvesting unripe fruit as they will not ripen further after picking.
Harvesting
Use sharp bypass secateurs or pruning shears and cut the fruit clusters from the tree, leaving a short stem attached. Be very careful not to damage the fruit. Grasp the cluster and cut with a downward angled cut. Do not pull the fruit off the tree as this can damage the stems and the developing flower buds for next season’s crop.
Post-harvest care
After harvesting, the fruits should be washed, dried, and graded for quality. Discard any damaged or pest-infested fruit. The stems should be trimmed to about 1/4 inch in length. Clean the fruit by submerging clusters in cold water. Gently pat dry with a towel before storing.
Proper storage conditions
Longans should be refrigerated as soon as possible after harvesting. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Place the fruit in a perforated plastic bag or unsealed container before refrigerating. This allows for air flow which helps keep the fruit fresh for longer. For best quality, avoid washing the fruit before storing and do not seal the storage bag completely airtight. Check the fruit regularly and remove any that are spoiled.
When stored properly at the right temperatures, longans can be enjoyed for weeks after harvesting. However, the fruit is very perishable and best eaten fresh. The impressive shelf life of the longan, combined with their gorgeous appearance and delightful flavor make them ideal for commercial sale at local markets. Home growers should share their bountiful harvest with friends and family before the short season ends!
