Lychees do not grow well in hot weather. They cannot tolerate dry heat during the summer season. The temperature should not exceed 40 °C for the litchi trees to thrive and produce a good yield.
I remember one summer when we had a heatwave in our region. The temperature soared above 40 °C for several consecutive days. Unfortunately, our litchi trees suffered greatly during this period. The leaves started turning brown and withering, and the fruits that were forming on the trees began to dry out and fall off prematurely. It was a heartbreaking sight to see our once lush and promising litchi orchard in such a state.
Lychee trees thrive in a subtropical climate, where the temperature is more moderate and humidity levels are higher. They prefer temperatures between 20-30 °C. When the temperature rises above this range, the trees become stressed, and their growth and fruit production are negatively affected.
On the other hand, litchi trees also require a period of dormancy during winter. They cannot tolerate frost or extremely cold temperatures. Ideally, the temperature should not drop below freezing point for the trees to remain healthy and productive.
To ensure the best conditions for litchi growth, it is recommended to plough the field in the month of March-April. This helps prepare the soil and provides a good base for the trees to establish their roots. After ploughing, it is advisable to leave the field undisturbed for about 10-15 days. This period allows the soil to settle and regain its natural balance before planting the litchi trees.
Litchi trees do not grow well in hot weather and cannot tolerate dry heat during the summer. They require a subtropical climate with temperatures between 20-30 °C for optimal growth and fruit production. Additionally, they cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures during winter. Proper preparation of the field, such as ploughing and allowing the soil to settle, is essential for the successful cultivation of litchi trees.