Longans in Melbourne (forum)

magnificuss starts with ...
I do live in Melbourne but I am interested in growing the longan. If I take precautions like planting the tree on a west facing site and wrapping the trunk before first frosts throughout winter, will this plant have a chance at growing? Any advice or knowledge would be greatly appreciated as it is not cheap to gamble on this particular fruit tree. Thanks everyone!

Time: 28th January 2015 3:43pm

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Markmelb says...
you should be fine - they are cold tolerant and ive seen one in springvale with smallish fruit but tasty a couple years ago - you wont get any frost where you live give it semi full sun with some wind and west setting sun protection - my 2 year Kohala seedling is going quite fine and is about 4ft tall and is in part shade on a nth facing wall - Im expecting fruit in a couple years.

Time: 28th January 2015 7:18pm

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magnificuss says...
Thanks heaps! I needed that hope that it will be ok if I just take some precautions. I am tossing up between the Chompoo species and the kohala like what you have. Do you have any recommendations? Cheers!

Time: 29th January 2015 8:57am

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Markmelb says...
Even tho a seedling may take longer to fruit - Daleys says could be more cold tolerant than grafted plants - it will survive in your locale whatever you choose - what did your coldest night get to last year??? I had minus 5c out front and 0 - minus 0.75c around my Avos and mangos - so you really need to know your minimums (get a Max-Min thermoeter or weather station) - that was a rare winter minimum i think - not as bad as what they may get in California sometimes - minus 5 to 8c -
Im doing grafted Jak and Sapodilla I planted in December this year (in Ground) - may resort to rockwool bats etc as they do for figs and bananas in UK and Canada wrapped around graft and maybe xmas led lights for warmth if need be as cheap to run.

Time: 29th January 2015 7:42pm

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allybanana says...
Both my freind an I have tried Kohala seedlings in Eden, eight years later there not much bigger than when they were bought. Hopefully you can do better in your warm microclimate.

Time: 29th January 2015 10:04pm

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Thithi says...
Mark, that is super fast growing longan. I got my Kohala seedling in early November 2014 and after about 1 month of doing nothing, it started to grow in dec. now it is about 20 cm higher. But it is surely faster growing than other plants in my garden eg lychee, sapodilla, soursop.


Time: 29th January 2015 11:11pm

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Markmelb says...
Update Photo - plant puchased 16/04/2013
Ally - my Kohala seedling has more than doubled in a bit over 12 months - its in a part shade morning - middy sun area under my Avocados now 1.53mt above pot, about to do a 2nd summer flush.

Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 30th January 2015 8:47am

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magnificuss says...
Thanks everyone and Thank you Mark for your advice! I am very envious of your plants! I am from Borneo so I miss all these fruits like the Jak and Longans...hence why I am doing this. My min temps are similar to yours so if it worked for you then I am hoping it will too for myself. I have bought 2, the Chompoo and Kohala to try. I will be planting one on the west facing side and one in the east. Do you have any tips on the planting and soil? And is it true that Longans actually dont like too much sun?

Time: 30th January 2015 9:16am

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Markmelb says...
magnificuss - I put mine in a big pot with premium mix so can move around if need be - all I can say is treat like an Avo in Melb - Raised bed about 30cm and well drained and definitely wind and sun protection - the one in Springvale really suffers with no wind or sun protection - but is growing out of a small hole in concrete paving - maybe its the warmth that keeps it going but they like water too

Time: 30th January 2015 9:49am

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magnificuss says...
Thanks so much mate! I am going to try ground but will raise it up. The led light idea is fantastic! I will do that too!I will use the azalea mix to plant it and I will add some more sand to help with drainage. That is all I can do. I cant plant any more plants in pots as I have too many already.

Time: 30th January 2015 9:54am

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magnificuss says...
I am being told off all the time by my other half about my pot plants.

Time: 30th January 2015 9:55am

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magnificuss says...
Once it is all done, I will take some pics and show you / everyone.


Time: 30th January 2015 9:56am

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Markmelb says...
Sounds like my place - LOL

Time: 30th January 2015 11:16am

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Linton says...
Hi Magnificuss

I tried to grow Longans in the ground two times down here where it is quite mild in Winter but both times they died. I think they are fairly cold tolerant but they don't like dry conditions.

And for the first couple of years it's probably best to keep them in pots until they get big enough to plant out. Cheers!

Time: 30th January 2015 5:20pm

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denise1 says...
Longans can stand cooler weather when fully established than when young. You can get a cheap mini greenhouse and plant them in it to protect from frost , and 2 or 3 years take it down and your tree will be hardier then, A useful trick for many marginal climates.

Time: 30th January 2015 7:16pm

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Linton says...
It seems a good idea in principle and one that I might be able to use with a few other plants as well.

Just a few queries though. Firstly I never get frosts where I live but it gets down to about 5 deg C. on a few of the coldest mornings in Winter.

The other thing is, I rely on the rain to water my plants so if I have a mini greenhouse over them they won't get watered and the ground will become very dry. Prefer not to water by hand so might have to look at having a removable roof on it I can take off on rainy days. What do you think?

Time: 31st January 2015 8:37pm

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Linton says...
These postings about Longans have prompted me to revisit my problems with growing Longans in Melbourne and see if I can solve them.

I don't grow those varieties mentioned anymore as they were the ones I lost previously. Also I only keep them in pots so far and expect it will be a long time, if ever before they are planted in the ground.

Now I have found that the soil in one of the pots was too soggy and the main root was too long so I have had to put it in a larger pot with more sand in the mix for drainage, hope that works. I found that they definitely don't like wet feet - very important!

I suspect that you probably have clay soil in Abbotsford so if you're planting them in the ground you may have to improve the drainage. Cheers!



Time: 2nd February 2015 9:42am

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magnificuss says...
Cheers everyone! Yes thanks to all I will be taking onboard all advice to prevent damage during cold winters. I can have them in pots next to my ducted heating and hot water systems as that could help. Also I will be putting fairy lights around them during to prevent frost. As for my greenhouse, how I wish I had more room to put more plants...so I cant go there. As for watering new plants, they need heaps of water especially first thing in the morning so that they dont have wet feet overnight with reduced watering in the winter. Clay soil is tough, I will just have to dig a big hole when the plants are ready to go in and fill with sand as suggested. But nothing is impossible and it is great to see so many giving it a go here in Melbourne!

Time: 2nd February 2015 10:24am

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Linton says...
Yes, you are right, it's hard to get the exact balance with Longans, not too wet and not too dry. I found this to be the hardest thing to overcome with them.

I had the Kohala before and another seedling type but lost both of them. Now I am trying the early-bearing Daw Longan (donated by Sternus), and the famous Cats Eye trees (mata kucing)from Borneo, I'm sure you know it!

(Daw = Early)
(mata kucing = cats eye)

Time: 3rd February 2015 6:38pm

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magnificuss says...
Mate, you're right too! I do know it and miss it heaps! I dont go back much as this is my home but there are some things I miss. Longans are my favourite and hence why I am doing this. Where did you get the mata kuching from? Im interested to know as that was the species I was looking for. Glad to hear someone else knows about it!

Time: 4th February 2015 2:49pm

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Markmelb says...
Found this link as was wondering how different cats eyes are from the Longan - http://www.houseofannie.com/cat%E2%80%99s-eye-fruit-mata-kuching/

Time: 4th February 2015 4:56pm

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magnificuss says...
Hi Mark, yes thats it! I am from Sibu and there you get so many more fruits of the Jungle just like this. It is a wonderful place just for the so called "Bush Tucker". Everything from Sibu is highly regarded by the locals and exporters because it is unique. I am happy to settle for longans though if it grows. I am about to receive my plants either today or tomorrow. Cheers!

Time: 5th February 2015 10:06am

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Linton says...
According to the nursery where I got them it's Euphoria malaiense, different to Longan which is Dimocarpus.

The leaves are different too as they seem to be shorter and more rounded on the cats eye.

But if you're thinking what I'm thinking..........I'm wondering if it's possible to graft Mata Kucing (Euphoria) onto Dimocarpus longan. What do you think?

Time: 5th February 2015 1:46pm

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magnificuss says...
I reckon it is worth a shot! What a great Idea...the kohala seedling is cheap enough here at Daley's and you have the plant so give it a shot. Nothing to lose really. This will be a neat project, and this kohala rootstock will be much more cold tolerant than mata Kuching.

Time: 5th February 2015 2:01pm

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magnificuss says...
Check out this site, the genetics should be closely related.
http://tropicalfruitfarm.com.my/pdf/Longan-Mata-Kucing-Siam-k.pdf



Time: 5th February 2015 2:16pm

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Thithi says...
Here is another link.
http://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/sites/default/files/Mata%20Kucing.pdf

The pic Kuching looks identical to longan to me.

Time: 5th February 2015 2:35pm

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magnificuss says...
Look at the genus name provided by daleys themselves. It is from their planting guide on the plants that arrived today. I am confident the graft will work!
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 5th February 2015 9:07pm

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Thithi says...
Magnificuss, good to hear u confident that the graft will work. I think It would be a lot more difficult than other trees eg citrus and avos. I wonder how did you come to that conclusion from the planting guide?

Time: 5th February 2015 10:44pm

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magnificuss says...
Hi mate, well most publications have given this the same genus whether it is Dimocarpus or Euphoria. Meaning most likely the DNA of the two plants will be nearly identical despite different fruits.

Time: 6th February 2015 9:26am

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MIke T1 says...
There are 3 genera proposed for this group and Dimocarpus currently has the ascendancy.There are distinctive tropical subspecies and varieties in Indonesia (including hairy and spiny types)that are quite different but alupag is a different species.The common koala, blew kiew etc are chinese subtropical types and the only ones worth a shot in Melbourne.

Time: 6th February 2015 7:03pm

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jakfruit etiquette says...
Ok Mike I think we got that now !

Time: 6th February 2015 7:36pm

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MIke T1 says...
Don't know why that happened.

Time: 6th February 2015 8:25pm

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Linton says...
Some pictures of the baby Longan plants I'm growing - Mata Kucing.

Hope they can survive!



Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2
Picture: 3

Time: 8th February 2015 8:08pm

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Markmelb says...
They dont look like longans?? - heres a pic of some seeds i put in a year ago
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 8th February 2015 8:39pm

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magnificuss says...
Hi friends, just giving an update. Received the Longan trees and they are so far ok except for the string of hot days here in melbourne which I think caused the young growth to drop its leaves. Can I ask will this be ok? Seems to be normal from I can read across the forums. Also just letting you guys know too I have also purchased a cherimoya from Daleys and cant wait to get it home. Should be arriving today.


Time: 12th February 2015 10:03am

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Thithi says...
Magnificuss, some of my plants arrived and lost some leaves, eg lychee, star Apple, mango... If it did not lose more than half of the leaves then I am ok with it. Don't take the plant to the sun yet, leave it in shade for a couple days or so, young longan tree doesn't like harsh sun.
This is my first year growing longan so I am not sure how it will do in winter. Hope your longan will be ok. Happy gardening

Time: 12th February 2015 10:53am

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Thithi says...
My longan leaves were burnt at about 35c. Ps. I watered longan a lot on the hot day and so leaves did not drop
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 12th February 2015 11:21am

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sternus1 says...
50% shade until established Thi. You should prune those leaves off, don't worry it will sprout more pretty much straight away.

Time: 12th February 2015 12:25pm

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magnificuss says...
Thanks heaps guys! Will keep it under shade and out of direct sun until it establishes itself.



Time: 12th February 2015 1:26pm

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magnificuss says...
Hi again, just an update...I still have these Longans in the original pots as I am preparing the ground hole for them. I wanted to ask you guys if you recommend any fertilisers for now? Does anything help strengthen these young plants? Many thanks in advance!
Also Linton, I hope your plants do survive! Hopefully one day when the plant is large enough you could spare a cutting? I think if you do have the Mata kuching, it is truly a special variety to have. Well done!

Time: 19th February 2015 11:27am

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Waterfall says...
Something slow release and organic works for me like a handful of blood n bone and chicken manure pellets mixed in with the soil.

Time: 19th February 2015 12:07pm

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magnificuss says...
Thank you waterfall...will do just that. Do you have Longans growing too?

Time: 19th February 2015 2:57pm

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Waterfall says...
No but I do have lychees instead, one is close to one year old and the other two were bought last week. Longans are more suited to my climate but people have fruited lychee here in Sydney so I growing those as I prefer the taste much more.

Time: 19th February 2015 5:17pm

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Linton says...
Hi magnificuss

Yes, I am finding the mixture is very important for Longans. The Daw Longan I got from Sternus was slowly going downhill after sitting waterlogged in the pot for some months. It seems to have picked up a fair bit after I changed the mix and added more sand for drainage. Also put in a deeper pot as the wetness had caused the main root to grow deep down and curl up in the pot.

About the Mata kucings, I have 2 plants of which one which is outside and exposed, but still in the pot, and has dropped all it's leaves. The other one with more shelter is performing better so I am still trying different conditions and potting mixes to see what works the best for them as all Longans seem to be tricky to grow and Mata kucing is even more fussy than most, but I won't be deterred.

This variety has to come from an interstate nursery and it is not worth the postage cost to send just one plant. But if you are really interested in trying to grow Mata kucing in Melbourne (maybe you will do better at it than me)then you could combine one with my next order with this nursery which I will be placing soon for other plants and we can save on the freight. The cost of a small Mata kucing plant is $26.

If interested just send me email to work out the details. Thanks.





Time: 19th February 2015 8:02pm

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magnificuss says...
Hi Linton, I dont mind doing that at all.

How do I find your email?

And Miss Waterfall...well done with the lychees. I have been told it is harder than longan but it is worth it. I also have 2 B3 lychees myself. Just received them. But all the leaves are dropping off. So far I have seen the average late spring to early autumn temps here in melbourne is higher than up north so it is worth a shot.

Cheers

Time: 20th February 2015 9:16am

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Linton says...
To let me know your requirements and discuss further you can contact me at lintonius at hotmail.com. Cheers!

Time: 20th February 2015 1:48pm

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magnificuss says...
Heya, did you know that Daley's is now selling the Mata Kuching? They are selling 165mm pots for 29. What do you guys think?

Time: 20th February 2015 3:51pm

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Linton says...
Yes, that's the one - Daleys also classify it as Euphoria malaiensis, so it's definitely the same species as the ones I have.

However they don't have it, they have only listed it as "Seeking Propagating Material" so they may or may not grow it sometime in the future. I suspect they listed it when they saw there was some interest in this species, but if you click on the link for "Seeking propagating material" it will explain further. Cheers!

Time: 20th February 2015 7:58pm

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Thithi says...
I just had mata Kuching for the first time. Very similar to longan, more watery and less fresh.

Time: 20th February 2015 8:09pm

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Tommoz says...
Tried some canned longan from Thailand today. Honestly I can't detect much difference between longan, rambutan and lychee so far as taste is concerned.

Time: 20th February 2015 9:42pm

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sternus1 says...
Lychee are better than both by quite a margin. If you haven't tried a fresh lychee, you haven't tried lychee.

Rambutan are fairly terrible as they have no complexity and are chewy.

Time: 21st February 2015 8:58am

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Waterfall says...
I was considering growing longans so I went to the Asian fruit markets and grabbed a bag of longans and a bag of lychees. Eating them side by side there is no contest, lychee is just so much better.

Time: 21st February 2015 1:30pm

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sternus1 says...
Save some space for the a2. It will demolish anything you can get right now in terms of... Well, everything.

Time: 21st February 2015 1:44pm

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Brain says...
Longans are hardier though. So its a balance of probability between taste, speed and survivability.

Time: 21st February 2015 2:06pm

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sternus1 says...
Brain I have two thriving dwarf peach trees you can have for nothing if you pick them up. Both have fruited. Need to make room for a couple of papaya.

Time: 21st February 2015 2:13pm

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About the Author sternus1
Australia
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Brain says...
Hey sternus, thanks for your kind offer. Like you i am also playing plant roulette, too many things to grow, so little space. I will ask around and see if any of my cohorts would be interested. But really appreciative of the gesture.

Time: 21st February 2015 2:21pm

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About the Author Brain
Brisbane
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sternus1 says...
If you find someone let me know, one is the tropic dwarf thingy and the other is the angel subtropical dwarf. Would be a shame to let them die, they're in good nick.

Time: 21st February 2015 2:23pm

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About the Author sternus1
Australia
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Brain says...
Hey sternus, i asked around but so far no takers. But surely there are a few other qlders here who might want a peach. If i had the space, i would love to take one.

Time: 28th February 2015 10:50am

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About the Author Brain
Brisbane
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Linton says...
Cats Eyes trees won't grow in Melbourne!

I have been unable to get any more of the Cats Eye Longans from the nursery up north as they say this variety is too tropical to be grown in Melbourne so they don't want to send them.

The plants I'm growing did defoliate last Summer, but as can been seen in the current picture taken today the leaves have grown back and it is showing no sign of dying. Even with the coldest winter on record that they've been exposed to.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 13th June 2015 4:21pm

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About the Author Linton
Springvale, Vic
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magnificuss1 says...
My Longan are doing well, watered with heaps of seaweed solution to help it through winter. It definitely worked and fertilised it with chook poo. May take years but hoping it will be worth it.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 13th November 2015 9:45am

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About the Author magnificuss1
YALLAMBIE,3085,VIC
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Markmelb says...
Hi magnificuss1 - I saw a Longan in Springvale that I watch and has had fruit a couple years ago. Currently in full flower although small like Lychee but sprays are large.

What helps that Longan is the concrete surrounding it. It basically is in a 30cm hole in concrete paving that releases heat at night as well as the surrounding bitumen too.

Maybe you could emulate that with pavers etc. My Kohala is in a 430mm pot and backed by a double brick wall in part shade and is 1.8mt tall inc pot.
No signs of flowers yet 3 years old.

Time: 13th November 2015 11:12am

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About the Author Markmelb
MOUNT WAVERLEY,3149,VIC
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denise1 says...
I had the Kohala longan and it grew reasonably well here in Auckland NZ. in a frost free garden. The fruit never plumped up and the tree later died. Interesting to grow outside warmer climates but may fail to bear nicely.

Time: 13th November 2015 3:03pm

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About the Author denise1
auckland NZ
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davewastech says...
Which month is Kohala and Kiew ready to harvest in Sydney or Melbourne?
(I can't seem to find this information)

Time: 21st April 2016 5:16pm

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About the Author davewastech
WILLOUGHBY EAST,2068,NSW
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Chris S says...
I bought a Kohala longan from Daley in 2000 (8 years) and the plant took off nicely and is now over 3 meters tall. Had about 5 fruits 2 years ago and nothing since. I am not sure why it is not fruiting. Any advice on fruiting would be appreciated.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 4th May 2018 3:51pm

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About the Author Chris S
Balwyn 3103
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David01 says...
Hi Chris,


Your Longan tree looks awesome. Is it grafted or seedling? If grafted it should bear fruits after 3 years. But seedling will be unknown. However, few basic things to grow Longan

1. Longan tree bears erratically, not fruits every year.
2. You need to reduce watering during the late summer to winter reduce excessive vegetative growth and enhance subsequent flowering during the spring. In your case the tree grows very healthy but no fruits.
3. You need to cover the flowers on the heavy rainy days to avoid pollination problem.
4. Add Potassium (K) during flowering to increase fruit set. Cheers

Time: 5th May 2018 9:40am

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About the Author David01
CRAIGIEBURN,3064,VIC
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brad16 says...
Here's a link from the University of Florida with good information on growing Longans, called 'Longan Growing in the Florida Home Landscape'.

http://www.edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg049

Since the tree looks reasonably healthy, but you say it's shy in setting fruit, my first impression is to look at what is going on at flowering/pollination time.

Longans are known to have male, female and 'bisexual' flowers. For pollination to occur, pollinating vectors (like bees) need to be active while there are both male and female flowers present. The next time it flowers pay close attention to what happens.

The info, linked to above, indicates that:

'Warm and rainy winters are conducive to vegetative growth and reduce flowering and fruit production. Excessive rains during flowering cause flower drop and may reduce pollination and fruit set'.

Considering Longans are Tropical/Subtropical, I think you can ignore the 'Warm winter' part, but Melbourne has a reputation as 'always raining'.

Next time it flowers, watch the number of flowers it produces and then watch the number that fall to the ground. It may just be that Melbourne's constant annual rainfall is more conducive to vegetative growth, than blossom and fruit production.

I checked the annual rainfall at Hawthorn (Scotch College) and the average annual amount is a little under 700 mm. That's about half the usual rainfall that Longans like, but it is distributed evenly over all months. This may indicate that the tree may be getting more water over the ideal 'drier winter' months and is putting it all towards vegetative growth. Looking at the picture, I'd dare say this is far from the truth.

From this preliminary assumption, I'd recommend using the hose on the pool, and not the tree, until Spring/Summer.

Anyway the provided link has lots of info and I believe a link at the top to download it in PDF.

Good luck.

ps. Forgot to add: This is in response to Chris S

Time: 5th May 2018 2:11pm

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About the Author brad16
GOROKAN,2263,NSW
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Fruitylicious1 says...
Hi Chris

There is a trick that commercial longan growers used to encourage their longan to flower and fruit. I am not sure though if it will apply in Melbourne weather conditions but it is worth a shot.

They apply potassium chlorate (KCIO3) to the ground under the canopy at a rate of 5g/m2. It will induce 85% flowering and 20% leaf drop. Flowering occurs 6-8 weeks after application.

Apply potassium Chlorate in June for best results. Stop watering the trees 3-4 weeks before application and continue watering as per usual when application is done.

Another factor that might affect flowering is too much nitrogen. Lessen nitrogen application before potassium chlorate amendment.

And lastly, longan in Melbourne is not in their optimal environment so don't expect too much out of them unless they are in a controlled greenhouse.

I hope this info will help you with your longan fruit production.

Happy gardening :-)

Time: 5th May 2018 11:08pm

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About the Author Fruitylicious1
TAMWORTH,2340,NSW
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Markmelb says...
Ive seen a longan of no known type maybe a seedling in Springvale that is in a hole with concrete paving all around as a heat bank in winter that has small fruit - also a friend sent me his friends photo of a Chompoo longan fruiting well not far from me in Mt Waverley - on the right with flowers / fruit forming - says is really good fruit too of normal size.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 6th May 2018 9:20am

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MOUNT WAVERLEY,3149,VIC
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Chris S says...
Hi David01, Brad16 and Fruitylicious, thanks for the prompt responses - greatly appreciate your feedback. My longan tree is from seedling. Last two year, I have not noticed any flowers - anyway nothing visible. I do not water the tree from about April to November as there is sufficient rain. Only fertiliser used is from compost. Will try with the suggestions regarding potassium. Cheers Chris

Time: 6th May 2018 7:15pm

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About the Author Chris S
Balwyn 3103
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davewastech says...
That KCLO3 application sounds interesting. Will try when my Kohala gets a bit bigger.
Where do you buy it? (I would have thought buying it may be restricted due to its possible use in explosive mixtures.)

Time: 6th May 2018 8:45pm

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WILLOUGHBY EAST,2068,NSW
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brad16 says...
Hi Chris,

If the tree is 8 years old (2010) then I'd suggest a little more patience. That's still juvenile for seedlings.

If the tree is 18 years old (2000) then it's time to consider it old enough to reproduce. It looks happy enough for vegetative growth, but isn't finding its preferred conditions for reproduction. If it has been in that spot for 18 years, then I'm still leaning towards the amount of water in the off season. Without watering yourself, Melbourne's natural weather may be happy times for growth, but without a significant 'drier period' it may not be getting its impulse to reproduce.

Another (possibly ridiculous) question. Is the pool heated over winter?

It may be (a ridiculous idea) that heat radiated from the pool to the soil, may disrupt the tree's sensory triggers for a seasonal change from a 'cooler, drier' winter. If the pool is heated, the soil below, and within close proximity to it, would also be moderated to year round temperatures, hindering the tree's roots ability to sense a seasonal change in soil temperature.

Obviously I'm just looking for any possible cause why a healthy looking tree, of fruit producing age, would be cautious about attempting to reproduce.

Time: 7th May 2018 10:50am

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About the Author brad16
GOROKAN,2263,NSW
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brad16 says...
Hey Markmelb,

I read in one your previous posts about that tree in the pavement. Along with your friends Chompoo, it's really interesting.

I'm kind of assuming that the pavement helps that tree out a little more than with just radiating heat. Being in a small hole would also restrict the amount of water soak into the soil. Being in Melbourne's climate where rainfall is pretty even throughout the year, it is possible that the water restriction may be just as big a help as the heating effect. Since it is also in the same hole during flowering and fruiting season, the same water restrictions during fruiting may account for the smaller fruit. It would be interesting if someone were to give it extra water when it was fruiting to see if the fruit size increased. That would be a good opportunity to get to know Longan's needs better in the Melbourne environment.

I'm believing more and more that Chris's problem is water. Looking at your friends Chompoo, it is in a slightly raised bed and the ground around it is open and well grassed. Sunlight and air flow would mean that winter moisture would dissipate more readily from the soil around your friends Chompoo. Chris's seedling is between a pool and fence. Rainfall would more easily collect at the base of Chris's tree (runoff from the deck, and the yard if the yard slopes downwards towards the back fence). Sunlight and air flow is far more restricted there also, so evaporation would be greatly hindered. The extra amount of moisture around Chris's tree, compared to your friends Chompoo and the one in the concrete hole, may not mean it's unhealthy for the tree (quite the opposite by the look), but it may mean that it is a vigorous grower, rather than a good fruiter.

Chris, the year you said it produced 5 fruit, was autumn/winter for that year drier than the last few years?

Time: 7th May 2018 12:50pm

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Fruitylicious1 says...
Hi Davewastech

For a more detailed explanation on how to use potassium chlorate with longan trees just type in 'longans in Western Australia' with Google. Just click on the W.A. DPI inet address and they have an in-depth article about longan growing in a commercial scale. Under the topic flowering, potassium chlorate usage will be explained. You can buy the chemical KCIO3 from Novachem in OZ by 500g increments.

Happy gardening :-)

Time: 7th May 2018 2:08pm

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About the Author Fruitylicious1
TAMWORTH,2340,NSW
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David01 says...
Hi brad16,
Very good analysis. Longan and Lychee need an ideal climate to grow successful. The weather has to be cool/dry in winter and wet/humid in summer in order to promote flowers and set fruits. In Chis case his tree gets water in the opposite way as our Melbourne weather is very wet in winter and quite dry in Summer. However, situation can be improved by cover the ground with black plastic poly pond to stop the coming rain water, keeping ground dry and warm during the winter time. Cheers.
Add note: for the Longan in Springvale. The mass concrete will help to keep it warmer and moisture at night in summer but it also doing the opposite manner in winter as concrete will make the surrounding environment much colder during the day by slowly releases the cold stored at night plus water restriction at all time from the rain of course.

Time: 12th May 2018 12:48pm

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Original Post was last edited: 13th May 2018 3:56pm

About the Author David01
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Markmelb says...
This is going to get you even more confused - ive recently met someone living in Balwyn that asked me to post these photos of their 15yo Kohala seedling fruiting for last 8 years.

I think you guys are on the money - this is what he replied to me tonight -- I applied dynamic lifter in September, and no water until the fruits are set. This method seems to work.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2
Picture: 3

Time: 13th May 2018 5:35pm

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About the Author Markmelb
MOUNT WAVERLEY,3149,VIC
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Markmelb says...
Heres another pic of Balwyn Longan tree in fruit
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 13th May 2018 9:15pm

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About the Author Markmelb
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Fruitylicious1 says...
Hi Mark

Thanks for the longan update. Now I am seriously thinking about growing one for myself after seeing the last picture above. Excellent detective work.

Happy gardening :-)

Time: 14th May 2018 10:09am

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About the Author Fruitylicious1
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David01 says...
Hi Markmelb,

Impressive photos. These pictures will inspire more people to grow Longan and perhaps Lychee in Melbourne. Cheers

Time: 14th May 2018 1:16pm

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About the Author David01
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brad16 says...
They look good Markmelb :)

Time: 14th May 2018 10:57pm

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davewastech says...
Thanks Fruitylicious.
I planted mine Nov 2016, growing slowly, so I'll keep this in mind for later when I figure it should start flowering - still a few years away I suppose.
I just read the Wikipedia article on longan. It says &quote;Potassium chlorate has been found to cause the longan tree to blossom. However, this causes stress on the tree if it is used excessively, and eventually kills it&quote;

Moderation in all things perhaps?


Dave

Time: 3rd September 2018 12:29pm

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About the Author davewastech
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Zanna says...
Is it possible to grow a longan tree outside in Ballarat? I have germinated a few seeds. Or would they be best as an inside plant?

Time: 22nd March 2019 2:50pm

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About the Author Zanna
Ballarat
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