Ha-Kip Lychee

Ha-Kip Lychee

Ha-Kip Lychee is a popular lychee selection producing sweet, aromatic fruit with attractive red skin. Also known as “Hak Ip” or “Black Leaf,” this variety originates from China and is one of the most widely grown lychees worldwide. The fruit is medium to large, with a deep red, bumpy rind and translucent, juicy flesh. The flavor is exceptionally sweet with a subtle rose scent. The tree is vigorous, with dark green, glossy leaves that emerge coppery-red. Ha-Kip is suitable for tropical and warm subtropical orchards where humidity and winter chilling are adequate. It requires a period of cool temperatures (but not freezing) to initiate flowering.

Taste note: Extremely sweet, floral, and aromatic – like a grape crossed with a rose.

Botanical Name: Litchi chinensis
Format:

Air-layered

grafted fruit tree

Key Highlights

Key Highlights

  • Highly sweet, aromatic fruit
  • Attractive deep red skin
  • Vigorous, productive tree
  • Air-layered for true-to-type fruit
  • Requires winter chill (cool, not freezing)
Feature Details
Light Full Sun
Tree Spacing 20–25 ft
Tree Height 15–30 ft (can be pruned to 10–12 ft)
Planting Time Spring
Hardiness USDA Zones 10–11 (protect below 32°F)
Propagation Air-layered or grafted
Fruit Season May–July
Self-fertile Yes (but multiple trees improve yield)

Lychees are not beginner-friendly but reward careful growers. They need full sun, acidic well-drained soil, and protection from wind. The most critical requirement is a cool, dry winter (32–55°F for several weeks) to initiate flowering – without this, the tree will grow lush foliage but no fruit. Water consistently during flowering and fruit set, then reduce after harvest. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and moist. Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer 2–3 times per year. Prune after harvest to shape and remove dead wood. Container growing is possible but challenging due to size and chill requirements.

  1. Remove Packaging– Unpack immediately. Air-layered roots are delicate.
  2. Check the Soil– Keep moist but not wet.
  3. Adjustment Period– Place in bright, indirect light for 3–5 days, then move to partial sun, then full sun.
  • Location:Full sun, sheltered from wind.
  • Soil & Drainage:Acidic (pH 5.0–5.5), rich in organic matter, well-drained.
  • Feeding:Light applications of 4-4-8 or similar in spring and summer.
  • Watering:Keep consistently moist during fruit development. Reduce after harvest.
  • Pruning:After harvest. Do not over-prune.
  • Winter chill:Essential for flowering. Needs 100–200 hours below 68°F.

Harvest when fruit is fully red and slightly soft. Cut clusters with scissors. Eat fresh, can, or dry. Lychees are best eaten within a few days of harvest.

Air-layered Ha-Kip Lychee shipped carefully. Free shipping over $50.

📧 info@globalflora.org

Global Flora sources grafted citrus from registered, disease-tested nurseries. All plants are non-GMO

FAQ – Suitability & Watering

  • Zones:10–11. Not suitable for colder zones without a greenhouse.
  • Watering:Consistent moisture is critical. Do not let soil dry completely.