Published May 19, 2023
Rambutan is a Southeast Asian tropical fruit. It has crimson skin with delicate spines, similar to lychee. Rambutan contains a lot of vitamin C and minerals.
Loamy, well-drained soil is best for rambutan. The optimal pH range is 5.5 to 6.5. Rambutan requires a humid climate. Temperatures should be 25°C to 30°C. Annual rainfall - 1500 to 2500 mm.
Rambutan can be propagated by seeds, grafting, or air-layering. Seeds should be sown fresh and germinate in 10 to 21 days. Grafted or air-layered plants can bear fruit in 3 to 4 years. Rambutan should be planted at a spacing of 8 to 10 m in rows.
Rambutan needs regular application of organic manure and chemical fertilizers for optimal growth and yield. A balanced fertilizer of NPK (15:15:15) can be applied at a rate of 500 g per plant per year, divided into two doses.
Rambutan requires adequate irrigation during dry periods. Drip irrigation is recommended for water conservation and efficiency. Interculture practices include weed control, mulching, pruning, and pest and disease management.
After flowering, rambutan fruits develop in around 15 to 22 weeks. When the fruits are totally mature and have a vivid colour, they are picked. Rambutan yields 10 to 20 tonnes per acre each year on average.