Sweetheart or Mauritius lychee?
Sweetheart or Mauritius lychee? Compare fruit, seed size, harvest timing and growing needs for South Florida.
Intro Lychee lovers in South Florida often face this choice. Mauritius is a long-time Florida classic. Sweetheart is known for its high share of tiny seeds. Both are excellent in Homestead.
At a glance
| Sweetheart | Mauritius | |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit | Red, rich sweet-tart | Large, deep red-pink |
| Seed | Many fruits with tiny "chicken tongue" seeds | Typically a full-sized seed |
| Harvest | Earlier | Later, around June to July |
|
Sweetheart lychee is prized for having one of the sweetest, most refined flavor profiles among commercial and backyard varieties |
Seed size matters: A tiny seed means more edible flesh per fruit, which is the main reason people choose Sweetheart. Mauritius is valued for its size, color and strong lychee flavor.
Harvest timing: Planting both can give you several weeks of fruit instead of one short window.
Growing both in Homestead
- Our alkaline limestone soil can cause yellow leaves from iron deficiency, so use chelated iron and avoid adding lime.
- Lychee wants a cool, dry spell in winter to flower, then regular water as fruit develops.
- Net the fruit; birds and bats find it fast.
- Cut the whole cluster at harvest, because lychee does not ripen after picking.
Which should you plant?
- Sweetheart for more flesh and tiny seeds.
- Mauritius for a proven Florida favorite with big fruit.
- Both for a longer season.
FAQ
- How long until fruit? Grafted trees often fruit in about 3-5 years.
- Why no flowers? Warm winters or too much nitrogen are common causes.