TheNaturePlanet

Today, I'm sharing a nanny-level tutorial on turning litchi seeds into green plants, introducing the full process from soaking to potting up—even beginners can easily master it.


### Seed Selection and Soaking
Not all litchi seeds can germinate! Prioritize varieties with large, hard, and plump pits, such as "Litchi King" or "Baitangying" (freshly picked seeds have higher viability). Discard shriveled seeds or those with wormholes.


#### Key Steps for Soaking
1. Use a clean container and fully submerge litchi seeds in clear water.
2. CHANGE WATER DAILY! This is crucial—stagnant water breeds bacteria, causing seeds to stink and rot.
3. Monitor seed status: Once the outer shell naturally cracks, remove seeds immediately! Soaking typically takes 3–7 days, but never oversoak—prolonged soaking rots the radicle in water, undoing all efforts.


### Germination with Wet Tissue
1. Take a clean tissue, spray it until slightly moist (not dripping), place soaked seeds flat in the middle, and cover with another moist tissue.
2. Wrap the tissue tightly with plastic wrap, poke a few holes for air, and place in a warm spot (18–28°C), such as near a router or windowsill.
**Crucial**: Avoid direct sunlight! High temperatures will "scorch" the seeds. Unwrap daily to check, spray water to maintain moisture, and within 3–5 days, white嫩芽 (sprouts) will emerge.


### Hydroponics and Soil Planting
#### Hydroponic Method
When the radicle grows to 1–2 cm, prepare a transparent container with clean water. Immerse the seed's root in water, ensuring the water level just covers the roots. Wrap the container with a black plastic bag or cloth (roots must be shaded!), change water every 2–3 days, and wait for green leaves to sprout.


#### Soil Planting Method
Use loose, breathable nutrient soil (add vermiculite or perlite for better airflow). Plant sprouted seeds with 1/4 of the pit above the soil surface, water thoroughly, and place in a cool, ventilated area.
**Key in the early stage**: Keep it shaded! This maintains pinkish leaves. Once 2–3 true leaves appear, gradually move to a spot with diffused light.


### Pitfalls to Avoid
- **Oversoaking**: Soak one day less rather than one day more! Start germination immediately after cracking.
- **Excessively wet tissue during germination**: Check moisture daily—replace tissue if water drips.
- **Lighting mistakes**: Keep seeds shaded during germination! Strong light wilts young sprouts.