The Tropical Fruit Forum
Tropical Fruit => Tropical Fruit Discussion => Topic started by: LEOOEL on August 08, 2018, 06:29:34 PM
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[Disclaimer: I am not a Rambutan expert. This is all just Opinion and NOT-ADVICE.]
The soil in my (Zone 10) South Florida location is too acidic for Rambutan. This is what I’ve been able to gather after doing some research on this very helpful, Best of the Best, Forum. Question: Is there a way(s) to go around this?
These could be among the Best Course of Action Strategies, in order to have a fruit producing Rambutan Fruit Tree in South Florida:
Strategy #1
Dig a Wide and Deep Hole; the wider & the deeper, the better (Is 5 feet Wide By 5 ft. Deep, or 10’ Wide X 10’ Deep, too much?). Then, fill it with good quality Potting Soil. Finally, plant the fruit-producing Rambutan fruit tree; The Source of the fruit producing Rambutan tree can be from Potted Seedlings, or a Grafted Fruit-Producing Rambutan tree that you bought from someone.
The ‘Con’ of this Strategy is: (A) You’ve got to have the Space, (B) The Effort & Time to dig the Hole, and (C) The $Money to purchase the quality Potting-Soil to fill the Big-Hole with.
Strategy #2
Can a fruit producing potted Rambutan be grafted onto another species (i.e. Lychee, Longan, Spanish-Lime...) and still thrive & fruit in the Acidic South Florida Soil? Perhaps someone who’s done this can provide the detailed information on how it went, or is going.
Strategy #3
Use Genetic Engineering Technology like CRISPR, so that the result is a Rambutan Variety that will thrive and fruit in the Acidic Soil of South Florida, just as its other Cousin-Species do, such as Lychee, Longan, Spanish-Lime...
P.S.
Rambutan is a fruit that I want to get to know (in detail and scientifically-in-depth) more about; just as I’ve regularly seen ‘Experts’ routinely go about doing so in this Forum. This is because I find the taste of chilled Rambutan to be just great, and it’s even easy & fun to eat; although the other King of the Fruits, the Lychee, still wins.
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I may be crazy but I personally like rambutan better than lychee lol. They both are good though.
The only source of rambutan I have gotten was from my local supermarket here in Arizona (shipped from Mexico I believe only certain times of the year) and those were very good.
I have tasted fresh Lychees from the fruit and spice park and they are very good also ... but still prefer rambutan.
Seems like a lot of work to try and grow these!
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I may be crazy but I personally like rambutan better than lychee lol. They both are good though.
The only source of rambutan I have gotten was from my local supermarket here in Arizona (shipped from Mexico I believe only certain times of the year) and those were very good.
I have tasted fresh Lychees from the fruit and spice park and they are very good also ... but still prefer rambutan.
Seems like a lot of work to try and grow these!
True, but at least, the good news is that they will grow and produce fruit in this climate! That’s a start! Something is something. And, that’s an Important something!
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The soil in my (Zone 10) South Florida location is too acidic for Rambutan.
Did you have your soil tested? I ask because I heard and have seen that most Miami soils are alkaline calcium carbonate limestone.
One problem you might also want to consider is cold protection for this tree like a greenhouse, for rambutan will suffer below 45 degrees F.
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Yeah, the cold (by rambutan standards) is gonna be your downfall.
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The soil in my (Zone 10) South Florida location is too acidic for Rambutan.
Did you have your soil tested? I ask because I heard and have seen that most Miami soils are alkaline calcium carbonate limestone.
One problem you might also want to consider is cold protection for this tree like a greenhouse, for rambutan will suffer below 45 degrees F.
Right! It appears that the Alkaline composition of the South Florida soil is not agreeable to a fruit producing Rambutan fruit tree. But, there just has to be a way around this; I’m sure we can all just feel this in our bones! Right?
What we have going for us is that the Climate is agreeable to Rambutan. I mean, if it suffers below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (which is not too often), but will survive, I can live with that.
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http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=24154.msg324169#msg324169 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=24154.msg324169#msg324169)
Have you considered these?
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Yeah, the cold (by rambutan standards) is gonna be your downfall.
Bummer :'( OB1, but it’s not our only hope [couldn’t resist]. This is News to me. And, although it would then just be another hurdle, it appears to me that Common Sense would dictate that it’s not an insurmountable hurdle.
Just like (most likely) many others in South Florida (today as a matter of fact), I just ate several Rambutan (which I suppose are from Mexico) and added added the seeds to others that I’ve been saving (in a paper cup). My intention is to grow the seedlings to fruition. But, thanks to you, I now realize that the seedling(s) also have to be Cold Resistant. So, I now also have to look out for that. Although this may be laborious, it’s not insurmountable. It’s just a matter (as it usually is) of planting the most seeds, and finding the Seedling with the most exceptional-fruit-quality GENETIC-adaptation for the local: Climate, Location, Environment, etc.
The South Florida Rambutan Mission has started (and is probably ongoing at several locations)!
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Hi,
I've tried growing rambutan several times here in east Miramar but, as you say, it really hates the sandy alkaline soil. Same, unfortunately, for pulasan and durian.
And on that note, I've been trialing durian for the last couple of years with no long-term success. But this year I'm trialing them again in a raised bed comprised entirely of composted mulch I got from one of those free online mulch delivery services. The way this MAY relate to your rambutan dilemma is that even very young durian plants send down an extremely long tap root. My plants are over 2 feet tall at the moment, so that taproot has certainly hit our crummy soil already (the mulch is only 4-5 inches thick) - but the durian plants seem to be as happy as can be. For the first time ever, I've had no leaf yellowing or dieback, absolutely no issues with fungal infections and haven't even needed to use phosphonic acid on them. Not even once. What I'm hoping is happening is that as the compost breaks down it is naturally acidifying the soil below it at least to the degree that it's acceptable to the plants. I'm planning to do some pH readings over the next couple of months to see what is happening under the ground. Maybe it's working, or maybe
Anyway, that's my crazy project. Hopefully, it's not too off-topic. I wish you much luck with your rambutan :-)
Best regards,
Scott
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Once you try a good pulasan, you can easily forget about the greatness of rambutans.
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Dont you think if the chances were remotely possible that people would be growung it here? Its not like its never been tried.
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Once you try a good pulasan, you can easily forget about the greatness of rambutans.
I was gonna mention pulasan but they are even more on the ultra tropical category...
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Once you try a good pulasan, you can easily forget about the greatness of rambutans.
I don’t think I’ve tried a good Pulasan. So, I’ll keep a lookout for them. Meanwhile, the Rambutan Fever continues.
P.S.
They (the Rambutan) are hairy and red, rivaling (if not overpassing) the beauty of the Lychee; This fact is also a big Commercial plus!
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Better get a plane ticket if you want to try pulasan.
You didn't mention the yellow rambutan. There is no way rambutan could be commercially grown here, let alone a tree to produce one fruit.
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To get production of rambutan in Florida i think strategy number 2 would be the way to go. But you have listed all the wrong roostocks. Much more likely would be other species in same genus of nephelium. One in particular i've mentioned before as likely candidate for rootstock for rambutan is korlan (Nephelium hypoleuceum). Korlan is from northern hilly part of Thailand where temperatures get a lot cooler than in rambutan areas. I think it is also more likely to take alkaline soils of Florida. I just don't know how compatible it is with rambutan. I don't think any experimentation has been done with this. But it's worth trying. It's not easy to obtain rare species of nephelium. But with perseverance it's possible.
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Oscar
How are the seeds doing of the Tadal.
I was too late last year to order direct and I asked you if you had any and
I think you told me you already planted them? Isn't this rambutan suppose to
be able to handle frost and is from N India?
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I have a rambutan tree in the ground right now, about 3 foot tall but I don't think it will make it through this coming winter. I put the rambutan in ground last year and during winter time, I had to put a tall Uhaul moving box on it to cover it, and we never get below 50F. If the tree is more established, it would tolerate cold better.
How big does the rambutan tree needs to be in order to fruit? would 100 gallon pot work?
I also grow durian for experiment. Will try to upload pictures later.
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I tried to grow Rambutan in here and managed to keep it alive from October to May (in the ground). My two main issues were chlorosis because of High soil pH and high summer temperature.
i will try again this year but with better approach.
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I have a rambutan tree in the ground right now, about 3 foot tall but I don't think it will make it through this coming winter. I put the rambutan in ground last year and during winter time, I had to put a tall Uhaul moving box on it to cover it, and we never get below 50F. If the tree is more established, it would tolerate cold better.
How big does the rambutan tree needs to be in order to fruit? would 100 gallon pot work?
I also grow durian for experiment. Will try to upload pictures later.
If you are in Lake Worth uou definitely got below 50F this past winter.
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Oscar
How are the seeds doing of the Tadal.
I was too late last year to order direct and I asked you if you had any and
I think you told me you already planted them? Isn't this rambutan suppose to
be able to handle frost and is from N India?
Another Nephelium species that might be interesting is Bulala. Oscar, should give you more info.
http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=15363.0 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=15363.0)
Oscar,
When are you going to re-open your store ?.
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Here is my Rambutan, 2nd year in the ground.
The tree is about 3 ft tall. All the leaves at the bottom dropped during/after winter.
(http://www.mosesong.com/house/Rumbutan01.jpg)
Top view of the tree:
(http://www.mosesong.com/house/Rumbutan02.jpg)
The tree still put out new flush, but the bottom leaves drop as fast as the new flush can grow.
(http://www.mosesong.com/house/Rumbutan03.jpg)
Not sure what's going on, the leave just turn brown on the edge and eventually die.
(http://www.mosesong.com/house/Rumbutan04.jpg)
I kind of ignore this tree as I don't have high hope that it will survive pass this coming winter. Rob was right and I checked, we did get dip to 42F around mid December of 2017.
My Durian tree pictures will be posted in the Durian post.
PS: Just found this about rambutan leaves turn brown, wouldn't hurt to water more I guess:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AnUdMFNs5c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AnUdMFNs5c)
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I wonder if these will grow better in Florida
http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=10320.0 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=10320.0)
Simon
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Once you try a good pulasan, you can easily forget about the greatness of rambutans.
I don’t think I’ve tried a good Pulasan. So, I’ll keep a lookout for them. Meanwhile, the Rambutan Fever continues.
P.S.
They (the Rambutan) are hairy and red, rivaling (if not overpassing) the beauty of the Lychee; This fact is also a big Commercial plus!
I don't get it, sorry. I've had both, and I'm perfectly happy with a good lychee. Kinda like arguing which mango is best. OS, LZ or PPK?? Wouldn't you be happy with any of those??
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I don't get it, sorry. I've had both, and I'm perfectly happy with a good lychee. Kinda like arguing which mango is best. OS, LZ or PPK?? Wouldn't you be happy with any of those??
It's very subjective. To me, Lychee tend to gear toward more floral kind of experience while Rambutan is more like sugar cane less aromatic but taste sweet kind of experience. I think we just want it all!
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Once you try a good pulasan, you can easily forget about the greatness of rambutans.
I don’t think I’ve tried a good Pulasan. So, I’ll keep a lookout for them. Meanwhile, the Rambutan Fever continues.
P.S.
They (the Rambutan) are hairy and red, rivaling (if not overpassing) the beauty of the Lychee; This fact is also a big Commercial plus!
I don't get it, sorry. I've had both, and I'm perfectly happy with a good lychee. Kinda like arguing which mango is best. OS, LZ or PPK?? Wouldn't you be happy with any of those??
Lychees are good, but it a different class. Lychees are a favorite any day. If the choice was between longan, rambutan, and pulasan. I might take the worst named pulasan variety over the best longan or rambutan variety. There are probably as many named pulasan varieties as longan varieties.
Disclaimer: I have 3 longans and 0 pulasans growing, but it is on my search list. It is extremely hard to find a good grafted one here.
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Once you try a good pulasan, you can easily forget about the greatness of rambutans.
I don’t think I’ve tried a good Pulasan. So, I’ll keep a lookout for them. Meanwhile, the Rambutan Fever continues.
P.S.
They (the Rambutan) are hairy and red, rivaling (if not overpassing) the beauty of the Lychee; This fact is also a big Commercial plus!
I don't get it, sorry. I've had both, and I'm perfectly happy with a good lychee. Kinda like arguing which mango is best. OS, LZ or PPK?? Wouldn't you be happy with any of those??
Lychees are good, but it a different class. Lychees are a favorite any day. If the choice was between longan, rambutan, and pulasan. I might take the worst named pulasan variety over the best longan or rambutan variety. There are probably as many named pulasan varieties as longan varieties.
Disclaimer: I have 3 longans and 0 pulasans growing, but it is on my search list. It is extremely hard to find a good grafted one here.
Well thanks a ton! Now I want a Pulasan! Let me know if you find one. You guys are hard on my wallet LOL...
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Once you try a good pulasan, you can easily forget about the greatness of rambutans.
I don’t think I’ve tried a good Pulasan. So, I’ll keep a lookout for them. Meanwhile, the Rambutan Fever continues.
P.S.
They (the Rambutan) are hairy and red, rivaling (if not overpassing) the beauty of the Lychee; This fact is also a big Commercial plus!
I don't get it, sorry. I've had both, and I'm perfectly happy with a good lychee. Kinda like arguing which mango is best. OS, LZ or PPK?? Wouldn't you be happy with any of those??
Lychees are good, but it a different class. Lychees are a favorite any day. If the choice was between longan, rambutan, and pulasan. I might take the worst named pulasan variety over the best longan or rambutan variety. There are probably as many named pulasan varieties as longan varieties.
Disclaimer: I have 3 longans and 0 pulasans growing, but it is on my search list. It is extremely hard to find a good grafted one here.
Well thanks a ton! Now I want a Pulasan! Let me know if you find one. You guys are hard on my wallet LOL...
Its an ultra tropical. Wont grow in Florida, how you gonna grow it in Cali?
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Oscar
How are the seeds doing of the Tadal.
I was too late last year to order direct and I asked you if you had any and
I think you told me you already planted them? Isn't this rambutan suppose to
be able to handle frost and is from N India?
The tadal leaves were damaged by SO2 from volcanic eruption. Hoping it will come back, but too early to tell.
Yes the tadal is another species of nephelium that would perhaps make good cold hardy rootstock for rambutan. I doubt it is same species as rambutan. Just an unnamed species.
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Oscar
How are the seeds doing of the Tadal.
I was too late last year to order direct and I asked you if you had any and
I think you told me you already planted them? Isn't this rambutan suppose to
be able to handle frost and is from N India?
Another Nephelium species that might be interesting is Bulala. Oscar, should give you more info.
http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=15363.0 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=15363.0)
Oscar,
When are you going to re-open your store ?.
Bulata (Nephelium phillippinensis) is indeed vigorous, but i doubt it is cold hardy. But not sure, i could be wrong. BTW bulala is good rootstock for pulasan. So that might be better tried in Florida for pulasan. It's hard to get species that are compatible with pulasan.
Good news! Looks like the eruption in our area is over. Working on reopening the seed page right now. Will be for sure done by tomorrow, maybe earlier.
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Rambutan, introduced to northern Brazil several decades ago, does very well in the extremely acidic soils there--- usually below 5.5 pH, and usually rich in Iron and Manganese.
The climate is equatorial tropical, with 80-plus inches of rainfall, and record low of 60-degrees F.
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Rambutan, introduced to northern Brazil several decades ago, does very well in the extremely acidic soils there--- usually below 5 pH, and usually rich in Iron and Manganese.
The climate is equatorial tropical, with 80-plus inches of rainfall, and record low of 60-degrees F.
Yes rambutan is grown commercially in Brazil. But the ones i ate there were not very good quality. They don't have good established cultivars there yet it seems.
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From my understanding: Lychee Season is first, then Longan, then Rambutan ... (with Pulasan? & Durian? Seasons mixed in there?)
Anyways, the way forward seems to be like a puzzle to be put together correctly in order to get the prized fruit. From Strategies, to hydroponics, to potting & greenhouses, the knowledge and ideas expressed are no less than impressive. - On a side note: Can’t wait for AGI, Artificial General Intelligence, to quickly give us masterful answers on the best approach to quickly obtain Rambutan in South Florida, hopefully within 10 years; AGI doesn’t need to sleep. - With all the expert effort and help coming from the exterior and interior, we are on course to a fruiting Rambutan in South Florida. It is just a matter of time, say in about 10 years, IMO.
P.S. Looking forward to potting my 20 or so Rambutan seeds in a quality potting soil, to give them a good head start. Then, I‘ll neglect them and let the brutality of nature take its course, while I watch the show unfold - keeping an eye out for any pleasant surprises.
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From my understanding: Lychee Season is first, then Longan, then Rambutan ... (with Pulasan? & Durian? Seasons mixed in there?)
Season is going to highly depend on area and climate.
Here rambutan comes first, usually February-March, then lychee May-June, then longan August-September, then Pulasan, October-November, then durian December-January. But this can also fluctuate somewhat from year to year. And some fruits, like rambutan and durian can fruit multiple times.
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From my understanding: Lychee Season is first, then Longan, then Rambutan ... (with Pulasan? & Durian? Seasons mixed in there?)
Anyways, the way forward seems to be like a puzzle to be put together correctly in order to get the prized fruit. From Strategies, to hydroponics, to potting & greenhouses, the knowledge and ideas expressed are no less than impressive. - On a side note: Can’t wait for AGI, Artificial General Intelligence, to quickly give us masterful answers on the best approach to quickly obtain Rambutan in South Florida, hopefully within 10 years; AGI doesn’t need to sleep. - With all the expert effort and help coming from the exterior and interior, we are on course to a fruiting Rambutan in South Florida. It is just a matter of time, say in about 10 years, IMO.
P.S. Looking forward to potting my 20 or so Rambutan seeds in a quality potting soil, to give them a good head start. Then, I‘ll neglect them and let the brutality of nature take its course, while I watch the show unfold - keeping an eye out for any pleasant surprises.
That sounds like a good plan. How long do you think rambutan can be held in pot before it get unmanageable? Looking at my picture on 1st page of this discussion, do you think I should dig it up and pot in a 15-20 gallon pot?
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From my understanding: Lychee Season is first, then Longan, then Rambutan ... (with Pulasan? & Durian? Seasons mixed in there?)
Season is going to highly depend on area and climate.
Here rambutan comes first, usually February-March, then lychee May-June, then longan August-September, then Pulasan, October-November, then durian December-January. But this can also fluctuate somewhat from year to year. And some fruits, like rambutan and durian can fruit multiple times.
Wow! I think I’m so jealous I have to call the Doctor 8)
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The same Rambutan fruit traveling sales-person sold me more fruit this week. The ‘hair’ on the fruit, instead of red colored as of the previous purchase, this time the ‘hair’ was green! The rest of the fruit was red colored. He gave me a Huge Discount from the previous sale, - long story short- I bought all the Rambutan fruit he was selling.
The plan going forward: Eat a lot of Rambutan and plant all the seeds in pots with good quality soil in a sunny location. I’ll provide the seedlings with abundant water, and the rest of the outcome is up to the genetics of each seedling, the local soil, the weather conditions, and the rest of tyrannical Nature.
Rambutan Fever in South Florida is turning into Rambutan Madness.
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seedlings are a possibility but it takes way too long ( up to 17 years ! personal experience ) to get fruits. Also when starting from a seedling only about half of the trees ( in the best case ! ) will produce fruits. What can be done to save time and efforts, is to graft the seedlings when they are 1 or 2 years old with selected varieties. There are many all around and the most important is to select scions from trees that produce good fruits you like and that fruit in similar conditions than the ones you have.
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seedlings are a possibility but it takes way too long ( up to 17 years ! personal experience ) to get fruits. Also when starting from a seedling only about half of the trees ( in the best case ! ) will produce fruits. What can be done to save time and efforts, is to graft the seedlings when they are 1 or 2 years old with selected varieties. There are many all around and the most important is to select scions from trees that produce good fruits you like and that fruit in similar conditions than the ones you have.
You are absolutely right, so thank You for that, but not exactly the way you are thinking.
New-Rambutan Strategy Part 1 of 2
I’m looking for a Rambutan seedling that will survive the acidic/alkaline soil of South Florida and the cold Winter. I will know if I’ve found such a Rambutan seedling in about a year or two. Thanks to your insight, I plan to use only the actual soil of South Florida when potting the Rambutan seeds. Then, the cultivar seedling that survives and thrives in the South Florida environment could aptly be named ‘Trophy’ Rambutan. Again, it’s worth repeating, we will know if we’ve successfully found the desired Rambutan seedling in about a year or two.
New-Rambutan Strategy Part 2 of 2
If Part 1 is successful and we have a thriving ‘Trophy’ Rambutan seedling, then all we need to do is what You’ indirectly suggested: Import into South Florida, USA, a quality Rambutan cultivar(s) and graft it onto the ‘Trophy’ Rambutan seedling and then take it from there. This Part 2 of the Strategy could also take about a year or two.
The total time it would take to start a new Rambutan Industry in South Florida could be as little as about four (4) years. Which, of course, is much less than the 17 years mentioned that it would take for a seedling to bear fruit.
To increase the odds of success, increasing the genetic variety, by using seeds from different varieties of Rambutan, would seem to make the most sense and the best way to go.
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A "Rambutan industry in South Florida"...
hahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
(https://s15.postimg.cc/ceutaflpz/200.gif) (https://postimg.cc/image/ceutaflpz/)
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Certainly in realm of possibility.
Glad to hear someone is working on it.
One question though, wouldn't you need more than the rootstock to be well adapted to the cold?
Personally I think going with related species that shows (normally) some type of cold tolerance would be better.
That way your only looking for one major genetic abnormality. (pH)
Have no idea how these species taste though.
My few cents
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And after you graft a selected variety onto your successful seedling, how are you going to reproduce that seedling to be able to graft many?
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This thread was just upgraded from the dream into fantasy world.
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Certainly in realm of possibility.
Glad to hear someone is working on it.
One question though, wouldn't you need more than the rootstock to be well adapted to the cold?
Personally I think going with related species that shows (normally) some type of cold tolerance would be better.
That way your only looking for one major genetic abnormality. (pH)
Have no idea how these species taste though.
My few cents
Yes, in South Florida we would prefer to find a Rambutan Seedling (‘Trophy?’) with 2 genetic traits that will compensate for (1) the Winter Cold Weather, and (2) the Soil pH of the S. Florida environment. I agree that this is well within the realm of possibility and quite doable, since we have to compensate for just 2 variables: Weather and Soil-pH.
Side-Note: The odds of success, of finding a ‘Trophy’ Rambutan are very good because there are only 2 variables to achieve in order to win. In the Cash-3 Florida Lottery Game for example, you have to get 3 numbers correct in order to win.
In my previous New-Strategy (Part 1/2),
the Speed of finding ‘Trophy’ Rambutan is really fast (about 1-2 years) if the Rambutan seed is planted (or potted) Only in South Florida soil. In other words, your answer from Nature, time wise, is quick: Rambutan-Seedling-Death OR Rambutan-Seedling-Life. And, yes, when you get Life (‘Trophy’ Rambutan), You will need to get verification that it does thrive in this environment, by observing its development through several winters. The more years pass by, the more confirmation that You indeed have the ‘Trophy’ Rambutan.
With regards to New-Strategy (Part 2/2),
You are basically Scott Free as they say. The good thing is that you then have Options. For Example:
(1) You could wait however long it takes for the tree to bear fruit and be surprised by its quality or lack thereof.
(2) Import different varieties of Rambutan that produce quality Rambutan fruit and graft them onto the ‘Trophy.’ Then, time will tell which one is most compatible with the weather-variable. This approach, although it is quite doable, because you just have to compensate for just 1 variable (the Weather), it does require some: Import/Export expertise, $Money, and Time (I would guess about 5 years).
(3) Maybe multiple Fruit Enthusiasts, possibly in this Forum, will find multiple Rambutan Seedlings that Thrive in the South Florida environment, now that would be the ultimate preferred outcome. It would be the beginning of a solid South Florida Rambutan Industry consisting of multiple South Florida Rambutan Cultivars.
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This thread was just upgraded from the dream into fantasy world.
Actually, I would say sillyness progessing to stupidity...
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Usually a fruit has to have been proven to grow well in an area before anyone will risk starting a commercial venture. So far i think only 2 people have fruited rambutan in Florida, Bill Whitman and Adolf Grimel? It is extremely rare that a fruit will go from total obscurity in being grown in an area to being grown commercially.
The rambutan is a well accepted commercial fruit. It is widely liked. So it's good to try to grow it out of it's normal range. But getting to commercial stage, if it is possible at all, would take decades of development, not 2 years.
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The rambutan is a well accepted commercial fruit. It is widely liked. So it's good to try to grow it out of it's normal range. But getting to commercial stage, if it is possible at all, would take decades of development, not 2 years.
What exactly has to happen during decades of development for rambutan to become commercial crop in FL ?
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Usually a fruit has to have been proven to grow well in an area before anyone will risk starting a commercial venture. So far i think only 2 people have fruited rambutan in Florida, Bill Whitman and Adolf Grimel? It is extremely rare that a fruit will go from total obscurity in being grown in an area to being grown commercially.
The rambutan is a well accepted commercial fruit. It is widely liked. So it's good to try to grow it out of it's normal range. But getting to commercial stage, if it is possible at all, would take decades of development, not 2 years.
And its not like people with a wealth of plant knowledge havent tried..
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The rambutan is a well accepted commercial fruit. It is widely liked. So it's good to try to grow it out of it's normal range. But getting to commercial stage, if it is possible at all, would take decades of development, not 2 years.
What exactly has to happen during decades of development for rambutan to become commercial crop in FL ?
It's not just for Florida. If you look at history of commercialization of fruit crops in any area, they don't happen in a couple of years. Most important is trials of varieties to see what kind of production can be achieved, and this takes a long time. Then comes marketing aspect...getting consumers aware of the fruit and wanting to buy it. This usually takes a lot of advertising and lots of free samples.
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Oscar
How are the seeds doing of the Tadal.
I was too late last year to order direct and I asked you if you had any and
I think you told me you already planted them? Isn't this rambutan suppose to
be able to handle frost and is from N India?
Another Nephelium species that might be interesting is Bulala. Oscar, should give you more info.
http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=15363.0 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=15363.0)
Oscar,
When are you going to re-open your store ?.
Bulata (Nephelium phillippinensis) is indeed vigorous, but i doubt it is cold hardy. But not sure, i could be wrong. BTW bulala is good rootstock for pulasan. So that might be better tried in Florida for pulasan. It's hard to get species that are compatible with pulasan.
Good news! Looks like the eruption in our area is over. Working on reopening the seed page right now. Will be for sure done by tomorrow, maybe earlier.
Thanks Oscar.
I believe you usually have Nephelium phillippinensis seeds in April/May. right ?.
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Oscar
How are the seeds doing of the Tadal.
I was too late last year to order direct and I asked you if you had any and
I think you told me you already planted them? Isn't this rambutan suppose to
be able to handle frost and is from N India?
Another Nephelium species that might be interesting is Bulala. Oscar, should give you more info.
http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=15363.0 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=15363.0)
Oscar,
When are you going to re-open your store ?.
Bulata (Nephelium phillippinensis) is indeed vigorous, but i doubt it is cold hardy. But not sure, i could be wrong. BTW bulala is good rootstock for pulasan. So that might be better tried in Florida for pulasan. It's hard to get species that are compatible with pulasan.
Good news! Looks like the eruption in our area is over. Working on reopening the seed page right now. Will be for sure done by tomorrow, maybe earlier.
Thanks Oscar.
I believe you usually have Nephelium phillippinensis seeds in April/May. right ?.
June-July. Had bumper crop last year. Trees very heavily laden, some branches broke from weight of all the fruits.
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(https://s15.postimg.cc/rth49j9qv/37_E79944-069_F-4_C5_D-86_C0-605_E3_D227_ECC.png) (https://postimg.cc/image/rth49j9qv/)
This is the largest Rambutan that I’ve seen up to date. The eating quality was superb. With regards to Quality: Lychees beat Rambutans, but not by much. The seeds of Rambutans do not have that smooth and shiny texture as the seeds of Lychees. And, the Rambutan flesh can often cling to, say, about one-twelves of the seed surface. This is where one’s perception of whether the ‘Cup is half empty or half full’ comes in. I personally find it ‘kinda’ fun that every now & then, I find myself doing non-strenuous chewing gimnastics, in order to separate the delicious flesh from the seed.
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...So far i think only 2 people have fruited rambutan in Florida, Bill Whitman and Adolf Grimel? It is extremely rare that a fruit will go from total obscurity in being grown in an area to being grown commercially.
The rambutan is a well accepted commercial fruit. It is widely liked. So it's good to try to grow it out of it's normal range. But getting to commercial stage, if it is possible at all, would take decades of development...
Thank You. So it’s already been done before - Rambutan fruit trees that bear fruit in South Florida - Wow! What an accomplishment! And, it’s been accomplished not by just one person but by two people - Bill Whitman & Adolf Grimel! What a great accomplishment! Now I admire them even more.
Finding a Rambutan seedling that is well adapted to South Florida - I’m sure that it can be challenging. And, the approach of simplifying the process may expedite the desired results; i.e. plant as many seeds as you can in virgin South Florida soil- one seed per plastic cup, with 4-6 holes perforated at the base, and filled with South Florida virgin soil - place them in a location with partial shade and Sun, and DON’T WATER THEM AT ALL. This approach could quickly yield a negative answer of 100 percent failure in less than two years. Or, this approach could quickly lead to finding that Super Hero ‘Trophy’ Seedling that is so desired in less than two years.
Yes, the reality is that there are more than just the two factors of Soil-pH and Climate, you also have the factors of Genetics, the Environment, and I’m sure there are more. Say that after following the above, someone finds the desired ‘Trophy’ Seedling: There is then the possibility that Nematodes (a type of soil worm) in the soil Environment of South Florida will kill the newly found ‘Trophy’ Seedling. This is why in such a scenario, I would immediately transfer the Rambutan Seedling to a generously sized pot, filled with quality potting soil, in order to let the Seedling establish and strengthen itself, and give it a fighting chance at keeping the Nematodes at bay, just like other fruit trees do. So, basically, it’s 3 Main Factors: Soil (pH...), Climate (Cold...), and Environment (Nematodes...), to contend with, IMO.
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With every post, the sillyness increases...
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Another thing to consider is that Florida is already getting rambutans from other countries in Central America, perhaps also Thailand and Vietnam. So in order for a commercial operation to be competitive with this competition the trees would not just have to produce, but they would need to be super productive and of comparable or preferably better quality,. That also does not happen in 2 years.
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From my understanding there are only slight differences in cold hardiness between varieties and soil characteristics required are the same for all. One of the main rambutan areas here around Tully/Mission Beach had a cooler than usual winter with minimum temps below about 5c around 10x but it never got to 4c and daytime max temps were around 22c on cooler days. Rambutan trees handled this fine and could certainly go cooler.
Around 50 varieties have been tested here for fruit quality like fruit size, flesh clinging to the seed, flesh yield and texture, productivity. flavour etc. The varieties that consistently come out on top with trials include the classic red R134,R9,R167,R162 and yellow R156. Rongrien. milwana, jit lee, bin jai and a few others get honorable mentions or are vey good with 'divergent characteristics." If you could only trial two varieties I would choose R134 first and the yellow form of R156 second.
Soil is a big issue and maybe there is nowhere suitable in the warmest parts of Florida.
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Here is my Rambutan, 2nd year in the ground.
The tree is about 3 ft tall. All the leaves at the bottom dropped during/after winter.
(http://www.mosesong.com/house/Rumbutan01.jpg)
Top view of the tree:
(http://www.mosesong.com/house/Rumbutan02.jpg)
The tree still put out new flush, but the bottom leaves drop as fast as the new flush can grow.
(http://www.mosesong.com/house/Rumbutan03.jpg)
Not sure what's going on, the leave just turn brown on the edge and eventually die.
(http://www.mosesong.com/house/Rumbutan04.jpg)
I kind of ignore this tree as I don't have high hope that it will survive pass this coming winter. Rob was right and I checked, we did get dip to 42F around mid December of 2017.
My Durian tree pictures will be posted in the Durian post.
PS: Just found this about rambutan leaves turn brown, wouldn't hurt to water more I guess:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AnUdMFNs5c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AnUdMFNs5c)
From experiences, what causes the brown on the leaves are the lack of potassium
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Yohann my rambutan in Thailand look the same, always leaves like that and extra potassium does not help for me. Do you give much potassium? I use potassiumsulfate but not to much.
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Applying Potassium Sulfate will help to keep fresh new growth healthy; it will not fix the leaves that are already damaged--- dead tissue cannot be resurrected.
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Applying Potassium Sulfate will help to keep fresh new growth healthy; it will not fix the leaves that are already damaged--- dead tissue cannot be resurrected.
Yes sometimes new leaves all look good, but weeks later they get brown at edges...should i give potassium all the time?
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Slow-release Potassium for steady feeding. Coated.
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With every post, the sillyness increases...
Like I said, lychees and Longans aren’t a bad substitute. Just go with what works. I’ve had them all and think they’re pretty close in taste and quality.
But I’m not one to talk I guess, I still want to try and approach graft a mangosteen.
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Slow-release Potassium for steady feeding. Coated.
What kind of slow release pelleted potassium do you use?
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Applying Potassium Sulfate will help to keep fresh new growth healthy; it will not fix the leaves that are already damaged--- dead tissue cannot be resurrected.
Yes sometimes new leaves all look good, but weeks later they get brown at edges...should i give potassium all the time?
Your tree is not producing I guess, therefore I don't think it uses that much potassium. This could mimic other deficiencies. Generally rambutan is pretty resilient tree, not that much demanding nutritionally. Fruit itself is very low in potassium compared to other more common fruits in Asia.
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In mixes, not a stand-alone product.
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In mixes, not a stand-alone product.
I think I'm going to get Potassium Sulfate (Potash) from Amazon, is this the right product to use?
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Burnt edges can mean salt as well and potash is relatively benign. It shouldn't adversely affect foliage unless heavily over-applied.
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There was a presentation here many years ago by a rambutan crop specialist. She told us that the burnt edges is caused by either a) potassium deficiency (which is supported in the literature), or b) a type of virus that affects rambutan trees. Unfortunately the two problems have very similar effects on the trees and are hard to distinguish without a leaf tissue test. But she also said the probem is usually potassium deficiency and that the virus problem occured a lot less freguently.
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From my understanding there are only slight differences in cold hardiness between varieties and soil characteristics required are the same for all. One of the main rambutan areas here around Tully/Mission Beach had a cooler than usual winter with minimum temps below about 5c around 10x but it never got to 4c and daytime max temps were around 22c on cooler days. Rambutan trees handled this fine and could certainly go cooler.
Around 50 varieties have been tested here for fruit quality like fruit size, flesh clinging to the seed, flesh yield and texture, productivity. flavour etc. The varieties that consistently come out on top with trials include the classic red R134,R9,R167,R162 and yellow R156. Rongrien. milwana, jit lee, bin jai and a few others get honorable mentions or are vey good with 'divergent characteristics." If you could only trial two varieties I would choose R134 first and the yellow form of R156 second.
Soil is a big issue and maybe there is nowhere suitable in the warmest parts of Florida.
That’s over 9 varieties! Sure wish that they were all available for trial in South Florida; seedlings appear to be the best way forward here.
As Oscar mentioned, S. Florida imports Rambutan from Central and South America. I’ve personally experienced this distribution this year by making inquiries during subsequent Rambutan purchases. So, there’s already an Import Commercial Industry here. I’ve been told that Rambutan is being imported specifically from these South American countries: Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador.
Although I’ve been fortunate, this year, to enjoy Rambutan from more than one of the above countries, there’s been one constant: there’s an occasional but persistent tendency for the flesh to cling to the seed. If a quality Rambutan seedling could be found that’s well adapted to S. Florida and with a free-seed/nut, this could potentially be a Rambutan Commercial Industry game changer.
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The Rambutan seeds I’ve accumulated add up to several hundred.
The seeds have been obtained from multiple vendors selling Rambutan originating in 4, 5 or more countries in Central and South America. Even though I got a few more Rambutan fruit today, I think we may be at the end of the Season. It appears that Rambutan stores very well inside a bag that’s inside a box, that’ Inside a bag, that’s in an Ice Bath.
I’ve been keeping the seeds together in paper cups (and nothing else) in a corner of the residence that is away from the nearest window. And, to my surprise, I noticed that one of the seeds did this:
(https://i.postimg.cc/7C0hZnLH/A28890-F3-CBAB-4-BC5-9-ACC-44536-BB4-CBA3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7C0hZnLH)
(https://i.postimg.cc/YvgM6qB8/332-CB027-4619-46-B9-A619-446-E43911-AA3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YvgM6qB8)
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The Rambutan seeds I’ve accumulated add up to several hundred.
The seeds have been obtained from multiple vendors selling Rambutan originating in 4, 5 or more countries in Central and South America. Even though I got a few more Rambutan fruit today, I think we may be at the end of the Season. It appears that Rambutan stores very well inside a bag that’s inside a box, that’ Inside a bag, that’s in an Ice Bath.
I’ve been keeping the seeds together in paper cups (and nothing else) in a corner of the residence that is away from the nearest window. And, to my surprise, I noticed that one of the seeds did this:
(https://i.postimg.cc/7C0hZnLH/A28890-F3-CBAB-4-BC5-9-ACC-44536-BB4-CBA3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7C0hZnLH)
(https://i.postimg.cc/YvgM6qB8/332-CB027-4619-46-B9-A619-446-E43911-AA3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YvgM6qB8)
You can make a tree with many rootstocks grafted to 1....that will grow better..